Energy Policy Communications Specialist

About Rice:
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, lecture 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 Center for Energy Studies (CES) at the Baker Institute for Public Policy provides rigorous, data-driven analysis on markets and policy covering some of the world's most critical challenges in energy and sustainability. Founded in 1993, the Institute's strong reputation for excellence has brought it to the top of the world rankings among university-affiliated think tanks, and the CES is recognized as a Center of Excellence after being ranked #1 globally for three consecutive years.

The Energy Policy Communications Specialist will support the Center's communications efforts around flagship reports and high-priority initiatives. This individual will work in coordination with policy experts, researchers, and other CES staff who cover a range of topics to develop communications strategies, coordinate messaging, and disseminate research to key constituencies.

The Energy Policy Communications Specialist will lead and work with others on the CES team on the creation of written and multimedia materials that highlight CES events, research, and expert activities. The Energy Policy Communications Specialist will also coordinate with the Baker Institute Director of Communications to ensure that all work follows established communications team processes, meets Institute editorial standards and guidelines, and remains consistent with communications policies, procedures, and strategy across the Baker Institute.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate will have (1) strong writing and digital content development skills; (2) a background in communications, public relations, or journalism; and (3) a strong interest in public policy and government affairs.

The Energy Policy Communications Specialist reports to the CES Senior Director. The position is based in Houston, Texas, and located in Rice University's Baker Hall.

Workplace Requirements:
This position offers an in-person work schedule on campus (5 days in the office per week). Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $60,000 - $70,000 per year

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• 2+ years of relevant work experience

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Good organizational and creative skills
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferences:

• At least one year of experience conducting or analyzing qualitative and quantitative research and producing research reports in an academic, political, or policy organization
• Experience working as a researcher or policy analyst in a nonpartisan or bipartisan organization
• Experience related to entrepreneurship, private enterprise, and/or economic growth

Essential Functions:

• Participates in a team setting in the development and implementation of communications plans for Baker Institute CES reports and other high-priority initiatives.
• Serves as production lead or co-lead for Baker Institute CES content, such as podcasts and digital publications, as well as various types of social media content.
• Develops, manages, and executes communications strategies to meet business objectives.
• Manages goals and objectives in alignment with organizational goals.
• Manages data and analytics to make informed decisions regarding strategic marketing direction, product segmentation, and customer targeting.
• Assesses marketing opportunities and tracks communications trends.
• Works in collaboration with Baker Institute communications staff and, as needed, other institute and university teams.
• Writes, designs, and coordinates communication on Baker Institute CES programmatic research.

Additional Functions:

• Performs all other duties as assigned