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Media relations specialist



Special instructions to applicants :

Applicants are required to submit four writing samples, preferably a variety that includes straight news reporting and feature writing. Please save as one PDF file and attach under document section of the application materials.

Position Summary

The media relations specialist writes and promotes Rice University news releases, news stories, media advisories and expert alerts for local and national media outlets for their assigned beats with special emphasis on science and engineering. They have the capacity to write and synthesize complex materials and communicate highly technical information in an easily understood manner. The position serves as backup for the director as needed. The successful 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.

Salary

Commensurate with experience and qualifications

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 venues, 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.
  • 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.
  • Serves as backup for other team members as needed.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • 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 or public relations.
  • 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 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.
  • Social media skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 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.
Additional information

The media relations specialist takes turns being the weekly on-call person with other members of the news and media team and often deals with after-hours emails even when not on call.

Rice University HR | Benefits

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and 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.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies

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