Communications Strategist

Rice University•Houston, TX

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Strategist leads and coordinates communications for Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction (FP&CC), serving as its primary communications partner. The role works with divisional leadership, project teams, and university partners to develop clear, timely, and coordinated messaging about facilities operations and services, campus planning and design, capital construction, infrastructure, and environmental health and safety. It translates complex technical and operational information into accessible, audience-centered communications that explain project impacts, service changes, campus improvements, and long-term priorities. Supporting daily operations and major campus initiatives, the position advances transparency and stakeholder engagement, raises awareness of FP&CC’s contributions to a safe, functional, sustainable, and innovative campus, and helps establish consistent, sustainable communications practices. The strategist also advises FP&CC leadership, supports change management and project coordination, and manages the division’s digital presence and communications content. This is a hybrid, essential on-campus role requiring at least three days per week on campus, with additional on-site presence as business needs require. The employee must report to campus when directed during emergencies or other critical situations. It is a full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt salaried position with a proposed annual salary range of $80,000 to $90,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or additional related experience above the required amount substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, internal communications, writing, employee engagement, or a closely related field.
Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex engineering, architectural, capital-construction, and operational concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated experience developing strategic communications, change-management, and stakeholder-engagement plans supporting organizational priorities, operational shifts, capital projects, process improvements, and system implementations.
Ability to advise senior leaders, develop executive-level communications, and use sound judgment, diplomacy, and attention to detail when managing sensitive or high-impact messaging.
Self-motivation and proactivity, including the ability to anticipate communications needs, assess stakeholder impacts, and develop strategies in a dynamic environment.
Knowledge of content strategy, editorial standards, voice-and-tone guidelines, and digital-accessibility best practices, with a commitment to inclusive content that meets university standards.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Google Workspace, Google Analytics, and content-creation tools such as Canva.
Ability to meet the hybrid on-campus requirement of at least 3 days per week and report to campus as directed during emergencies or critical situations.
Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter and submit communications portfolio materials, preferably in PDF format, or include website links in the resume.

Nice To Haves

5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, internal communications, or a closely related field.
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, with demonstrated ability to provide high-quality written and verbal translation for facilities operations and team communications.
Experience with content-management systems and communications platforms such as Drupal, Storyblok, HubSpot, SMS communication tools, digital-signage platforms, and intranet solutions.
Experience with collaboration, project-management, and digital-accessibility tools such as Asana and Siteimprove.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute communications strategies aligned with FP&CC priorities and the broader OF&S cultural and operational transformation.
Design and implement change-management communications for new workflows, operational restructurings, and technology adoptions.
Communicate campus-wide impacts of capital construction, infrastructure maintenance, energy management, and campus sustainability and carbon-neutrality goals.
Advise FP&CC leadership and prepare executive messaging, town hall presentations, departmental updates, and thought-leadership content.
Create and manage a centralized FP&CC communications calendar.
Support urgent communications about utility disruptions, weather events, construction-related road closures, and emergency facility maintenance.
Research and write accessible stories about technical projects, including architecture, engineering, capital master planning, and energy infrastructure.
Highlight accomplishments and contributions of custodial, grounds, maintenance, and project-management teams.
Produce communications in formats such as newsletters, web articles, signage, campus advisories, and video.
Manage FP&CC’s website, digital signage, and email communications, ensuring content is accurate, user-friendly, and timely.
Oversee FP&CC communications’ visual identity and messaging in alignment with Rice University brand standards and OF&S guidelines.
Use data, user feedback, and analytics to measure communications effectiveness and improve campaigns and service messaging.
Provide surge support for divisional priorities outside the FP&CC portfolio when needed.
Coordinate FP&CC messaging with other OF&S units, including Technology, Finance, and Public Safety, to support a unified divisional voice.
Monitor audience feedback and engagement and use it to continuously improve communications.
Stay current on communication trends, tools, and best practices, and contribute to a collaborative team culture.
Perform other duties as assigned.