Senior Editor & Writer, Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Position Summary

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) at Rice University seeks a full-time Senior Editor/Writer to support the editorial development and production of the institute's research publications, including policy briefs, reports, and collateral materials. This position is part of the External Affairs Division and works collaboratively across research centers to ensure content is accurate, clear, consistent, and aligned with the institute’s strategic priorities. The role also contributes original written content for the institute's blog, The Urban Edge, and other communication platforms as needed.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute consists of five research centers focused on critical aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five centers research housing, education, community and public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center has a distinct research focus while collaborating across the institute on interdisciplinary, solutions-oriented research. The centers use a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity of expertise and prioritizes community involvement in identifying and addressing the most pressing questions and challenges facing Greater Houston. We strive to have our research inform decision-making and drive systemic change.

The ideal candidate is an experienced editor and writer, possesses strong interpersonal skills, and can build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

Workplace Requirements

• Occasional travel
• Periodic evening and/or weekend work as needed

Workplace Location

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration (3 days in-office/2 days remote). Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. 

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the hiring salary is $86,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience and skills. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field
  • 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 experience in editing and writing, preferably in research, policy, nonprofit, higher education, or think tank environments
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to oversee all aspects of the editorial and publication process, from manuscript development through final production
• Advanced editorial and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex material from multiple sources into clear, audience-appropriate content
• Demonstrated ability to determine effective editorial and publication approaches for a variety of formats and audiences
• Extensive experience managing and coordinating complex editorial and publication projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing deadlines
• Expert-level proficiency with job-related tools and applications, including Microsoft Office and the AP Stylebook; familiarity with APA style is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in evaluating the implications of information released to internal and external audiences
• Strong interpersonal and project management skills, with the ability to work effectively across functional teams

Preferences

• Five years of editing and writing experience of increasing scope and complexity, preferably in a research, policy, nonprofit, higher education, or think tank environment
• Experience reviewing, editing, and writing blog posts, feature articles, or other content that translates research into engaging, accessible language for broad audiences

Essential Functions

• Makes decisions on proposed changes and amendments to communications and publications
• Supports the distribution of publications, including research reports, briefs, one-pagers, and related materials
• Ensures that information included in publications follows policies and best practices
• Maintains high-level interactions with internal stakeholders to promote departmental goals and strategies
• Manages, supports, and promotes editorial and production processes that extend across organizational levels and to external audiences
• Partners with the Senior Editor in evaluating workflow and resources and makes recommendations
• May supervise staff
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Develops original written content for The Urban Edge and other institute communication platforms as needed
• Collaborates with research and communications staff to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of published materials
• Assists with maintaining editorial standards and publication schedules across multiple research centers
• Supports special communications and publication projects as assigned
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

The Kinder Institute: https://kinder.rice.edu

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 Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

Salary : $86,000 - $90,000