Senior Editor & Writer, Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Senior Editor/Writer

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) at Rice University seeks a full-time Senior Editor/Writer to support the editorial development and production of the institute's research publications, including policy briefs, reports, and collateral materials. This position is part of the External Affairs Division and works collaboratively across research centers to ensure content is accurate, clear, consistent, and aligned with the institute's strategic priorities. The role also contributes original written content for the institute's blog, The Urban Edge, and other communication platforms as needed.
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. The five centers research housing, education, community and public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center has a distinct research focus while collaborating across the institute on interdisciplinary, solutions-oriented research. The centers use a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity of expertise and prioritizes community involvement in identifying and addressing the most pressing questions and challenges facing Greater Houston. We strive to have our research inform decision-making and drive systemic change.
The ideal candidate is an experienced editor and writer, possesses strong interpersonal skills, and can build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
Workplace Requirements:
Occasional travel
Periodic evening and/or weekend work as needed
Workplace Location:
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration (3 days in-office/2 days remote). Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range:
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the hiring salary is $86,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience and skills. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field
3+ years of experience in editing and writing, preferably in research, policy, nonprofit, higher education, or think tank environments
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
Essential Functions:
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 that extend across organizational levels and to external audiences
Partners with the Senior Editor in evaluating workflow and resources and makes recommendations
May supervise staff
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions:
Develops original written content for The Urban Edge and other institute communication platforms as needed
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
Performs all other duties as assigned.