Communications Strategist

Rice University•Houston, TX

4d•$80,000 - $90,000•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, coordinated messaging across facilities operations and services, campus planning and design, capital construction, infrastructure, and environmental health and safety. The position translates complex technical, project, and operational information into accessible, audience-centered communications about project impacts, service changes, campus improvements, and long-term priorities. It supports day-to-day operations and major campus initiatives, advances transparency and stakeholder engagement, and increases awareness of FP&CC’s work to create and maintain a safe, functional, sustainable, and innovative campus environment. The role also establishes consistent communications practices that strengthen trust, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness. The position is hybrid and essential on-campus, requiring at least three days per week on campus. Additional on-site presence may be required based on business needs, project demands, or departmental priorities. The incumbent must report to campus as directed during emergencies, severe weather, or other critical situations and remain accessible to leadership to support essential university operations. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position with a proposed annual salary range of $80,000 to $90,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Applicants must submit a current resume and cover letter and provide communication portfolio materials, preferably as a PDF or website links included in the resume.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or additional related experience beyond 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 translate complex engineering, architectural, construction, and operational concepts for diverse audiences.
Experience developing strategic communications, change-management, and stakeholder-engagement plans supporting organizational priorities, operational changes, capital projects, process improvements, and system implementations.
Ability to advise senior leaders, develop executive-level communications, and exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and attention to detail with sensitive or high-impact messaging.
Self-motivation and proactivity, including the ability to anticipate communication 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 and university standards.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Google Workspace, Google Analytics, and content-creation tools such as Canva.
Ability to report to campus at least three days per week and to report on campus as directed during emergencies, severe weather, or other critical situations.
Applicants must provide a current resume, cover letter, and communication portfolio materials or portfolio links.

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, including 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, process changes, and technology adoptions.
Communicate campus-wide impacts of capital-construction projects, infrastructure maintenance, energy management, and campus sustainability and carbon-neutrality goals.
Advise FP&CC leadership and create executive messaging, town hall presentations, departmental updates, and thought-leadership content.
Create and manage a centralized FP&CC communications calendar.
Support urgent communications about campus utility disruptions, weather events, construction-related road closures, and emergency facility maintenance.
Research and write accessible, engaging content about technical projects and FP&CC work.
Highlight accomplishments across custodial, grounds, maintenance, and project-management teams.
Produce content in formats including newsletters, web articles, signage, campus advisories, and video.
Manage FP&CC’s website, digital signage, and email communications, ensuring information is accurate, user-friendly, and timely.
Oversee visual identity and messaging across FP&CC communications in alignment with Rice University brand standards and OF&S guidelines.
Use data, feedback, and analytics to measure communication effectiveness and optimize 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 promote a unified divisional voice.
Monitor feedback and engagement to improve FP&CC communications; stay current on communication trends, tools, and best practices; and perform other duties as assigned.
Contribute to a collaborative team culture, support colleagues, and foster mutual accountability across the division.