Rice University
Senior Director, People and Culture
Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
About Rice:
Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.
Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.
Position Summary:
The Senior Director of People and Culture will be the strategic architect of the University’s people-driven initiatives, focusing on enhancing employee engagement, fostering an inclusive campus climate, and driving continuous improvement in talent development and performance management. This leader will oversee key functions in employee relations, performance development, engagement surveys, and off-boarding, ensuring that all initiatives align with the University’s mission and values. Additionally, the Senior Director will lead a talented team of HR professionals, ensuring their development and performance. This is a unique opportunity to shape the institution's culture and inspire meaningful change through their ability to foster relationships and build trust across the University.
Workplace Requirements:
On-campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at the Cambridge Office Building on Rice’s main campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.
Hiring Range:
Annual salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, starting at $149,300.
Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in HR leadership, with expertise in employee engagement, performance management, and employee relations.
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Experience working in higher education or a similarly complex, mission-driven environment preferred.
Leadership & Strategic Thinking:
Proven ability to lead large-scale culture change initiatives with measurable outcomes.
Strong strategic thinker who can translate institutional goals into people-focused programs.
Demonstrated success in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a large organization.
Collaboration & Communication:
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of building trust and engaging teams across all levels of the University.
Adept at fostering strong relationships and collaborating with academic and administrative leaders to achieve shared objectives.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
Passionate about exploring new trends, tools, and technologies that support the evolution of people strategies.
A creative problem solver who brings fresh, innovative ideas to traditional HR practices.
Preferences:
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational development, or related field.
Master’s Degree.
10 years of demonstrated experience working with leadership teams on key organizational initiatives.
PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP certification.
Essential Functions:
Campus-wide Engagement & Culture:
Design and implement innovative engagement strategies that foster a sense of belonging and connectedness among faculty, staff, and administration.
Lead climate and culture assessments (e.g., pulse surveys, engagement surveys) to gather actionable insights and continuously improve campus culture.
Ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.
Create and manage dynamic programs and events that promote cross-departmental collaboration, well-being, and community building.
Professional Development:
Oversee the development and execution of the University’s performance management system, focusing on growth-oriented feedback, career development, and high performance.
Provide coaching and guidance to managers on best practices in performance conversations, setting goals, and professional development.
Foster a culture of continuous learning by developing leadership programs, workshops, and coaching opportunities to elevate talent at every level.
Partner with academic and administrative leaders to ensure alignment between institutional goals and individual performance.
Develop a comprehensive off-boarding process that captures feedback and ensures smooth organizational change and succession.
Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution:
Serve as a trusted resource for employees, providing guidance and support on matters of employee relations, conflict resolution, and University policy.
Lead investigations into employee concerns or complaints, ensuring confidentiality, transparency, and fairness.
Build strong relationships with department heads, acting as a strategic advisor on people-related matters.
Team Leadership & Development:
Lead and manage a team of HR professionals, fostering a high-performance culture that emphasizes collaboration, development, and innovation.
Celebrate employees’ contributions to the University through a variety of recognition programs.
Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to direct reports, ensuring their growth and success in their roles.
Set clear performance expectations, regularly evaluate progress, and offer constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement within the HR team.
Align team goals with broader institutional objectives, ensuring the HR team is positioned to contribute effectively to the University’s mission and strategic priorities.
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
At Rice University, we believe in the power of people. As the Senior Director of People and Culture, you’ll have the opportunity to shape a positive and thriving campus climate, influence institutional strategy, and leave a legacy of growth, belonging, and excellence. Join us as we continue to create a dynamic, diverse, and supportive community for all.
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
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Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.
Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.
Position Summary:
The Senior Director of People and Culture will be the strategic architect of the University’s people-driven initiatives, focusing on enhancing employee engagement, fostering an inclusive campus climate, and driving continuous improvement in talent development and performance management. This leader will oversee key functions in employee relations, performance development, engagement surveys, and off-boarding, ensuring that all initiatives align with the University’s mission and values. Additionally, the Senior Director will lead a talented team of HR professionals, ensuring their development and performance. This is a unique opportunity to shape the institution's culture and inspire meaningful change through their ability to foster relationships and build trust across the University.
Workplace Requirements:
On-campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at the Cambridge Office Building on Rice’s main campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.
Hiring Range:
Annual salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, starting at $149,300.
Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in HR leadership, with expertise in employee engagement, performance management, and employee relations.
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Experience working in higher education or a similarly complex, mission-driven environment preferred.
Leadership & Strategic Thinking:
Proven ability to lead large-scale culture change initiatives with measurable outcomes.
Strong strategic thinker who can translate institutional goals into people-focused programs.
Demonstrated success in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a large organization.
Collaboration & Communication:
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of building trust and engaging teams across all levels of the University.
Adept at fostering strong relationships and collaborating with academic and administrative leaders to achieve shared objectives.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
Passionate about exploring new trends, tools, and technologies that support the evolution of people strategies.
A creative problem solver who brings fresh, innovative ideas to traditional HR practices.
Preferences:
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational development, or related field.
Master’s Degree.
10 years of demonstrated experience working with leadership teams on key organizational initiatives.
PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP certification.
Essential Functions:
Campus-wide Engagement & Culture:
Design and implement innovative engagement strategies that foster a sense of belonging and connectedness among faculty, staff, and administration.
Lead climate and culture assessments (e.g., pulse surveys, engagement surveys) to gather actionable insights and continuously improve campus culture.
Ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.
Create and manage dynamic programs and events that promote cross-departmental collaboration, well-being, and community building.
Professional Development:
Oversee the development and execution of the University’s performance management system, focusing on growth-oriented feedback, career development, and high performance.
Provide coaching and guidance to managers on best practices in performance conversations, setting goals, and professional development.
Foster a culture of continuous learning by developing leadership programs, workshops, and coaching opportunities to elevate talent at every level.
Partner with academic and administrative leaders to ensure alignment between institutional goals and individual performance.
Develop a comprehensive off-boarding process that captures feedback and ensures smooth organizational change and succession.
Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution:
Serve as a trusted resource for employees, providing guidance and support on matters of employee relations, conflict resolution, and University policy.
Lead investigations into employee concerns or complaints, ensuring confidentiality, transparency, and fairness.
Build strong relationships with department heads, acting as a strategic advisor on people-related matters.
Team Leadership & Development:
Lead and manage a team of HR professionals, fostering a high-performance culture that emphasizes collaboration, development, and innovation.
Celebrate employees’ contributions to the University through a variety of recognition programs.
Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to direct reports, ensuring their growth and success in their roles.
Set clear performance expectations, regularly evaluate progress, and offer constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement within the HR team.
Align team goals with broader institutional objectives, ensuring the HR team is positioned to contribute effectively to the University’s mission and strategic priorities.
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
At Rice University, we believe in the power of people. As the Senior Director of People and Culture, you’ll have the opportunity to shape a positive and thriving campus climate, influence institutional strategy, and leave a legacy of growth, belonging, and excellence. Join us as we continue to create a dynamic, diverse, and supportive community for all.
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
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