Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants are required to submit three writing samples, preferably a variety that includes marketing copy/materials, science and research 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 and 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:
Rice University's Rice Advanced Materials Institute and Smalley-Curl Institute seek a communications and marketing specialist responsible for the development, creation and dissemination of promotional content and materials for both institutes. This inaugural role will provide critical leadership in advancing the institutes' national and global visibility, reputation and impact. The Rice Advanced Materials Institute accelerates fundamental research and applied technology development to address generational challenges in energy, sustainability and national security, and the Smalley-Curl Institute supports groundbreaking research and education in the areas of nanoscale science and technology, quantum materials, and quantum information science.
The specialist develops, creates and manages public relations, marketing and social media content to support the institutes' goals and priorities; manages the institutes' web development, design and content; and tracks and assesses discipline and higher education industry-related opportunities and trends. The specialist also develops and implements strategies to increase content and web readership, traffic and click-throughs. The specialist develops short- and long-term plans and budgets for the marketing, communications, public relations program and its activities. The specialist works closely with Rice's Office of Public Affairs, the university's central communications and marketing division, to effectively meet the position's objectives.
Workplace Requirements:
Hybrid position: 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.
The position would be a one-year term limited with the possibility of extension depending on funding and need.
Proposed 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.
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.
2 years of related professional experience in communications or marketing
Skills
Deep understanding of communications and marketing processes
Experience developing, implementing, and analyzing results of integrated communications and marketing campaigns
Excellent writing and communication skills, including editing
Knowledge of the internet, technology, social platforms, current and future trends
Demonstrated self-starter and problem solver
Ability to work independently to meet expected deadlines and schedules
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of communications and marketing automation platforms (for example, HubSpot)
Understanding of website metrics and best practices
Knowledge of and familiarity with desktop publishing, Adobe Creative Suite software, search engine optimization (SEO), content management systems (CMS) and customer relationship management systems (CRM)
Outstanding judgment and work ethic
Ability to work collaboratively and build consensus
Experience with email communications and marketing, social media marketing, and related metrics reporting
Experience with project management software such as Asana
Experience with multiple educational program delivery platforms (face-to-face, online and hybrid)
Experience in creating and delivering presentations to various stakeholders
Preferences
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications or related field and at least four years of experience
Experience working in higher education or a large nonprofit organization
Essential Functions
The marketing and communications specialist reports to the administrative leadership at the institutes, with a dotted reporting line to the Office of Public Affairs, and is responsible for the development and implementation of communication and marketing activities, enabling the institutes to meet organizational objectives
Working closely with the institutes' leadership teams to develop and execute the communications and marketing campaigns, the specialist plans and advises on best practices associated with such activities, including publicity, publications, web development and email
Develops and manages the communication and brand strategy for individual program(s), incorporating appropriate channels
Recommends, manages and executes integrated marketing plans/programs and strategies to meet objectives
Writes, designs and coordinates the production of communication and marketing materials including newsletters and other publications
Guides event planning and execution
Manages vendors on specific projects
Manages program budget, goals and objectives in alignment with organizational goals
Assesses discipline and higher education industry-related opportunities and tracks market trends
Recommends communications and marketing improvements based on findings
Serves as the primary communications and marketing point of contact for each of the programs
Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with leadership and university peers on communications and marketing strategy across programs and project management
Collaborates and helps initiate standardizations in processes and workflows across the institutes
Analyzes and recommends campaign strategies for individual offerings and helps implement and monitor the campaign
Performs all other duties as assigned
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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic o