Assistant Vice President, Housing, Dining, and Hospitality

Rice University•Houston, TX

13d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Assistant Vice President serves as the senior executive leader responsible for the vision, strategy, and enterprise-level execution of Housing, Dining, and Hospitality operations at Rice University. The role oversees residential and retail dining, undergraduate and graduate housing, faculty club operations, contract services, campus bookstore operations, and associated support services. The Assistant Vice President of a self‑operated hospitality group is a key institutional leader advancing enrollment growth, student experience, financial sustainability, and capital development aligned with Rice University’s long‑term strategic priorities. This portfolio represents approximately $60 million in annual operating revenue and a workforce of 270 employees, as well as 50 student workers. The role provides executive oversight of a major capital portfolio exceeding $300 million, encompassing new residential colleges, major renovations, deferred maintenance modernization, dining facilities, and long‑range housing and dining master planning aimed at achieving and sustaining approximately 70% on‑campus residency. The Assistant Vice President plays a critical role in integrating capital strategy, financial stewardship, operational readiness, and student‑centered design in close partnership with central finance, facilities, and senior leadership. The portfolio continues to expand through the development and launch of new retail and hospitality operations, including new concepts at the Moody Center for the Arts, the Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice Hospitality Catering, and strategic expansion into Athletics, the Ion Innovation District, Rice Memorial Center convenience store operations, the new student center wing dining services, and other emerging campus and off‑campus partnership opportunities. These initiatives require enterprise‑level planning, cross‑functional coordination, and innovative operating models that extend Rice Hospitality beyond traditional residential settings. This position is considered essential during a campus emergency. The position is expected to report to campus, provide the essential services designated, and work under the overall direction of the Incident Management Team for the duration of a campus emergency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Hospitality, Business Administration, Higher Education, or a related discipline)
6+ years of progressive leadership experience in housing and/or dining operations within a higher education or similarly complex setting
Demonstrated expertise in best practices and emerging trends in self‑operated housing and dining services
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans, long-term goals, and operational initiatives
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage diverse campus stakeholders
Strong financial acumen, including experience in budget development, financial analysis, and revenue generation
Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations governing housing, dining, safety, and employment compliance
Understanding of current challenges and student needs in higher education residential and dining environments
Deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery, community engagement, and team development
Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with a consistent focus on hospitality, service quality, and student satisfaction

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Hospitality, Business Administration, Higher Education, or a related discipline)
Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in housing and/or dining operations within a higher education or similarly complex setting
Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to make sound decisions, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
Strong leadership and people‑management skills, with a demonstrated commitment to building and maintaining a strong team and customer‑service‑oriented organization
Ability to conduct and lead meetings and train employees

Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy Serve as the senior executive thought leader and enterprise strategist for Housing and Dining within the Division of Campus Services and Sustainability, setting long‑term vision and institutional direction aligned with the University’s mission, enrollment growth, and strategic priorities
Lead the development and execution of an integrated, multi‑year strategic plan encompassing housing, dining, hospitality, and retail operations; capital planning; financial sustainability; and service innovation
Establish enterprise‑level performance frameworks, priorities, and success metrics that drive operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across a complex, self‑operated hospitality organization
Provide visionary leadership that balances strategic ambition with operational rigor, ensuring alignment between institutional goals, resource stewardship, and a high‑quality, student‑centered residential experience
Operations Management Oversee all facets of housing and dining operations at an enterprise scale, including residential life, retail and residential dining, faculty club operations, service level agreements with custodial and maintenance, major renovations, and long‑range capital initiatives.
Ensure daily operations, service models, and infrastructure investments align with institutional priorities, financial sustainability, and a world‑class student experience
Lead the planning, launch, and ongoing oversight of new retail food and beverage concepts in academic, arts, athletic, and innovation environments, requiring adaptable service models, brand alignment, and financial rigor
While certain service functions have transitioned under the Facilities organizational umbrella as part of the Facilities Reimagine and Service Level Commitment (SLC) model, Housing and Dining retains executive responsibility for the execution, oversight, and performance of these services within residential environments.
This includes stewardship of room fees to ensure best‑value service delivery, clear accountability for service outcomes, and alignment between service levels, cost structures, and the residential student experience.
The Assistant Vice President serves as the institutional steward ensuring SLCs deliver on agreed‑upon standards, responsiveness, and long‑term value for students and the University
Lead multidisciplinary teams to foster a collaborative, high‑performing culture grounded in hospitality, responsiveness, and continuous improvement
Oversee major construction and renovation projects in coordination with Facilities and Capital Planning, ensuring functionality, sustainability, and student‑centered design
Ensure the delivery of high‑quality, cost‑effective services that meet the needs of a diverse student population. Leverage performance metrics and feedback to drive excellence and innovation
Develop and oversee multimillion‑dollar operating budgets. Implement financial controls, forecasting tools, and diversified revenue strategies—including expanded retail, catering, and summer housing—to support fiscal health and reinvestment in services
Lead emergency personnel response teams within residential environments and coordinate crisis response efforts. Serve as a departmental liaison to the University’s Incident Management Team (IMT), ensuring alignment with institutional emergency protocols and continuity planning
Maintain regulatory compliance and oversee vendor contracts, resource planning, and operational readiness to ensure uninterrupted and impactful student services
Student Experience Foster a welcoming and inclusive living and dining environment that supports student engagement, well‑being, and academic success. Ensure services reflect the diverse needs and identities of the student community
Collaborate with student leaders, college governments, and campus partners to co‑create solutions, address concerns, and enhance the residential and dining experience continuously
Lead the development of programs that promote mental health, nutrition, sustainability, and intercultural connection within student spaces
Partner with Student Affairs, Access and Equity, and Wellness offices to integrate co‑curricular learning and inclusive community‑building into housing and dining services
Cultivate meaningful traditions and shared experiences that deepen students’ connection to their residential colleges and the broader Rice community
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate with university departments—such as Admissions, Student Affairs, Dean of Undergraduates, Finance, HR, Facilities and Capital Planning, Office of Access and Institutional Excellence, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Information Technology, Disability Resource Center, and Campus Safety—to ensure alignment and coordination of services
Establish strong partnerships with faculty, staff, and student leaders to integrate housing and dining programs seamlessly with academic initiatives
Engage with the local community and external vendors to enhance services, foster positive relationships, and explore potential partnerships
Compliance and Safety Ensure compliance with Policy 803: Housing and Dining (H&D) is the point of contact for all retail and vending considerations on campus
Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, as well as university policies and procedures, including OSHA guidelines
Develop and implement safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans to ensure a secure living and dining environment
Oversee the proper implementation of health and sanitation standards, including regular inspections and audits in accordance with Houston Health Department regulations
Supervisory Responsibilities: Provide executive leadership and oversight to directors, senior managers, and unit leads across housing, dining, and hospitality operations, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence
Develop human capital across the organization by empowering staff through mentorship, emotional intelligence, and values‑based coaching. Establish clear performance expectations and leadership standards that enable teams to innovate, execute complex initiatives, and deliver measurable results across operations, capital planning, and service innovation
Recruit, develop, and retain top talent to support a growing and increasingly complex portfolio. Build high‑performing leadership teams capable of managing enterprise‑scale operations, major capital initiatives, and evolving hospitality models while maintaining a strong student‑centered focus
Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and advance forward‑looking policies, procedures, and operational standards that elevate housing and dining quality, sustainability outcomes, and the overall residential experience
Lead comprehensive training efforts for dining and hospitality teams, ensuring staff are equipped to recognize student well‑being and mental health cues and to follow appropriate university protocols in coordination with campus partners
Monitor and evaluate performance across operational units using KPIs, feedback tools, and goal‑setting processes. Address performance gaps constructively, recognize excellence, and create clear pathways for professional growth and leadership readiness
Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on matters related to organizational structure, staffing models, leadership development, and succession planning, ensuring long‑term institutional capacity and continuity