Media Relations Specialist

Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy

Media Relations Specialist for engineering and computing writing and promoting news releases and media advisories at Rice University. Cultivating relationships with faculty and staff for compelling storytelling.

Posted 6/27/2026full-timeHouston • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Writes and promotes Rice news releases, news stories, media advisories and faculty subject matter expert alerts for media outlets.
Cultivates relationships with faculty, staff, students and other sources to generate compelling stories and expert commentary.
Proactively pitches stories, research, expertise and news tips about Rice to reporters, editors and producers.
Responds to media requests and identifies and maintains professional relationships with key media and community leaders.
Uses social media to support and promote Rice’s external media efforts.
Tracks and reports media placements.
Assists with the department’s editing needs.
Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.
Three or more (3+) years of related professional experience in journalism, public relations or STEM-related field.
Able to write concisely and accurately explain complex STEM subjects in a way that makes them interesting and informative to news media personnel and understandable to laypersons.
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 and students.
Able to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision, adhering to priorities and meeting deadlines.
Strong knowledge of Associated Press style.
Strong computer skills, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Social media skills.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible work arrangements
Professional development opportunities

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

journalismpublic relationsSTEM communicationwritingeditingmedia relationsstory pitchingmedia trackingAP style

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillsdeadline managementproject coordinationcommunicationrelationship building

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree