Media Relations Specialist presso 27560-Bioengineering

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

Applicants are required to submit four writing samples, preferably a variety that includes science 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 science writes and promotes Rice University news releases, news stories, media advisories, and expert alerts for local, national, and international media outlets, and supports public engagement for the Wiess School of Natural Sciences and other areas as assigned. They must have the capacity to write and synthesize complex scientific materials and communicate highly technical information in an easily understood manner in the following disciplines: biosciences, chemistry, Earth, environmental and planetary sciences, kinesiology, mathematics, and physics and astronomy.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in journalism, media relations, and/or science 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:
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.

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.

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

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
• 3+ years of related professional experience in journalism, public relations, or a science-related field

Skills:

• Able to write concisely and accurately explain complex scientific 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
• 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, science, English, liberal arts, communications, or a related field
• 5 years of related professional experience in journalism, public relations, or a science-related field
• Expertise in science communication
• Experience in photography/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 platforms, as well as posting stories and photos online
• 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
• 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 in conducting research for and maintaining Rice’s media database
• Assists with the department’s editing needs
• Serves as backup for other team members as needed
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [email protected] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.