Web Content Specialist

Special Instructions to Applicants:
All interested applicants should attach a resume and a link to digital portfolio in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.  Portfolios should include a code repository (e.g., GitHub, CodePen, or similar platforms) showcasing actual projects you have developed or contributed to, demonstrating your technical skills and experience. 

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. 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 Office of Public Affairs is seeking a part-time Web Content Specialist to support ongoing website content maintenance and light front-end development within a Drupal CMS environment. This role is ideal for someone with a solid foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript who is comfortable managing web content and ensuring accessibility and quality standards.
This position will also contribute to content cleanup and preparation efforts in advance of a broader website redesign and re-platforming initiative, supporting the transition from Drupal to a headless/composable CMS.

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, preferred on-site two days per week.  Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. 20-25 hours per week (approximately 3 days a week).

Temporary, part-time, project-based role, with an expected duration of 3 months.

Hiring Range:  $35–$40 per hour based on experience

*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• 1+ years of experience in front-end web content development or a similar role

• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and basic jQuery

• Experience working with a CMS (Drupal preferred)

• General knowledge of WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards

• Familiarity with web governance or quality assurance tools (Siteimprove preferred)

• Experience using project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar)

• Ability to follow directions, manage assigned tasks, and work collaboratively within a structured team environment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple updates timely and efficiently

Preferences:

• 3 years of experience in front-end web content development or a similar role

• Experience in higher education or institutional web environments

• Exposure to modern front-end technologies such as Astro, React, or similar frameworks

• Familiarity with CSS frameworks (e.g., Tailwind CSS)

• Familiarity with headless CMS platforms or modern web architectures

• Familiarity with SEO and analytics tools

• Understanding of content strategy or web governance principles

Essential Functions:

• Maintain and update website content within Drupal CMS

• Perform light front-end development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

• Ensure content adheres to WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards and best practices

• Monitor and improve site quality using web governance tools (e.g., Siteimprove)

• Track and manage tasks using project management software (Asana preferred)

• Collaborate with team members to prioritize and complete work assignments

• Follow directions from the director and lead developer to execute content and development tasks

• Assist with troubleshooting minor layout or functionality issues

• Support general website governance, consistency, and optimization efforts

• Assist with content cleanup, organization, and QA to support future migration to a headless/composable CMS

• Adapt to evolving workflows and tools as needed

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 Human Resources Office via email at [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.