Communications Strategist

Rice University · Houston

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The Communications Strategist leads and coordinates communications for Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction (FP&CC), strengthening how the division engages with campus stakeholders, employees, and external partners. Serving as FP&CC’s primary communications partner, this role works closely with divisional leadership, project teams, and university partners to develop clear, timely, and coordinated messaging across the full range of FP&CC’s work, including facilities operations and services, campus planning and design, capital construction, infrastructure, and environmental health and safety.

The Communications Strategist translates complex project, operational, and technical information into accessible, audience-centered communications that help the campus community understand project impacts, service changes, campus improvements, and long-term priorities. Supporting both day-to-day operations and major campus initiatives, the role advances transparency and stakeholder engagement while increasing awareness of FP&CC’s work to create and maintain a safe, functional, sustainable, and innovative campus environment. The position also helps establish consistent and sustainable communications practices that strengthen trust, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness across the university.

The ideal applicant is a highly collaborative, proactive communicator with a strong background in change management and project coordination. They possess the unique ability to translate highly technical concepts in facilities, engineering, and construction into clear, actionable messaging for a broad audience. Successful candidates will demonstrate sound judgment, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the capacity to serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants: All applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application. Please also submit communication portfolio materials, preferably in PDF format, or website links within the resume to ensure proper formatting and review.

Workplace Requirements

This position is designated as a hybrid, essential on-campus role. The position combines on-campus and remote work and requires at least 3 days per week on campus to support collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and operational effectiveness. Additional on-site presence may be required based on business needs, project demands, or departmental priorities. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

As an Essential On-Campus employee, the incumbent must report to campus as directed during emergencies, severe weather events, or other critical situations to support the continuity of university operations. The employee must remain accessible to leadership and available to perform responsibilities necessary to maintain essential institutional functions.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, with a proposed salary range of $80,000 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, internal communications, writing, employee engagement, or other closely related fields

Skills:

• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex engineering, architectural, capital-construction, and operational concepts into clear, concise, and engaging messaging for diverse audiences
• Demonstrated experience developing strategic communications, change-management, and stakeholder-engagement plans that support organizational priorities, operational shifts, capital projects, process improvements, and system implementations
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders, develop executive-level communications, and exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and attention to detail when managing sensitive or high-impact messaging
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to anticipate communication needs, assess stakeholder impacts, and develop effective communication strategies in a dynamic environment
• Knowledge of content strategy, editorial standards, voice-and-tone guidelines, and digital-accessibility best practices, with a commitment to producing inclusive content that meets university standards
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Google Workspace, Google Analytics, and content-creation tools such as Canva

Preferences

• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, internal communications, or a closely related field
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, with a demonstrated ability to provide high-quality written and verbal translation supporting day-to-day facilities operations and team communications
• Experience using content-management systems and communications platforms, including Drupal, Storyblok, HubSpot, SMS communication tools, digital-signage platforms, and intranet solutions
• Experience using collaboration, project-management, and digital-accessibility tools such as Asana and Siteimprove

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Change Communications:

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that align with FP&CC priorities and the broader OF&S cultural and operational transformation
• Design and implement change-management communication plans to support new workflows, operational restructurings (such as the Facilities Support Center transition, Vendor Managed Inventory, and enhanced service-delivery metrics), and technology adoptions (e.g., TRIRIGA/IWMS enhancements)
• Communicate campus-wide impacts associated with major capital-construction projects, infrastructure maintenance, energy management, and campus sustainability/carbon-neutrality goals
• Serve as a strategic advisor to FP&CC leadership, crafting executive messaging, town hall presentations, departmental updates, and thought-leadership content
• Create and manage a centralized communications calendar for FP&CC, ensuring a consistent and intentional cadence of information
• Support urgent, time-sensitive communications regarding campus utility disruptions, weather events, construction-related road closures, or emergency facility maintenance

Team Engagement & Content Development:

• Serve as the primary storyteller for FP&CC, researching and writing compelling content that translates technical projects (architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, capital master planning, and energy infrastructure) into accessible, engaging narratives
• Highlight operational accomplishments across custodial, grounds, maintenance, and project-management teams, showcasing their direct contributions to Rice's mission and strategic plan
• Produce high-quality content across diverse formats, including newsletters, web articles, signage, campus advisories, and video

Digital Platform & Brand Management:

• Manage FP&CC's digital footprint, including the website, digital signage, and email communications, ensuring information is accurate, user-friendly, and timely
• Oversee the visual identity and messaging across FP&CC communications, ensuring strict alignment with Rice University brand standards and OF&S guidelines
• Utilize data, user feedback, and analytics to measure the effectiveness of communications campaigns and service messaging, continually optimizing the approach

Team Dynamics & Collaborative Spirit:

• Act as a versatile resource within FP&CC and the broader OF&S communications team, providing surge support for divisional priorities outside the FP&CC portfolio when needed
• Actively seek opportunities to integrate FP&CC messaging with other OF&S units (such as Technology, Finance, and Public Safety), ensuring a unified divisional voice and breaking down operational silos
• Maintain a continuous-improvement mindset by staying informed on emerging facilities and higher-education communication trends while contributing to a collaborative team culture
• Approach challenges with a team-first attitude, offering support to colleagues and fostering a culture of mutual accountability across the division
• Demonstrate a deep interest in both OF&S and the university's broader ecosystem and seek to understand how communication impacts the Rice community

Additional Functions

• Monitor feedback and engagement to inform the continuous improvement of FP&CC communications
• Stay current on communication trends, tools, and best practices
• Perform all other duties as assigned

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. 

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