Communications Strategist
Rice University
9 hours ago
Full-time
On-site
The Communications Strategist leads and coordinates communications for
Technology Solutions & Services (TS&S) within the Division of Operations,
Finance, & Support (OF&S), strengthening the division's engagement with faculty,
researchers, staff, students, and campus stakeholders. Serving as TS&S’s primary
communications partner, this role collaborates closely with divisional
leadership, technical teams, and university partners to develop clear, timely,
and coordinated messaging across the full range of TS&S priorities, including
enterprise architecture, cybersecurity and digital trust, high-performance
computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud infrastructure, and core IT
services.
Serving as a bridge between complex technological advancements and the people
they impact, the Communications Strategist translates technical concepts,
operational changes, and system updates into accessible, audience-centered
communications. Supporting both day-to-day operations, such as urgent incident
communications and service advisories, and major strategic initiatives across
the broader OF&S digital transformation, the role drives technology adoption,
user confidence, and digital trust. The position also establishes consistent,
sustainable communication practices that enhance transparency, break down
operational silos, and highlight TS&S’s vital role in advancing Rice
University’s academic, research, and administrative mission.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, strategic communicator with the ability to
translate complex technical concepts, such as enterprise systems, cybersecurity,
Artificial Intelligence (AI), and High-Performance Computing (HPC), into clear,
engaging messaging for the campus community. They bring sound judgment and
structure to communications, serving as a trusted advisor to technical leaders
while guiding stakeholders through organizational change and technology
adoption. Highly collaborative and curious, this individual brings a team-first
attitude to navigating evolving priorities, breaking down operational silos, and
building trust across a decentralized institution.
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a
resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application.
We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.
Workplace Requirements
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote
work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. This position requires a
minimum of three days on campus each week. Additional on-site presence may be
necessary based on job responsibilities and operational needs. Per Rice policy
440 [https://policy.rice.edu/440], work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, with a proposed salary range of
$85,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt
(salaried) positions under FLSA
[https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/fair-labor-standards-act-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 progressively responsible experience in communications, public
relations, writing, employee engagement, or other closely related field
Skills:
* Strong writing skills that demonstrate the ability to translate complex
technological subjects into concise, accurate, and engaging content. Interest
or experience in emerging tech (AI, HPC) is highly desirable.
* Demonstrated experience in change management communications, helping
organizations navigate transitions and adopt new behaviors with empathy.
* The confidence and skill to advise senior leaders and draft high-stakes
communications on their behalf.
* A self-starter who thrives in evolving environments and can anticipate future
trends to formulate actionable communication strategies.
* An eye for detail that ensures every message is polished, accurate, and
aligned with Rice’s mission and ethical standards.
* Commitment to digital accessibility, ensuring all content is inclusive and
meets university standards.
Preferences
* 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public
relations, internal communications, or a closely related field
* Experience using content-management systems and communications platforms
(CMS), including Drupal, Storyblok, HubSpot, SMS communication tools,
digital-signage platforms, and intranet solutions
* Experience with collaboration and digital accessibility tools (e.g., Asana,
Siteimprove).
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google products (e.g., SharePoint,
Google Analytics).
* Proficiency with basic graphic or content tools (e.g., Canva).
* Experience supporting content standards, including voice, tone, and style
guidelines.
Essential Functions
* Strategic Leadership & Change Communications:
* Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that align with
TS&S goals and the broader OF&S cultural and digital transformation.
* Design and implement change management communication plans to support the
adoption of new technologies, organizational structures, and operational
models.
* Serve as a strategic advisor to TS&S leadership, crafting executive
messaging, town hall presentations, and thought-leadership content.
* Create and manage a centralized communications calendar for TS&S, ensuring
a consistent and intentional cadence of information.
* Support urgent communications regarding system outages or security updates,
ensuring clear and timely messaging during high-pressure situations.
* Technology Translation & Content Development:
* Serve as the primary storyteller for TS&S, researching and writing
compelling copy that translates complex topics (e.g., AI, HPC, and
cybersecurity) into accessible, layperson’s terms.
* Produce high-quality content across diverse formats, including newsletters,
articles, social media, and video.
* Interview subject matter experts (engineers, developers, and researchers)
to extract and highlight achievements that showcase TS&S’s contribution to
Rice’s mission and strategic plan.
* Partner with students, faculty, staff and researchers to understand their
unique technical needs and craft stories that highlight how TS&S supports
the academic mission.
* Digital Platform & Brand Management:
* Manage the TS&S digital footprint, including the website, social media
accounts, and email marketing platforms, ensuring content is accurate,
timely, and user-centric.
* Oversee the visual identity of TS&S communications, ensuring strict
alignment with Rice University brand standards and OF&S division
guidelines.
* Utilize data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of communication
campaigns, adjusting tactics to improve stakeholder engagement.
* Team Dynamics & Collaborative Spirit:
* Act as a versatile resource within the OF&S communications team, providing
surge support for divisional priorities outside of the TS&S portfolio when
needed.
* Actively seek out opportunities to integrate TS&S messaging with other OF&S
units, ensuring a unified divisional voice and breaking down information
silos.
* Maintain a "continuous improvement" mindset by staying current on emerging
communication trends while being equally willing to share expertise and
learn from fellow team members.
* Approach challenges with a team-first attitude, offering assistance to
colleagues during projects and contributing to a culture of mutual
accountability.
* Demonstrate a deep interest in both the OF&S and the university’s broader
ecosystem and seek to understand how communication impacts the Rice
community
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
[https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits]
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
[https://www.rice.edu/mission-values]
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 [facstaffada@rice.edu] for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu
[jobs@rice.edu]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
Technology Solutions & Services (TS&S) within the Division of Operations,
Finance, & Support (OF&S), strengthening the division's engagement with faculty,
researchers, staff, students, and campus stakeholders. Serving as TS&S’s primary
communications partner, this role collaborates closely with divisional
leadership, technical teams, and university partners to develop clear, timely,
and coordinated messaging across the full range of TS&S priorities, including
enterprise architecture, cybersecurity and digital trust, high-performance
computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud infrastructure, and core IT
services.
Serving as a bridge between complex technological advancements and the people
they impact, the Communications Strategist translates technical concepts,
operational changes, and system updates into accessible, audience-centered
communications. Supporting both day-to-day operations, such as urgent incident
communications and service advisories, and major strategic initiatives across
the broader OF&S digital transformation, the role drives technology adoption,
user confidence, and digital trust. The position also establishes consistent,
sustainable communication practices that enhance transparency, break down
operational silos, and highlight TS&S’s vital role in advancing Rice
University’s academic, research, and administrative mission.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, strategic communicator with the ability to
translate complex technical concepts, such as enterprise systems, cybersecurity,
Artificial Intelligence (AI), and High-Performance Computing (HPC), into clear,
engaging messaging for the campus community. They bring sound judgment and
structure to communications, serving as a trusted advisor to technical leaders
while guiding stakeholders through organizational change and technology
adoption. Highly collaborative and curious, this individual brings a team-first
attitude to navigating evolving priorities, breaking down operational silos, and
building trust across a decentralized institution.
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a
resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application.
We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.
Workplace Requirements
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote
work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. This position requires a
minimum of three days on campus each week. Additional on-site presence may be
necessary based on job responsibilities and operational needs. Per Rice policy
440 [https://policy.rice.edu/440], work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, with a proposed salary range of
$85,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt
(salaried) positions under FLSA
[https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/fair-labor-standards-act-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 progressively responsible experience in communications, public
relations, writing, employee engagement, or other closely related field
Skills:
* Strong writing skills that demonstrate the ability to translate complex
technological subjects into concise, accurate, and engaging content. Interest
or experience in emerging tech (AI, HPC) is highly desirable.
* Demonstrated experience in change management communications, helping
organizations navigate transitions and adopt new behaviors with empathy.
* The confidence and skill to advise senior leaders and draft high-stakes
communications on their behalf.
* A self-starter who thrives in evolving environments and can anticipate future
trends to formulate actionable communication strategies.
* An eye for detail that ensures every message is polished, accurate, and
aligned with Rice’s mission and ethical standards.
* Commitment to digital accessibility, ensuring all content is inclusive and
meets university standards.
Preferences
* 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public
relations, internal communications, or a closely related field
* Experience using content-management systems and communications platforms
(CMS), including Drupal, Storyblok, HubSpot, SMS communication tools,
digital-signage platforms, and intranet solutions
* Experience with collaboration and digital accessibility tools (e.g., Asana,
Siteimprove).
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google products (e.g., SharePoint,
Google Analytics).
* Proficiency with basic graphic or content tools (e.g., Canva).
* Experience supporting content standards, including voice, tone, and style
guidelines.
Essential Functions
* Strategic Leadership & Change Communications:
* Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that align with
TS&S goals and the broader OF&S cultural and digital transformation.
* Design and implement change management communication plans to support the
adoption of new technologies, organizational structures, and operational
models.
* Serve as a strategic advisor to TS&S leadership, crafting executive
messaging, town hall presentations, and thought-leadership content.
* Create and manage a centralized communications calendar for TS&S, ensuring
a consistent and intentional cadence of information.
* Support urgent communications regarding system outages or security updates,
ensuring clear and timely messaging during high-pressure situations.
* Technology Translation & Content Development:
* Serve as the primary storyteller for TS&S, researching and writing
compelling copy that translates complex topics (e.g., AI, HPC, and
cybersecurity) into accessible, layperson’s terms.
* Produce high-quality content across diverse formats, including newsletters,
articles, social media, and video.
* Interview subject matter experts (engineers, developers, and researchers)
to extract and highlight achievements that showcase TS&S’s contribution to
Rice’s mission and strategic plan.
* Partner with students, faculty, staff and researchers to understand their
unique technical needs and craft stories that highlight how TS&S supports
the academic mission.
* Digital Platform & Brand Management:
* Manage the TS&S digital footprint, including the website, social media
accounts, and email marketing platforms, ensuring content is accurate,
timely, and user-centric.
* Oversee the visual identity of TS&S communications, ensuring strict
alignment with Rice University brand standards and OF&S division
guidelines.
* Utilize data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of communication
campaigns, adjusting tactics to improve stakeholder engagement.
* Team Dynamics & Collaborative Spirit:
* Act as a versatile resource within the OF&S communications team, providing
surge support for divisional priorities outside of the TS&S portfolio when
needed.
* Actively seek out opportunities to integrate TS&S messaging with other OF&S
units, ensuring a unified divisional voice and breaking down information
silos.
* Maintain a "continuous improvement" mindset by staying current on emerging
communication trends while being equally willing to share expertise and
learn from fellow team members.
* Approach challenges with a team-first attitude, offering assistance to
colleagues during projects and contributing to a culture of mutual
accountability.
* Demonstrate a deep interest in both the OF&S and the university’s broader
ecosystem and seek to understand how communication impacts the Rice
community
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
[https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits]
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
[https://www.rice.edu/mission-values]
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 [facstaffada@rice.edu] for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu
[jobs@rice.edu]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.