Program Manager, Brain Health And Society
Reporting to the Senior Fellow for Brain Health and Society, the Program Manager directs the administrative operations and strategic initiatives for Rice University's Brain Health and Society program. The incumbent is responsible for translating the program's vision into actionable plans and managing key operational areas, including budget and finance, external partnerships, events, and communications. This position will play a crucial role in advancing Rice's leadership in the rapidly expanding field of the brain economy by engaging international and regional leaders, mobilizing action, and supporting the academic and translational integration of diverse disciplines. The Program Manager will provide comprehensive support to program leadership and collaborators, ensuring the program's goals are met with efficiency and excellence.
The ideal candidate for the Program Manager, Brain and Society position at Rice University will possess a unique blend of attributes, qualifications, and characteristics that align with the program's vision and goals. This individual will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record of innovative accomplishments and the ability to translate broad goals into concrete, operational plans.
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. Hiring range : $63,100 to $83,400. This position is a one-year term-limited position. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.
Minimum requirements :
- Bachelor's degree.
- At least two or more (2+) years of related experience in a program management or administrative leadership role within an academic, research, or policy-related environment.
Skills :
Effective written and oral communication skills to address a wide variety of audiences.Ability to productively assemble, engage, and lead cross-functional teams.Demonstrates project management ability to employ integration, scope time management, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement components.Ability to balance customer expectations with project reality.Demonstrates resilience, diplomacy, influence, relationship building, and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations.Keen grasp of interpersonal and impact awareness.Depth of knowledge in technical discipline / domain needed to deliver projects.Preferences :
Master's degree in a relevant field such as public health, public policy, or business administration.Five or more years of experience in a leadership or administrative capacity within a higher education institution or a research organization.Experience in a collaborative / participatory management environment.Demonstrated record of innovative accomplishments.Experience with fundraising, grant management, and budget oversight.Familiarity with issues related to public health, neuroscience, or brain capital.Knowledge of constituent database software (e.g., Blackbaud CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software (e.g., Oracle).Essential functions :
Leads and directs both administrative and strategic operational aspects of the Brain Health and Society program, ensuring efficient, innovative, and impactful workflows.Independently develops, implements, and maintains major program initiatives, including public-private partnerships, community engagement, and economic development strategies.Manages the program's budget and financial operations in coordination with central finance offices, including annual budget planning, purchasing, and expense tracking.Plans and executes program events, ranging from small workshops to large-scale conferences, including speaker management, logistics, and material development.Leads strategic program communications and outreach efforts, including website content, digital marketing, and the creation of promotional materials.Provides administrative support for grant and funding proposals and ensures post-award accounting and compliance for sponsored projects.Collaborates with co-leads and operational teams across the Rice Brain Institute to ensure alignment and integration of efforts.Serves as a strategic advisor to program leadership on emerging trends and opportunities related to brain health, neuroscience, and public policy.Assists in fundraising and philanthropic positioning for the program's activities.Performs all other duties as assigned.Additional functions :
Knowledge of management principles, with excellent organizational and project management skills.Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise teams through complex initiatives and organizational change.Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively and build confidence with individuals at all levels of a complex academic environment.Ability to think strategically and translate broad goals into concrete, operational plans.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess program impact and effectiveness.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.