Deborah Heath, MBA

Director of Operations & Marketing, Rice University

Houston, Texas, United States

About

With over twenty years of business experience spanning the private, corporate, and non-profit sectors, my core competencies are in strategic communications, digital marketing, events management, and streamlining operational efficiencies with the latest technologies to accelerate growth and drive results. At Rice University, my mission is to empower teams and enhance STEM engagement through innovative programs and initiatives that cater to a diverse audience, and focus on workforce development and skills-building, resonating with the university's commitment to educational excellence and community outreach. In my current role at the Rice Center for STEM Engagement (R-STEM) I manage a breadth of more than 30 continuing education programs and events that serve as a catalyst for STEM advancement. I direct multifaceted marketing strategies and oversee essential operations, including HR and financial management of grants and donor-supported projects. The skills in marketing, analytics, and project management, honed through specialized projects and years of experience, enable me to effectively promote R-STEM’s mission and expand its impact in the STEM community while building collaborative partnerships.

Experience

  • Rice University (13 yrs 6 mos)
    • Director of Operations and Marketing, Rice Center for STEM Engagement
      Aug 2019 - Present · 6 yrs 11 mos

      As the Director of Operations & Marketing for the Rice Center for STEM Engagement (R-STEM), I implement and direct the marketing and business operations for more than 30 continuing education and summer learning programs, large-scale events, and conferences for Rice University that focus on workforce development and building skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) for K-12 students through career individuals. I provide multi-level support for the executive team and instructional staff, and manage the marketing and administrative teams. I oversee HR transactions, digital initiatives, and financial management for over $4M in federal, corporate, private and nonprofit funding. I direct strategic planning and logistics, and communications for internal/external engagement activities at the private, corporate, and district level with the overarching goal of enhancing the broader impacts and goals of Rice University. My years of experience enable me to build multi-disciplinary partnerships and drive increased sales revenue through multi-channel marketing and public relations. My passion for identifying and reducing process inefficiencies through innovative technologies and applications allows me to empower teams to improve productivity while effectively reducing costs, improving quality, streamlining workflows, and maximizing growth.

    • Marketing and Events Specialist, Rice Ken Kennedy Institute for Information Technology
      2013 - Aug 2019 · 6 yrs 8 mos

      Rice University Ken Kennedy Institute for Information Technology

  • Teacher at Chapelwood School For Young Children
    Aug 2009 - May 2013 · 3 yrs 10 mos

  • Tax Information Systems Specialist at Enron
    May 2000 - May 2003 · 3 yrs 1 mo

  • Public Affairs Analyst and Associate Editor, ExxonToday at ExxonMobil
    Jun 1998 - May 2000 · 2 yrs

  • Administrator, Internal Medicine ( Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)
    Apr 1997 - Jun 1998 · 1 yr 3 mos