Posting Details

Position Information

Job TitleMedia Relations SpecialistDepartmentPublic AffairsFull Time/Part TimeFull-TimeRequisition NumberS20242Open Date11/06/2019Close Date11/20/2019Salary Information

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening or weekend work as needed in emerging situations, campus events and other priorities, and a weeklong shift serving as the on-call media contact 24/7 about every six weeks.

Benefits EligibleYesEligible for OvertimeNoPosition Summary

The media relations specialist writes and promotes Rice news releases, news stories, media advisories and expert alerts for local and national media outlets for his/her assigned beats. S/he 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 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.

Education RequiredBachelor's DegreeMajor/DisciplineSubstitution for Education Requirement

May substitute additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis in lieu of the education requirement.

Education Preferred

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, English, liberal arts, communications, or related field.

Experience Required3 yearsType of Experience

Related professional experience in journalism or public relations.

Substitution for Experience Requirement

Education may not be substituted for experience.

Experience Preferred

Five years of related professional experience in journalism or public relations.

License/Certification Required

None

License/Certification PreferredSkills Required

- 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

Skills PreferredInternal / External Contacts

Extensive contact with Rice faculty, staff, administrators and students, and with external news media.

Physical Demands

Requires working at a computer for extended periods of time (up to eight hours per day).

Working Conditions

- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening or weekend work as needed in emerging situations, campus events and other priorities, and a weeklong shift serving as the on-call media contact 24/7 about every six weeks
- Works in an office environment on the Rice University campus

Essential Personnel

Position is not considered essential during a campus emergency

Rice University Standard of Civility

Serves as a representative of the University, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.

Security SensitiveYes Special Instructions to Applicants

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

Quick Link for Postinghttp://jobs.rice.edu/postings/21949 Job Functions

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

Additional Functions or InformationApplicant DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Writing Sample

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a bachelor's degree or additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis in lieu of the education requirement?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have three or more years of professional experience in journalism or public relations?

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Please provide the salary or range that you would require or consider for this position.

   (Open Ended Question)