Special Instructions to Applicants: 

Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and three writing samples to be considered for this position. The writing samples should be submitted as PDFs in the Supporting Documents section of the application. 

Position Summary:

Rice University’s Division of Operations, Finance, & Support (OF&S) is embarking upon an exciting transformation by implementing a five-year strategic plan to prioritize the customer experience, a community of care, and operational excellence. As a Strategic Initiative Support team member, you will play a key role in planning and implementing effective communication strategies in support of the OF&S division, strategic plan, and key initiatives.

The Strategic Initiative Support team values collaboration, continuous learning, and fostering a culture of adaptability, accountability, and resilience. As the strategic communications manager, you will work collaboratively with the OF&S leadership team and other campus partners to enhance the visibility, reputation, and engagement of OF&S with internal and external audiences. This includes crafting communications, such as speeches, presentations, social media, campus messages, videos, and other collateral materials. You will also coordinate the timing and messaging of campaigns and communications plans with the leaders of the OF&S departments, the President’s Office, Public Affairs, the Provost's Office, etc. Additionally, you will serve as a valued member of the Office of Operational Excellence and Engagement.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate for this role is a service-oriented professional with a strong background in communications strategy, planning, and development, and experience in higher education. 

Workplace Requirements: 

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. A typical schedule will consist of 2-3 days per week working on campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: 

The hiring salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000, commensurate with the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • In lieu of the education/experience requirement, additional related education and/or experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications strategy, public relations, writing, or other closely related field

Skills: 

• Strategic Communication Planning: Able to create and implement plans and campaigns tied to a broader communication strategy to support enhanced visibility, reputation, and engagement with internal and external audiences.
• Content Development and Writing: Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills. Can produce clear, concise, and compelling content for various platforms, including speeches, presentations, social media, campus messages, videos, and collateral materials.
• Business Writing Proficiency: Demonstrated writing skills that translate complex subjects into understandable, accurate, and concise layperson's terms. 
• Digital Communication Proficiency: Proficient in using various communication tools and technologies, including web content management systems, social media platforms, email marketing software, graphic design software, and video editing software. Familiarity with managing digital content for websites, electronic communications, and social media.
• Customer-Focused: Committed to meeting the expectations and requirements of stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders. 
• Detail Oriented: Attentive to detail in all aspects of their work. Asks questions, proofreads, is organized, minimizes distractions, pays close attention, and remembers minute details. 
• Effective Communicator: Able to effectively communicate at all levels within the organization, through both written and verbal communications. 
• Strategic Thinker: Demonstrates the ability to think strategically and consider the broader organizational context when making decisions or developing plans. Effectively anticipates future trends, identifies opportunities, and formulates clear and actionable strategies to achieve organizational goals.
• Proactive: Demonstrates a self-starter attitude, driving communications forward with minimal direction, and is adept at operating in ambiguous environments. This individual brings a sense of urgency to their work, with a track record of delivering results efficiently and effectively.
• Exceptional Personal Qualities: A reputation for integrity and the highest ethical standards, sound judgment, ability to establish strong relationships, and a keen desire to be an integral part of the community.

Preferences:

Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies, plans, and campaigns in a university or similarly complex environment.

Essential Functions:

Strategic Communication Leadership:

• Plan and execute communication strategies aligning with organizational goals.
• Create and manage communications calendars for the Executive Vice President for OF&S (EVP, OF&S)and the OF&S division, including but not limited to the divisional email, Fast Five monthly newsletter, and Inside Rice OF&S section
• Maintain and deliver the communication strategy and tactical plan for the EVP, OF&S
• Coordinate communication timing and messaging with OF&S leaders, the President’s Office, Public Affairs, and the Provost's Office.
• Craft speeches, presentations, social media content, videos, and collateral materials to enhance OF&S's visibility and engagement.
• Assist leaders and their teams across OF&S in developing communication strategies, key messaging for constituents, and tactical communication plans
• Assist in the advertisement of OF&S events hosted or sponsored by the EVP, OF&S

Content Development and Editing:

• Research, conceptualize, and write compelling copy for OF&S initiatives.
• Develop, write, and edit communications on behalf of the EVP, OF&S.
• Edit copy for accuracy and effectiveness.

Brand Management and Communication:

• Manage OF&S brand identity, ensuring consistency with university standards.
• Provide guidance and communication support to OF&S leaders and staff.

Collaboration:

• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration within OF&S and the broader Rice community.
• Collaborate with other communication units across the university.

Project Management and Digital Content Oversight:

• Act as a project manager for special projects in collaboration with university stakeholders.
• Manage all digital content for the EVP, OF&S websites, electronic communications, and social media.

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

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 origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.