Architecture Writer and Editor

Special Instructions to Applicants:In PDF form, all interested applicants should attach a resume, cover letter, and two (2) writing samples about or related to architecture in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

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, 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. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in how 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 Architectural Writer and Editor researches, conceptualizes, and produces high-quality written and visual content that communicates the work, vision, and impact of the School of Architecture. This role transforms complex architectural and design concepts into accessible, compelling narratives and designs for diverse audiences, including prospective students, alumni, media, and the public. The position works closely with faculty, staff, and leadership to create integrated print and digital communications that elevate the School's profile locally, nationally, and internationally.

The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator with a strong foundation in writing, editing, and design, and a demonstrated ability to translate architectural and design concepts for broad audiences. They will be highly collaborative, detail-oriented, and comfortable working across multiple media formats. A passion for architecture, design culture, and higher education communications is essential.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Salary

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary is $67,000 annually. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or a related field
• 2+ years of experience writing about architecture and/or design for public audiences

Skills: 

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate knowledge of multiple media formats
• Proficiency with Chicago style writing format
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and InDesign
• Understanding of architectural terminology, design culture, and contemporary architectural discourse
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 

Preferences

• Master’s degree
• Experience translating architectural and design concepts into engaging narratives
• Strong visual design skills
• Proficiency with best practices in media archiving, social media strategy, CRM software and newsletter platforms (Mailchimp, Befree, etc.) and Google Workspace applications.

Essential Functions

• Researches, conceptualizes, and writes copy for informational, promotional, and public relations projects to support the initiatives and objectives of the School of Architecture.
• Produces annual communication plan and written content for speeches, brochures, articles, features, press releases, newsletters, web pages, marketing collateral, exhibition texts, and other media that promote the School’s programs, research, and events.
• Provides editorial guidance and collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and leadership to develop communications plans and ensure consistent messaging across platforms.
• Writes and edits marketing and promotional copy in alignment with the School’s brand standards.
• Develops stories highlighting faculty achievements, student projects, research initiatives, alumni accomplishments, exhibitions, and public programs.
• Collaborates with designers, photographers, and videographers to produce integrated print and digital communications.
• Edits copy for accuracy, clarity, style, and effectiveness.
• Maintains an organized archive of communications assets for institutional use.
• Coordinates with the university’s public affairs and media relations teams to maximize visibility and media coverage.

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 contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [email protected] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.