Mid Level Technical Communications Specialist Jobs

INTRODUCTION

The Communications Strategist leads and coordinates communications for Technology Solutions & Services (TS&S) within the Division of Operations, Finance, & Support (OF&S), strengthening the division's engagement with faculty, researchers, staff, students, and campus stakeholders. Serving as TS&S’s primary communications partner, this role collaborates closely with divisional leadership, technical teams, and university partners to develop clear, timely, and coordinated messaging across the full range of TS&S priorities, including enterprise architecture, cybersecurity and digital trust, high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud infrastructure, and core IT services.

Serving as a bridge between complex technological advancements and the people they impact, the Communications Strategist translates technical concepts, operational changes, and system updates into accessible, audience-centered communications. Supporting both day-to-day operations, such as urgent incident communications and service advisories, and major strategic initiatives across the broader OF&S digital transformation, the role drives technology adoption, user confidence, and digital trust. The position also establishes consistent, sustainable communication practices that enhance transparency, break down operational silos, and highlight TS&S’s vital role in advancing Rice University’s academic, research, and administrative mission.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, strategic communicator with the ability to translate complex technical concepts, such as enterprise systems, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and High-Performance Computing (HPC), into clear, engaging messaging for the campus community. They bring sound judgment and structure to communications, serving as a trusted advisor to technical leaders while guiding stakeholders through organizational change and technology adoption. Highly collaborative and curious, this individual brings a team-first attitude to navigating evolving priorities, breaking down operational silos, and building trust across a decentralized institution.

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. This position requires a minimum of three days on campus each week. Additional on-site presence may be necessary based on job responsibilities and operational needs. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, with a proposed salary range of $85,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, writing, employee engagement, or other closely related field

Skills:

• Strong writing skills that demonstrate the ability to translate complex technological subjects into concise, accurate, and engaging content. Interest or experience in emerging tech (AI, HPC) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in change management communications, helping organizations navigate transitions and adopt new behaviors with empathy.
• The confidence and skill to advise senior leaders and draft high-stakes communications on their behalf.
• A self-starter who thrives in evolving environments and can anticipate future trends to formulate actionable communication strategies.
• An eye for detail that ensures every message is polished, accurate, and aligned with Rice’s mission and ethical standards.
• Commitment to digital accessibility, ensuring all content is inclusive and meets university standards.

PREFERENCES

• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, internal communications, or a closely related field
• Experience using content-management systems and communications platforms (CMS), including Drupal, Storyblok, HubSpot, SMS communication tools, digital-signage platforms, and intranet solutions
• Experience with collaboration and digital accessibility tools (e.g., Asana, Siteimprove).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google products (e.g., SharePoint, Google Analytics).
• Proficiency with basic graphic or content tools (e.g., Canva).
• Experience supporting content standards, including voice, tone, and style guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Strategic Leadership & Change Communications:
  • Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that align with TS&S goals and the broader OF&S cultural and digital transformation.
  • Design and implement change management communication plans to support the adoption of new technologies, organizational structures, and operational models.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to TS&S leadership, crafting executive messaging, town hall presentations, and thought-leadership content.
  • Create and manage a centralized communications calendar for TS&S, ensuring a consistent and intentional cadence of information.
  • Support urgent communications regarding system outages or security updates, ensuring clear and timely messaging during high-pressure situations.
• Technology Translation & Content Development:
  • Serve as the primary storyteller for TS&S, researching and writing compelling copy that translates complex topics (e.g., AI, HPC, and cybersecurity) into accessible, layperson’s terms.
  • Produce high-quality content across diverse formats, including newsletters, articles, social media, and video.
  • Interview subject matter experts (engineers, developers, and researchers) to extract and highlight achievements that showcase TS&S’s contribution to Rice’s mission and strategic plan.
  • Partner with students, faculty, staff and researchers to understand their unique technical needs and craft stories that highlight how TS&S supports the academic mission.
• Digital Platform & Brand Management:
  • Manage the TS&S digital footprint, including the website, social media accounts, and email marketing platforms, ensuring content is accurate, timely, and user-centric.
  • Oversee the visual identity of TS&S communications, ensuring strict alignment with Rice University brand standards and OF&S division guidelines.
  • Utilize data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of communication campaigns, adjusting tactics to improve stakeholder engagement.
• Team Dynamics & Collaborative Spirit:
  • Act as a versatile resource within the OF&S communications team, providing surge support for divisional priorities outside of the TS&S portfolio when needed.
  • Actively seek out opportunities to integrate TS&S messaging with other OF&S units, ensuring a unified divisional voice and breaking down information silos.
  • Maintain a "continuous improvement" mindset by staying current on emerging communication trends while being equally willing to share expertise and learn from fellow team members.
  • Approach challenges with a team-first attitude, offering assistance to colleagues during projects and contributing to a culture of mutual accountability.
  • Demonstrate a deep interest in both the OF&S and the university’s broader ecosystem and seek to understand how communication impacts the Rice community.

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

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 contact 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.