About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's 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 Rice's 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 University's 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 world's top university-affiliated think tanks.

Position Summary:
The Baker Institute's Communications team supports this mission by amplifying the Institute's policy research and public programming for industry leaders, media, and policymakers. The team develops and executes the Institute's 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 Institute's 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 Institute's flagship policy podcast, Baker Briefing, and oversees podcast and audio programming efforts across the Institute.

In addition to serving as the Institute's podcast lead, the Policy Communications Manager supports integrated communications efforts for flagship reports and other high-priority 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 high-impact 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 Institute's 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 subject-matter 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: $60, 000-$69, 900 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's 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 problem-solving abilities
  • Interest in public policy, government affairs, and current events

Essential Functions:

• Serves as lead producer and editor for the Baker Institute's 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 subject-matter experts
• Drives the development and implementation of integrated communications plans for flagship reports and other high-priority 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 department's 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: 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 get in touch with 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.