Senior Editor, Writer

Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy

Senior Editor/Writer supporting the editorial development and production of research publications at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research. Collaborating across research centers to ensure content quality and consistency.

Posted 7/31/2026full-timeHouston • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $86,000 - $90,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates advanced editorial and writing skills, with expertise in managing complex editorial and publication processes. Proficient in synthesizing information for diverse audiences while maintaining high editorial standards and collaborating effectively with stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Advanced Editorial SkillsContent DevelopmentProject ManagementStakeholder CollaborationMicrosoft Office Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

EditingWritingContent SynthesisPublication ManagementResearch Communication

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsSound JudgmentDiscretionCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeAP StylebookAPA Style

Industry Keywords

NonprofitHigher EducationThink TankPolicy BriefsResearch Publications

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the editorial development and production of the institute's research publications, including policy briefs, reports, and collateral materials
Contribute original written content for the institute's blog, The Urban Edge, and other communication platforms as needed
Ensure content is accurate, clear, consistent, and aligned with the institute’s strategic priorities
Make decisions on proposed changes and amendments to communications and publications
Support the distribution of publications, including research reports, briefs, one-pagers, and related materials
Ensure that information included in publications follows policies and best practices
Maintain high-level interactions with internal stakeholders to promote departmental goals and strategies
Manage, support, and promote editorial and production processes that extend across organizational levels and to external audiences
Partner with the Senior Editor in evaluating workflow and resources and make recommendations
May supervise staff
Develop original written content for The Urban Edge and other institute communication platforms as needed
Collaborate with research and communications staff to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of published materials
Assist with maintaining editorial standards and publication schedules across multiple research centers
Support special communications and publication projects as assigned
Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field
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.
3+ years of experience in editing and writing, preferably in research, policy, nonprofit, higher education, or think tank environments
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Demonstrated ability to oversee all aspects of the editorial and publication process, from manuscript development through final production
Advanced editorial and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex material from multiple sources into clear, audience-appropriate content
Demonstrated ability to determine effective editorial and publication approaches for a variety of formats and audiences
Extensive experience managing and coordinating complex editorial and publication projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing deadlines
Expert-level proficiency with job-related tools and applications, including Microsoft Office and the AP Stylebook; familiarity with APA style is preferred
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in evaluating the implications of information released to internal and external audiences
Strong interpersonal and project management skills, with the ability to work effectively across functional teams

Benefits

Comp & perks

Occasional travel
Periodic evening and/or weekend work as needed