Special instructions to applicants:

Applicants are required to submit four content samples, preferably a variety that includes straight news reporting, feature writing, public relations writing and video content. 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 multimedia journalist (MMJ)/media relations specialist assembles and promotes Rice University news releases, news stories, media advisories, expert alerts, photography and videography for local and national media outlets and public engagement for his/her assigned beats. In particular, the MMJ/specialist will have responsibility for sharing the university's world-class research, scholarship, programs and events in the social sciences which includes the following disciplines: anthropology, economics, linguistics, political science, psychological sciences, sociology and sport management. The MMJ/specialist has the capacity to communicate and synthesize complex materials and package highly technical information in an easily understandable manner through writing, social media, photography and video. The person in this position serves as a backup for the news and media director as needed. The candidate will have a successful track record in journalism or media relations, managing tight deadlines, proactively pitching stories and creating meaningful work on a routine basis. The position requires a thoughtful, organized and results-oriented professional, accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment.

Hybrid position: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Media relations specialists typically work 3-4 days in the office and 1-2 days remote, though weekly schedules are based on coverage needs. 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 is not eligible for overtime pay, and your salary covers all hours you work 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 plus (3+) years of related professional experience in journalism or public relations.

Skills

• Able to write concisely and accurately explain complex subjects in a way that makes them interesting and informative to news media personnel and understandable to laypersons.
• Strong social media skills.
• Strong videography, video editing and photography skills.
• 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, staff and students.
• Able to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision, adhering to priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Strong computer skills.

Preferences

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, English, liberal arts, communications or related field.
• Five years of related professional experience in journalism or public relations.

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 printed and digital communication, as well as posting stories, photos and video online.
• Produces compelling video news packages which includes shooting and editing video and writing scripts
• Cultivates faculty, staff, students and other sources for stories and expert commentary.
• Proactively pitches stories, research, expertise and news tips about Rice to reporters, editors and producers.
• Responds to media requests.
• Uses social media to promote Rice's external media efforts.
• Tracks and reports media placements.
• Assists in researching and maintaining Rice's media database.
• Assists with editing as necessary.
• Serves as backup for other team members as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.