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Digital Communications Specialist II

Employer
Rice University
Location
Houston, TX
Posting Details

Job TitleDigital Communications Specialist IIDepartmentKinder Institute for Urban ResearchFull Time/Part TimeFull-TimeRequisition NumberS21071Open Date08/24/2020Close DateSalary Information

$51,600 – $68,400/year, depending on experience and qualifications

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Benefits EligibleYesEligible for OvertimeNoPosition Summary

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research is a multi-disciplinary “think-and-do tank” housed on the Rice University campus in central Houston, focusing on urban issues in Houston, the American Sun Belt and around the world.

The Kinder Institute’s digital communications specialist II, under general supervision of the senior director, is responsible to build, cultivate, monitor, and grow a digital community on behalf of the Institute while implementing the organization’s communication strategy. S/he produces, edits, updates and posts online content in a Drupal-based content management system. The successful applicant will use a variety of techniques through various channels including (but not limited to) Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and including live streaming via Facebook and the Web. The position requires strong writing and copy editing skills with knowledge of AP style. The individual will be responsible for contributing to the Urban Edge blog and other public relations content in order to execute the social media plan to promote Kinder Institute activities and the Kinder Institute brand.

Education RequiredBachelor's DegreeMajor/DisciplineSubstitution for Education RequirementExperience may not be substituted for the education requirement.Education Preferred

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, English, or liberal arts.

Experience Required2 yearsType of Experience

Related experience with Drupal and HTML with experience managing a website.

Substitution for Experience RequirementEducation may not be substituted for the experience requirement.Experience Preferred

- Maintaining a website in a higher education, nonprofit, or advocacy environment
- Managing an organization’s social media presence
- Use of Drupal, Mail Chimp, and Google Analytics
- Familiarity with SEO best practices
- Editing audio and video
- Writing news articles/blog posts in a journalistic style

License/Certification Required

None

License/Certification PreferredSkills Required

- Strong writer and copy editor
- Social media management
- Working knowledge of one or more Adobe Creative Suite programs, WordPress, and Drupal
- Strong understanding of the digital landscape with the ability to live tweet
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Organized and creative
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to take direction and work to meet expected deadlines and schedules
- Demonstrated team player

Skills Preferred

- Skill in project management
- Knowledge of AP style
- Ability to implement podcasts
- Knowledge of urban issues
- Knowledge of CSS, API’s, and JavaScript
- Familiarity with policy areas in which the Kinder Institute works (urban planning, education, transportation, public health, disparity/inequality)

Internal / External Contacts

Internal: Extensive collaboration across the university, especially with the various programs affiliated with the Kinder Institute.

External: Some contact outside the university with vendors will be required, in particular with web designers and developers. Contact will be in person, in writing, by telephone, and through email and online communications.

Physical Demands

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

Working Conditions

- General office environment
- Travel to off-site locations in the greater Houston area as needed to perform job functions
- Occasional evening or weekend work related to events or based on project deadlines

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 ApplicantsQuick Link for Postinghttp://jobs.rice.edu/postings/24362Essential Functions

- Recommends, develops and implements the digital communication and brand strategy for the Kinder Institute
- Writes, designs and coordinates the production of digital communication and marketing materials
- Produces, edits, and updates all Kinder Institute websites in a Drupal-based content management system (and other systems) and manages content migration
- Serves as lead point of contact between the Kinder Institute and Rice Administrative Services, as well as lead point of contact between the Kinder Institute and contract web designer
- Works in conjunction with senior editor and other Institute personnel to develop the social media strategy; identifies key social media and web goals and then develops integrated communications and/or marketing plans to meet objectives
- Executes social media plan through multiple daily social media updates through various channels including (but not limited to) Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn
- Develops content and builds digital community through social media channels, blogs, and the web with the intent to grow and engage user base
- Uses a variety of techniques (e.g., polls, images, headlines, blog posts, quotes, live video, live chats, etc.) across social media platforms to promote Kinder Institute activities and the Kinder Institute brand
- Remains current on and shares information on emerging trends and technologies related to web development, design, and social media
- Reports monthly analytic reports to on all web platforms including website, blog, social media, newsletter, etc. (i.e., compiles and analyzes social media use)
- Acts as internal advocate for digital community efforts, building support for social initiatives among internal stakeholders and driving digital best practices
- Contributes to overall development and refinement of digital community strategy, and innovative social initiatives
- On-site support of Kinder Institute public programs as needed
- Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions or Information

- Contributes to the Urban Edge blog
- Collaborates with researchers and external engagement team on how to best represent data and research products for web, works in conjunction with the senior director

Job Duties

Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
Optional Documents
    Supplemental Questions

    Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

    1. * Do you have a bachelor's degree?
      • Yes
      • No
    2. * Do you have two years of related experience with Drupal and HTML with experience managing a website?
      • Yes
      • No
    3. * How many years of experience do you have with writing and editing?

      (Open Ended Question)

    4. * How many years of experience do you have with copyediting?

      (Open Ended Question)

    5. * Are you familiar with AP style?
      • Yes
      • No

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