External Affairs Associate, Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Rice University•Houston, TX

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The External Affairs Associate will work with the Community and Stakeholder Engagement team, which is part of the external affairs division. The External Affairs Associate assists with supporting engagement initiatives, coordinating events and outreach activities, and supporting cross-center collaboration. The role requires good organizational skills, attention to detail, and an interest in community engagement, public affairs, and collaborative work with stakeholders. The External Affairs Associate is an entry-level position that supports the Kinder Institute’s external affairs and community and stakeholder engagement portfolio. Reporting to the Associate Director of Stakeholder Engagement, the position provides coordination, outreach, and administrative support that strengthens relationships with community organizations, civic partners, and research center directors. This role contributes to initiatives that expand the Kinder Institute’s visibility, enhance stakeholder engagement, and advance community-centered impact across the Greater Houston region. The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute consists of five research centers focused on critical aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five centers research housing, education, community and public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center investigates its particular topic area and works across centers to build interdisciplinary teams specializing in solutions-oriented research. The centers use a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity in expertise and prioritizes the community in identifying and addressing some of the most pressing questions and challenges facing Greater Houston. We strive for our research to inform decision-making and bring about systemic change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communication, public affairs, sociology, urban studies, nonprofit management, or a related field. In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on a year-for-year basis, may be substituted.
One or more (1+) years of related experience.
Demonstrated interest in community engagement, public service, or civic partnerships.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare marketing collateral and presentations.
Expertise with Adobe Creative Suite.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, coordinate logistics, and maintain organized records.
Comfort working with different communities and stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative project tools; familiarity with CRM or stakeholder tracking systems is a plus; and expertise with Adobe Creative Suite.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in community outreach, volunteer coordination, or public-facing program support.
Familiarity with Houston’s civic landscape, community organizations, and local engagement networks.
Interest in research, public policy, or data-informed decisions.

Responsibilities

Assist with outreach to community organizations, civic groups, and partner institutions.
Help maintain stakeholder lists, engagement calendars, and activity records.
Support planning, logistics, and onsite coordination for community meetings, stakeholder forums, workshops, and public-facing events.
Assist in vendor management on specific projects.
Coordinate with research center teams to align engagement activities with ongoing projects and community priorities.
Provide scheduling, create and design presentations, and operational support for external affairs.
Recommends marketing opportunities and tracks market trends.
Performs all other duties as assigned.