Senior Editor & Writer, Kinder Institute for Urban Research

About the Role

The Senior Editor/Writer at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) supports the editorial development and production of the institute's research publications, including policy briefs, reports, and collateral materials. This role is part of the External Affairs Division and collaborates across research centers to ensure content is accurate, clear, consistent, and aligned with the institute’s strategic priorities. The position also contributes original written content for the institute's blog, The Urban Edge, and other communication platforms.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute consists of five research centers focused on critical aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area: housing, education, community and public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center uses a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity of expertise and prioritizes community involvement.

Responsibilities

• Makes decisions on proposed changes and amendments to communications and publications.
• Supports the distribution of publications, including research reports, briefs, one-pagers, and related materials.
• Ensures that information included in publications follows policies and best practices.
• Maintains high-level interactions with internal stakeholders to promote departmental goals and strategies.
• Manages, supports, and promotes editorial and production processes across organizational levels and to external audiences.
• Partners with the Senior Editor in evaluating workflow and resources and makes recommendations.
• May supervise staff.
• Develops original written content for The Urban Edge and other institute communication platforms.
• Collaborates with research and communications staff to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of published materials.
• Assists with maintaining editorial standards and publication schedules across multiple research centers.
• Supports special communications and publication projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field. In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• 3+ years of experience in editing and writing, preferably in research, policy, nonprofit, higher education, or think tank environments. In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to oversee all aspects of the editorial and publication process, from manuscript development through final production.
• Advanced editorial and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex material from multiple sources into clear, audience-appropriate content.
• Demonstrated ability to determine effective editorial and publication approaches for a variety of formats and audiences.
• Extensive experience managing and coordinating complex editorial and publication projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing deadlines.
• Expert-level proficiency with job-related tools and applications, including Microsoft Office and the AP Stylebook; familiarity with APA style is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in evaluating the implications of information released to internal and external audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and project management skills, with the ability to work effectively across functional teams.

Preferences

• Five years of editing and writing experience of increasing scope and complexity, preferably in a research, policy, nonprofit, higher education, or think tank environment.
• Experience reviewing, editing, and writing blog posts, feature articles, or other content that translates research into engaging, accessible language for broad audiences.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work (3 days in-office/2 days remote). Occasional travel and periodic evening and/or weekend work may be required.

Pay

The hiring salary for this full-time, benefits-eligible position is $86,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience and skills.

Benefits

This position is benefits-eligible. For more information, visit Rice University HR | Benefits.