Posting Details

Position Information

Job TitlePublicist/Marketing SpecialistDepartmentComputer ScienceFull Time/Part TimeFull-TimeRequisition NumberS20355Open Date02/03/2020Close Date02/17/2020Salary Information

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional evening work is required for events and special projects.

Benefits EligibleYesEligible for OvertimeNoPosition Summary

The department of Computer Science has consistently ranked among the top 20 graduate programs in the country (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The department hired several outstanding young faculty members in the last few years and is authorized to hire at least 10 tenured and tenure-track faculty members in the next four years.

The department is part of the George R. Brown School of Engineering, which ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment.

This position serves as the primary staff member for establishing, monitoring, and maintaining the external digital presence to increase brand awareness and departmental visibility for the Computer Science (CS) Department at Rice University. Working with the overall School of Engineering communications staff, this position will be a liaison between the department and the rest of the university, including School of Engineering Communications, university Public Affairs, and Development departments, providing advice on best practices as needed.

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.

Education RequiredBachelor's DegreeMajor/DisciplineSubstitution for Education RequirementMay 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 English, communications, journalism, or a related field

Experience Required6 monthsType of Experience

Related experience in professional writing, managing social media and digital communications platforms, and maintaining websites using a content management system

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

- Experience in external communications in an academic environment
- Experience using Drupal and Wordpress
- Related professional writing experience in a public relations or journalism setting
- Marketing experience, particularly the ability to take photos of researchers and edit images to fit landscape-format dimensions for web and various social media formats

License/Certification RequiredLicense/Certification PreferredSkills Required

- Understanding of the principles, terminology, procedures, and best practices of communications, public relations, and editorial content
- Ability to initiate and develop sources for features, news release, bulletin, etc.
- Ability to conduct source-gathering, interview faculty and School of Engineering administration, and perform research for appropriate content and media
- Ability to edit manuscripts for form, content, style, and organization
- Experience with job-required software applications
- Ability to perform detailed work with high level of accuracy and attention to detail

Skills Preferred

- Proven ability to meet deadlines, work independently and handle multiple projects
- Exceptional editing and writing skills in AP style
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, particularly Track Changes
- Familiarity with relationship management tools such as, but not limited to, MailChimp

Internal / External Contacts

Internal Contacts: The incumbent has continuous contact with faculty and staff within the CS department and also collaborates with engineering communication team members as well as departmental communication staff members. S/he also has occasional contact with staff in departments across the university.

External Contacts: The incumbent has contact with Computer Science alumni, employers, and other external constituents.

Physical Demands

Must be able to work in front of a computer for up to eight hours a day.

Working Conditions

- Standard office environment
- Occasional evening work required for special projects

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 Sensitive

As defined under the Texas Education Code and Rice Policy No. 425, this position is security sensitive and employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Must submit a writing sample ( at least 200 words) on the topic “the difference between machine learning and artificial intelligence”.

Quick Link for Postinghttp://jobs.rice.edu/postings/22771 Job Functions

Essential Functions

- Performs editorial review and content development under supervision
- Reviews content to be disseminated through websites and print publications
- Researches, writes, and edits publications for style and substance
- Edits manuscripts for content, style, and organization
- Checks editorials for accuracy and uses own judgment in critiquing the work
- Coordinates publication / editorial schedules, and monitors process in consultation with supervisor or client
- Coordinates and facilitates publication process, including updating websites and social media channels
- Establishes and maintains communication with internal clients and external media outlets to facilitate promotion and information dissemination
- Perform all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions or Information

- Edits and writes event materials, including print and online news articles and publicity announcements for clarity, punctuation, spelling and typos
- Edits research papers, blog posts, and other department products following the AP stylebook
- Offers comments to department faculty to improve readability and organization of their research publications and their website content.
- Writes and edits content for the department’s annual newsletter, as well as bulletin boards and both faculty and graduate student recruiting materials, including slides for Duncatron screens in the building lobby.
- Writes articles and stories about research, teaching, and service news by the faculty, students and staff of the department.
- Writes text for brochures and other promotional materials
- Drafts and posts content for the department website, email newsletter, and social media accounts
- Provides live social media presence for department events and programs
- Oversees annual update of faculty bios, photographs, group and center descriptions, course listings and alumni advisory board member bios
- Proactively works with CS faculty to identify stories and people profiles to promote for paper and electronic marketing collateral.
- Identifies, makes recommendations on, and strategically utilizes appropriate social media platforms/channels including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other channels as necessary.
- Keeps open lines of communication with various staff departments to negotiate changes
- Updates website as necessary

Applicant 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 six or more months of related experience in professional writing, managing social media and digital communications platforms, and maintaining websites using a content management system or additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis in lieu of the experience requirement?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * What is the minimum salary that you require for this position? Please indicate an hourly/yearly amount.

   (Open Ended Question)