Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.To be considered for this position, all supplemental questions must be answered.

Position Summary:

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research is seeking a full-time digital content specialist. The digital content specialist will play a critical role in promoting the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University. The position requires a thorough understanding of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn; knowledge of Adobe Suite; strong writing skills, Google Analytics, and AP style. Successful candidates will understand how to communicate with key stakeholders when creating and updating digital content and search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, marketing objectives, and messaging priorities.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute has five research centers focused on housing, education, public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center is building interdisciplinary teams specializing in solutions-oriented research while using a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity in expertise and prioritizes the community in identifying and addressing some of the most pressing questions and challenges facing Houston to inform decision-making and bring about change in the region.

This is an on-campus position with the opportunity for an optional hybrid work schedule (3/2) within Harris County and surrounding counties. (Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.)

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and salary commensurate with 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, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted.
• 2+ years of related experience with social media management, content writing/editing or related
• Skills
  • Organized and creative
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Familiar with technology, social platforms, current and future trends
  • Ability to take direction and work to meet expected deadlines and schedules
  • Demonstrated team player
  • Strong written, visual and verbal communication skills

Preferences:

• Able to work collaboratively with a wide range of constituents
• Understanding of trends in content strategy and development, user experience, and digital marketing
• Ability to set priorities and manage competing demands
• Experience working in higher education or a strong interest and knowledge of urban issues, politics, and sociology
• Minimum 3 to 5 years writing experience
• Experience in marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and website analytics, digital media and production, email newsletters, web editing (HTML/CSS), and communication
• Multimedia literacy, (e.g. photography, video editing, or audio editing)
• Expertise with digital content production tools including but not limited to WordPress, Google Docs, MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, etc.), MailChimp, and social marketing tools such as Sprout Social and Canva
• Strong interpersonal and project management skills
• Able to work as part of a larger, complex, and evolving team and receive critical feedback

Essential Functions:

• Creates content and messaging for social media channels and maintains social media calendars in support of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University and its centers
• Develops integrated communications plans to meet objectives and to implement the brand strategy for the institute
• Designs and develops graphics and web pages
• Develops content to engage constituents and build the digital community
• Compiles data and reports on social media activity and the effectiveness and impact of messaging
• Acts as internal advocate for digital community efforts, building support for social initiatives among internal stakeholders and driving digital best practices
• Contributes to overall development and refinement of digital community strategy and innovative social initiatives
• Writes, designs, and coordinates the production of digital communication and marketing materials
• Provides customer service to constituents across digital channels
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Supports day-to-day web content management and ensures updates to the website are made in a timely and accurate manner
• Supports email marketing campaigns
• Collaborates on the development of digital assets, including photography and video

Kinder Institute for Urban Research https://kinder.rice.edu/

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

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed 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.