Policy Communications Manager

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston Texas Rice University is ranked among the nations 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 which supports students intellectually emotionally and culturally through social events intramural sports student plays lectures 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 Rices 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.

About The Baker Institute:

Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy provides rigorous policy analysis on the most critical challenges facing Texas the U.S. and the world. Located on the campus of Rice University the Baker Institute is home to more than 200 leading experts from academia the private sector and government. Its longstanding reputation for excellence has consistently placed the Institute among the worlds top university-affiliated think tanks.

Position Summary:
The Baker Institutes Communications team supports this mission by amplifying the Institutes policy research and public programming for industry leaders media and policymakers. The team develops and executes the Institutes overarching outreach strategy while providing tailored communications guidance to its researchers fellows and centers to maximize the reach and impact of their work.

The Policy Communications Manager plays a critical role in translating the Baker Institutes policy research and expert analysis into accessible engaging content for policymakers media and the public. Reporting to the Baker Institute Director of Communications this position leads the production and strategic direction of the Baker Institutes flagship policy podcast Baker Briefing and oversees podcast and audio programming efforts across the Institute.

In addition to serving as the Institutes podcast lead the Policy Communications Manager supports integrated communications efforts for flagship reports and other highpriority initiatives. This role works in close partnership with policy experts and researchers across a wide range of issue areas to develop communications plans that align messaging produce highimpact written and multimedia content and ensure targeted dissemination. As a key member of the Communications team this position ensures that all work follows established processes and meets the Baker Institutes rigorous editorial and quality standards.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong editorial judgment excellent writing and digital storytelling skills the ability to quickly develop subjectmatter familiarity across diverse public policy topics and the capacity to work independently while managing complex projects.

Workplace Requirements:
This position offers a flexible work schedule (minimum of one day per week in the office).Per Rice policy 440 work arrangements may be subject to change.

Proposed Hiring Range: $60000$69900 per year commensurate with qualifications and experience.

*Exempt (salaried) positions underFLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in communications journalism public relations or a related field

• Skills:

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Demonstrated organizational project management and creative skills

  • Strong analytical and problemsolving abilities

  • Interest in public policy government affairs and current events

Essential Functions:

• Serves as lead producer and editor for the Baker Institutes flagship podcast Baker Briefing overseeing episode development production schedules editorial quality and distribution strategy

• Leads and coordinates podcast and audio programming efforts for the Baker Institute Podcast Network including collaboration with centers programs and subjectmatter experts

• Drives the development and implementation of integrated communications plans for flagship reports and other highpriority initiatives

• Writes edits and coordinates the production of communications materials on research and public policy topics including podcast scripts executive summaries policy briefs and multimedia content

• Develops manages and executes integrated marketing and outreach strategies to expand the reach and impact of Institute research and programming

• Works collaboratively with Institute administrative teams and relevant Rice University departments including Government Relations and Public Affairs

• Manages data and analytics related to podcast performance audience engagement and communications outcomes to inform strategic direction

• Serves as a member of the Communications departments managerial team coordinating closely with the Director of Communications and colleagues in editorial and digital communications to align priorities ensure consistent messaging and support integrated planning

Additional Functions:

• Manages program budgets goals and objectives assigned by the Director of Communications

• Assesses emerging communications and media trends particularly in audio and digital storytelling

• Performs other duties as assigned

Rice University HR Benefits: 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 get in touch with Rice Universitys Human Resources Office via email at for support.

If you have any additional questions please email us at Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.