Digital Media Specialist

Special Instructions to Applicants:  All interested applicants should upload a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application. To prevent formatting issues, please submit these documents in PDF format. Additionally, include a link to a sample of your photo or video work.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Digital Media Specialist plays a key role in advancing the unified brand and communications strategy of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences. This position is responsible for planning, producing, and publishing engaging digital content that highlights the school’s achievements, initiatives, and community. Serving as the primary lead for digital media content creation, the specialist crafts compelling stories that strengthen the school’s visibility and reputation.

Working both independently and as part of a team, the specialist develops and implements digital strategies aligned with the school’s priorities. Under general supervision, this position builds and nurtures the school’s digital community by monitoring engagement, responding to audiences, and fostering meaningful connections across platforms.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate is a creative and strategic communicator with proven expertise in digital media production, content strategy, and audience engagement. They possess strong storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific ideas into accessible and inspiring narratives for diverse audiences.

This individual thrives in both independent and collaborative settings, demonstrating adaptability, initiative, and attention to detail. They are technically proficient in digital media tools and bring a proactive approach to solving problems. Above all, the ideal candidate is passionate about elevating the mission and impact of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences through innovative digital storytelling and community engagement.

Workplace Requirements:

This is an on-site position, Monday – Friday during normal business hours. Occasional extended hours during the evenings and/or weekends to report on School events. 

Hiring Range: $60,800 - $75,000. This is an exempt salaried position. 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, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. 
• 2+ years of related experience 
• Skills: 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills 
  • Proficiency in photo and video editing skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Canva, and/or LightRoom
  • Organized and creative
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to take direction and work to meet expected deadlines and schedules Demonstrated team player

Preferences:

• Demonstrated experience translating complex scientific topics into engaging written and digital content
• Familiarity with Rice University and the School of Natural Sciences
• Experience