Communications and Marketing Specialist I

Special Instructions to Applicants
All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format.

Candidates are also asked to write a sample social media post inviting students to attend a library-sponsored study break featuring therapy dogs.

About Rice
Boasting a 300‑acre, tree‑lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student‑to‑faculty ratio and a residential college system that supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close‑knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name – RICE – Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary
The Fondren Library Communications and Marketing Specialist helps promote library services, programs, and events. Under the guidance of senior management, this position works on the development and implementation of communication and marketing activities, enabling programs, services, events, and/or products to meet organizational objectives.

The Communications Specialist supports the library’s outreach, engagement, and marketing efforts through strategic communications, storytelling, and event promotion. This position is responsible for creating compelling written content for newsletters, annual reports, social media, and marketing materials while helping promote library programs, services, and initiatives to a wide range of audiences. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working in a higher education setting supporting communication initiatives.

Workplace Location
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in‑office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. The successful candidate may work remotely occasionally but must remain flexible in order to attend library events, take photos, and assist with events. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range
This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible position with a proposed hiring range of $56,000 - $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree

1 or more years of experience in a communications position writing newsletters, social media, or marketing campaigns

In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year‑for‑year basis

Skills

Strong communication skills, both oral and written

Organizational and creative skills

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, or similar communication tools

Strong editing and proofreading skills

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

Preferences

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, public relations, or a related field

2+ years of experience in a communications position

Interest in libraries, higher education, or nonprofit communications preferred

Collaborative and adaptable team member

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences

Enthusiasm for promoting the mission and impact of libraries

Essential Functions

Write and edit content for library newsletters and promotional materials

Collaborate with library staff to gather stories, highlights, statistics, and accomplishments for use in newsletters, the annual report, and social media posts

Coordinate the development and production of the library’s annual report

Assist with marketing and promotion of library events, programs, exhibits, and initiatives

Participate in the development of digital communication and brand strategy for a program, department, or unit

Assist with event planning as needed to support marketing objectives

Recommend integrated communications and/or marketing plans to meet objectives

Assist in building and/or maintaining a digital community through social media channels, blogs, and the web

Assist with photography, graphics, and digital content as needed

Provide customer service to constituents across digital channels

Compile data, analyze, and report metrics

Perform all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

The Communications Specialist will also collaborate with library staff to create and schedule content for the library’s social media platforms as needed

Rice University HR
Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: https://rice.edu/about/mission-values

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. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

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