People Communications Strategist

Special Instructions to

Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

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 that supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture 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. These 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 People Communications Strategist is responsible for strengthening how Human Resources shares information with the campus community and external stakeholders. This role develops and delivers clear, coordinated, and engaging communications that support HR programs, services, and priorities, ensuring messaging is timely, accurate, and aligned across HR functional areas. Serving as a central connector within HR, the People Communications Strategist partners closely with HR leaders and teams to translate complex information into accessible, audience-centered communications. The role supports both ongoing HR operations and major initiatives — including the HR Transformation — while building sustainable communication practices that improve understanding, trust, and engagement over time.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is a strategic communicator and skilled storyteller who thrives in complex, people-centered environments. They bring strong judgment, creativity, and structure to communications, helping organizations translate nuanced information into clear, engaging, and actionable messages. This individual is collaborative, proactive, and comfortable navigating ambiguity, with the ability to support large initiatives while also improving everyday communication practices. Experience supporting internal communications, organizational initiatives, or HR-related messaging is strongly valued.

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.

Essential Remote:

This role is classified as an Essential Remote Position. During declared emergencies or crisis events, the incumbent is required to continue duties remotely to ensure business continuity. Employees in this role must remain accessible to leadership, support critical departmental functions, and maintain operations until normal on-site activities resume.

Hiring Range:

$85,000 - $90,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience •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. 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, internal communications, or a closely related field.

Skills:

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively Strategic communication planning skills, including experience aligning messaging across multiple stakeholders or functional areas Excellent storytelling, editing, and content development capabilities Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines Creative thinking and problem-solving skills High attention to detail and accuracy Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and collaborate across teams Proficiency with digital communication tools and content management systems

Preferences:

5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, internal communications, or a closely related field Experience supporting internal or organizational communications within Human Resources or a similarly complex organization Experience supporting large-scale initiatives, service changes, or organizational transformation through communications Experience in higher education or a decentralized organizational environment Familiarity with change communication or employee engagement practices

Essential Functions:

Strategic HR Communications Develop and manage a cohesive HR communication strategy that strengthens information flow and ensures consistent, timely messaging across HR functional areas Coordinate communication timing, messaging, and channels to reduce duplication, minimize confusion, and enhance clarity for campus audiences Serve as a communication advisor to HR leadership and functional teams on messaging, tone, and delivery Content Development & Storytelling Research, write, edit, and produce HR communications, including announcements, newsletters, web content, toolkits, FAQs, presentations, and leadership messages Translate complex policies, programs, and initiatives into accessible, audience-centered communications Ensure communications are accurate, engaging, and aligned with university brand and style standards Digital & Website Content Management Design, update, and maintain HR website content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with evolving services and priorities Partner with campus stakeholders to continuously improve content usability and organization Initiative & Change Communications Support communications for major HR initiatives, including the multi-year HR Transformation, by developing clear messaging, phased communications, and supporting materials Create communication tools such as FAQs, timelines, and resource guides to support understanding and adoption of new services or processes Ensure initiative-related communications are integrated into broader HR messaging and sustained beyond the initial rollout Collaboration & Guidance Partner with HR functional areas to plan, coordinate, and improve communications Provide guidance and best practices to HR colleagues to support consistent and effective communication practices Collaborate with campus communications partners as appropriate

Additional Functions:

Monitor feedback and engagement to inform continuous improvement of HR communications Stay current on communication trends, tools, and best practices Perform all other duties as assigned Rice University HR |

Benefits:

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values:

Mission and Values | Rice University Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support. If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.