Senior Director, Publications and Podcast

Position Summary:
Rice University seeks an accomplished, creative, and strategic Senior Director of Publications and Podcast to lead the university’s editorial storytelling across its flagship publications and emerging media platforms.
Reporting to the Office of Public Affairs, the Senior Director of Publications and Podcast will oversee the editorial vision, strategy, and production of Rice Magazine, Rice Research Review, and a new university podcast, creating compelling content that advances Rice’s reputation as a leading research university and communicates the people, ideas, discoveries, and impact that define the institution.
This is a senior editorial position for an exceptional storyteller and editorial strategist who understands how to translate complex ideas and institutional priorities into engaging journalism for sophisticated audiences. The Senior Director will manage staff and work across the university to identify and develop stories that showcase Rice’s distinctive strengths in research, education, innovation, student achievement, faculty excellence, entrepreneurship, community impact, and global engagement.
Rice is at an important moment in its evolution as a leading research university. The Senior Director of Publications and Podcast will have an opportunity to define how the university tells that story across disciplines, platforms, and audiences.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicants are required to submit three writing samples. Please save the cover letter and resume as one PDF file and the two writing samples as one PDF file, and attach both PDF files in the Supporting Documents section of the application. You may also submit links to the writing samples.
Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate views editorial content as a key way to shape conversations, illuminate discovery, elevate voices, and demonstrate Rice’s impact in Houston, across the United States, and around the world. The successful candidate will bring strong editorial judgment, a sophisticated understanding of audience and voice, and the ability to lead both people and projects from concept through publication and distribution. The Senior Director will also help Rice evolve its editorial content strategy as audiences increasingly engage with journalism through digital, audio, social, and other emerging platforms.
Workplace Requirements:
Hybrid position: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
This position is based at Rice University in Houston, Texas, and requires regular collaboration with colleagues across campus. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for major university events, interviews, recordings, or publication deadlines.
Hiring Range: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Writing, 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.
5+ years of progressively responsible editorial, journalism, or communications experience, including experience leading a publication, editorial operation, or major content portfolio
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce and refine sophisticated narrative journalism
Proven experience developing and executing editorial strategy
Demonstrated ability to translate complex subjects into compelling stories for broad audiences
Experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, and contributors simultaneously
Strong editorial judgment and a commitment to accuracy, fairness, clarity, and high-quality storytelling
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, subject-matter experts, and creative professionals
Preferences:
Six or more years of progressively responsible editorial, journalism, or communications experience
Experience working in higher education, research, science, technology, or another complex institutional environment
Experience leading a magazine or other high-quality editorial publication
Experience with podcast development, production, and/or audio storytelling
Experience managing staff writers, editors, freelancers, and creative vendors
Experience using audience analytics and digital publishing tools to inform editorial strategy
Familiarity wit

Work arrangement
Hybrid