Media Relations Specialist

About the role

The media relations specialist for engineering and computing writes and promotes Rice news releases, news stories, media advisories and faculty subject matter expert alerts for local, national and international media outlets and public engagement for the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, related research institutes and other areas as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Cultivates relationships with faculty, staff, students and other sources to generate compelling stories and expert commentary.
• Proactively pitches stories, research, expertise and news tips about Rice to reporters, editors and producers.
• Responds to media requests.
• Identifies and maintains professional relationships with key media and community leaders.
• Uses social media to support and promote Rice’s external media efforts.
• Tracks and reports media placements.
• Serves as backup for other team members as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degreeIn lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Three or more (3+) years of related professional experience in journalism, public relations or STEM-related field.

Skills

• Able to write concisely and accurately explain complex STEM 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.
• Strong knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Strong computer skills, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
• Social media skills.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, STEM-related field, communications or related field.
• 5–8 years of related professional experience in journalism, public relations or STEM-related fields.
• Expertise in STEM communication.
• Understanding of higher education and academic research journals.
• Experience in photography and videography is preferred.

Benefits

Rice University HR | Benefits