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Position Summary
The multimedia journalist (MMJ)/media relations specialist assembles and promotes Rice University news releases, news stories, media advisories, expert alerts, photography and videography for local and national media outlets and public engagement for his/her assigned beats. In particular, the MMJ/specialist will have responsibility for sharing the university's world-class research, scholarship, programs and events in the humanities and the arts. The MMJ/specialist has the capacity to communicate and synthesize complex materials and package highly technical information in an easily understandable manner through writing, social media, photography and video. As needed, the person in this position serves as a backup for the news and media director as needed. The candidate will have a successful track record in journalism or media relations, managing tight deadlines, proactively pitching stories and creating meaningful work on a routine basis. The position requires a thoughtful, organized and results-oriented professional, accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment.

Salary

Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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.
• Two years of related professional experience in journalism or public relations.
• Skills
  • Able to write concisely and accurately explain complex subjects in a way that makes them interesting and informative to news media personnel and understandable to laypersons.
  • Strong social media skills.
  • Basic photography and videography skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Able to work in a deadline-driven, results-oriented environment with media and public relations professionals and with a wide variety of clients, including Rice faculty, administrators, staff and students.
  • Able to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision, adhering to priorities and meeting deadlines.
  • Knowledge of Associated Press style.
  • Strong computer skills.

Essential Functions

• Conveys complex subject matter in an engaging and easy-to-understand style by writing news releases, media advisories, expert alerts and stories for Rice News, Rice Magazine and other printed and digital communication, as well as posting stories, photos and video online.
• Cultivates faculty, staff, students and other sources for stories and expert commentary.
• Proactively pitches stories, research, expertise and news tips about Rice to reporters, editors and producers.
• Responds to media requests.
• Uses social media to promote Rice's external media efforts.
• Tracks and reports media placements.
• Assists in researching and maintaining Rice's media database.
• Assists with editing as necessary.
• Serves as backup for other team members as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Other information

The multimedia journalist/media relations specialist often deals with after-hour calls and emails to help meet media needs and deadlines.

Preferences

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, English, liberal arts, communications or related field.
• Five years of related professional experience in journalism or public relations.

Rice University HR | Benefits

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as full course COVID-19 Vaccine, typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J and a COVID-19 booster). Rice does not require documentation for COVID 19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies