Director, Publications and Podcast

Role summary

Director, Publications and Podcast is a full-time role at Rice University in Houston, Texas, United States (hybrid). Posted 2026-10-22. Experience level: 5-10.

Job title

Director, Publications and Podcast

Company

Rice University

Location

Houston, Texas, United States

Work arrangement

hybrid

Employment type

full-time

Category

Software Engineering

Experience level

5-10

Date posted

2026-10-22

Job description

Position Summary:

Rice University seeks an accomplished, creative, and strategic 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 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 Director will 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 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 your cover letter and resume as one PDF file and two writing samples as a second PDF file, attaching both PDF files in the document section of the application materials. You may also submit links for the writing samples.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate will see 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 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.

Four 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 a 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 with emerging approaches to multimedia and AI-assisted content development.

Experience building editorial brands and growing audiences across multiple platforms.

Essential Functions:

Editorial Strategy and Leadership

Develop and lead a cohesive editorial strategy for Rice’s flagship editorial platforms, ensuring that content reflects the university’s priorities, distinctive identity, and institutional voice, with the ability to connect individual stories to broader institutional goals and narratives.

Serve as the senior editorial leader for Rice Magazine , Rice Research Review , and the university podcast, maintaining high standards for journalism, storytelling, accuracy, creativity, and production quality.

Establish an editorial vision that connects individual stories and issues to larger narratives about Rice’s role in higher education, research, and society.

Demonstrate genuine curiosity and interest in people, ideas, discovery, and the world of higher education and research.

Identify emerging topics, voices, trends, and opportunities that can strengthen Rice’s reputation and distinguish its storytelling from that of peer institutions.

Develop annual and long-term editorial calendars in collaboration with Public Affairs colleagues and university leadership.

Ensure content reac