Energy Policy Communications Specialist
Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
Position Summary
The Center for Energy Studies (CES) at the Baker Institute for Public Policy provides rigorous, data‑driven analysis on markets and policy covering some of the world’s most critical challenges in energy and sustainability. Founded in 1993, the Institute’s strong reputation has brought it to the top of the world rankings among university‑affiliated think tanks, and CES is recognized as a center of excellence after being ranked #1 globally for three consecutive years.
The Energy Policy Communications Specialist will support CES’s communications efforts around flagship reports and high‑priority initiatives. This role collaborates with policy experts, researchers and other CES staff to develop communications strategies, coordinate messaging and disseminate research to key constituencies. The specialist will lead the creation of written and multimedia materials that highlight CES events, research and expert activities, and will coordinate with the Baker Institute Director of Communications to ensure all work follows established team processes, meets editorial standards and remains consistent with broader institute strategies.
Ideal Candidate Statement
Strong writing and digital content development skills
Background in communications, public relations or journalism
Strong interest in public policy and government affairs
Workplace Requirements
This position offers an in‑person work schedule on campus (five days in the office per week). Work arrangements may be subject to change in accordance with Rice policy.
Hiring Range
$60,000 – $70,000 per year. Exempt (salaried) positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree
2+ years of relevant work experience
Skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Good organizational and creative skills
Good analytical and problem‑solving skills
Preferences
At least one year of experience conducting or analyzing qualitative and quantitative research and producing research reports in an academic, political, or policy organization
Experience working as a researcher or policy analyst in a nonpartisan or bipartisan organization
Experience related to entrepreneurship, private enterprise, and/or economic growth
Essential Functions
Participates in a team setting in the development and implementation of communications plans for Baker Institute CES reports and other high‑priority initiatives
Serves as production lead or co‑lead for Baker Institute CES content, such as podcasts and digital publications, as well as various types of social media content
Develops, manages, and executes communications strategies to meet business objectives
Manages goals and objectives in alignment with organizational goals
Manages data and analytics to make informed decisions regarding strategic marketing direction, product segmentation, and customer targeting
Assesses marketing opportunities and tracks communications trends
Works in collaboration with Baker Institute communications staff and, as needed, other institute and university teams
Writes, designs, and coordinates communication on Baker Institute CES programmatic research
Additional Functions
Performs all other duties as assigned
Benefits
Rice University offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Rice University is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu.
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The Center for Energy Studies (CES) at the Baker Institute for Public Policy provides rigorous, data‑driven analysis on markets and policy covering some of the world’s most critical challenges in energy and sustainability. Founded in 1993, the Institute’s strong reputation has brought it to the top of the world rankings among university‑affiliated think tanks, and CES is recognized as a center of excellence after being ranked #1 globally for three consecutive years.
The Energy Policy Communications Specialist will support CES’s communications efforts around flagship reports and high‑priority initiatives. This role collaborates with policy experts, researchers and other CES staff to develop communications strategies, coordinate messaging and disseminate research to key constituencies. The specialist will lead the creation of written and multimedia materials that highlight CES events, research and expert activities, and will coordinate with the Baker Institute Director of Communications to ensure all work follows established team processes, meets editorial standards and remains consistent with broader institute strategies.
Ideal Candidate Statement
Strong writing and digital content development skills
Background in communications, public relations or journalism
Strong interest in public policy and government affairs
Workplace Requirements
This position offers an in‑person work schedule on campus (five days in the office per week). Work arrangements may be subject to change in accordance with Rice policy.
Hiring Range
$60,000 – $70,000 per year. Exempt (salaried) positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree
2+ years of relevant work experience
Skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Good organizational and creative skills
Good analytical and problem‑solving skills
Preferences
At least one year of experience conducting or analyzing qualitative and quantitative research and producing research reports in an academic, political, or policy organization
Experience working as a researcher or policy analyst in a nonpartisan or bipartisan organization
Experience related to entrepreneurship, private enterprise, and/or economic growth
Essential Functions
Participates in a team setting in the development and implementation of communications plans for Baker Institute CES reports and other high‑priority initiatives
Serves as production lead or co‑lead for Baker Institute CES content, such as podcasts and digital publications, as well as various types of social media content
Develops, manages, and executes communications strategies to meet business objectives
Manages goals and objectives in alignment with organizational goals
Manages data and analytics to make informed decisions regarding strategic marketing direction, product segmentation, and customer targeting
Assesses marketing opportunities and tracks communications trends
Works in collaboration with Baker Institute communications staff and, as needed, other institute and university teams
Writes, designs, and coordinates communication on Baker Institute CES programmatic research
Additional Functions
Performs all other duties as assigned
Benefits
Rice University offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Rice University is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr