Responsibilities

• Conveys complex subject matter in an engaging and easy-to-understand style by writing news releases, media advisories, expert alerts and stories for Rice News, Rice Magazine and other publications, as well as posting stories and photos online.
• Cultivates relationships with faculty, staff, students and other sources to generate compelling stories and expert commentary.
• Proactively pitches stories, research, expertise and news tips about Rice to reporters, editors and producers.
• Responds to media requests.
• Identifies and maintains professional relationships with key media and community leaders.
• Uses social media to support and promote Rice’s external media efforts.
• Tracks and reports media placements.
• Assists with the department’s editing needs.
• Serves as backup for other team members as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.
• Three or more (3+) years of related professional experience in journalism, public relations or STEM-related field.
• Able to write concisely and accurately explain complex STEM subjects in a way that makes them interesting and informative to news media personnel and understandable to laypersons.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Able to work in a deadline-driven, results-oriented environment with media and public relations professionals and with a wide variety of clients, including Rice faculty, administrators and students.
• Able to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision, adhering to priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Strong computer skills, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
• Social media skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, STEM-related field, communications or related field.
• 5–8 years of related professional experience in journalism, public relations or STEM-related fields.
• Expertise in STEM communication.
• Understanding of higher education and academic research journals.
• Experience in photography and videography is preferred.

Benefits

• Rice University HR Benefits