Media Relations Specialist
Job Description
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicants are required to submit four writing samples, preferably a variety that includes STEM-related writing, news reporting, feature writing and public relations writing. Please save it as one PDF file and attach it under the document section of the application materials along with your resume and cover letter. Links may also be submitted.
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, 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 media relations specialist for engineering and computing writes and promotes Rice news releases, news stories, media advisories and faculty subject matter expert alerts for local, national and international media outlets and public engagement for the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, related research institutes and other areas as assigned. They have the capacity to write about and synthesize complex scientific materials, translating highly technical information into clear, accessible language while responsibly using AI as a tool to support the process. The beat covers the following disciplines: bioengineering, materials science and nanoengineering, computational and applied mathematics and operations research, computer science, and electrical and computer engineering. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in journalism, media relations and/or STEM writing. They will manage tight deadlines, proactively pitch stories and create meaningful, high-quality work on a routine basis. The position requires a thoughtful, organized and results-oriented professional accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment.
Workplace Requirements:
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice Policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range:
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position is exempt and not eligible for overtime pay, and the salary covers all hours worked in a week.
Minimum 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.
Skills:
- 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.
Preferences:
- 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.
Essential Functions:
- 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.
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