Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume or curriculum vitae in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues. Position Summary The Shepherd School of Music, one of the nation's leading music schools, is seeking a Digital Communications Manager to raise awareness of its students and distinguished alumni, faculty members, performance activities, programs, and enrollment efforts. The Digital Communications Manager serves as the primary staff member responsible for planning, producing, publishing, and measuring the performance of content on social media platforms, its website, and through email communications. The position tracks metrics, identifies trends, recommends responses, and devises digital communications strategies to address assigned topics. The Digital Communications Manager collaborates with constituents of the Shepherd School to ensure that the school's stories and priorities are reflected across its digital channels. The ideal candidate for the Digital Communications Manager at the Shepherd School of Music is a creative and motivated self-starter who thrives in a collaborative environment. They are passionate about celebrating the achievements of students, faculty, and alumni at one of the nation's premier music schools. With strong experience in digital communications, the candidate excels at producing, publishing, and analyzing content across social media, websites, and email platforms. They are adept at crafting engaging digital strategies and content that effectively raise awareness of the school's performance activities, programs, and enrollment efforts. Workplace Requirements This position is based at The Shepherd School of Music in a primarily in-person work environment. It requires the ability to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends, for performances and events. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $60,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. Minimum Requirements * Bachelor's Degree * 2+ years of professional experience in a performing arts environment on a marketing or communications team, handling social media content, email communications, design, and web * In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. * Skills: * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Organized, creative, and able to take direction and work to meet expected deadlines and schedules. * Proven knowledge of social media/digital platforms, including current and future trends * Proven experience updating website information using a content management system (CMS). * Proven experience in designing and deploying public-facing email communications. * Demonstrated team player. Preferences: * 3-4 years of professional experience on a marketing or communications team working with social media content, email communications, design and web. * Bachelor's degree or higher in English, journalism, marketing, or related communication fields. * Experience with digital media creation, analytics, and data tracking is a plus. Essential Functions: * Develops integrated digital communication plans to engage constituents and grow patronage at the Shepherd School, under the direction of the Director of Marketing & Communications. * Builds, tests, and deploys Shepherd School patron-facing emails related to marketing, communications, and ticketing. * Updates the Shepherd School's website content, including faculty bios, department pages, news items, and more. * Serves as the primary staff member responsible for establishing, developing, monitoring, and maintaining the Shepherd School of Music's social media presence. * Writes copy, designs, and coordinates the production of social media communication content. * Curates dynamic content, including photography and video, for the Shepherd School's website and social media channels. * Collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to tell the stories of the Shepherd School, creating processes to gather and share information in a timely manner. * Designs and develops graphics for digital communications. * Manages social listening efforts and shares with the Director of Marketing and Communications. * Provides customer service to constituents across digital channels. * Compiles data, analyzes, and reports on social media and email efforts. * Acts as an internal advocate for social media community efforts, builds support for social initiatives among internal stakeholders, and drives best practices. * Monitors trends and develops relevant content. * Measures effectiveness of email communications in driving performance attendance. * Participates in school and university-wide initiatives with cross-functional teams to establish Shepherd School as a consistently top-ranked school of music. * Performs other duties as assigned. Additional Functions * Promote Shepherd School events by creating and updating listings on Houston online calendars. * Coordinate and execute cross-promotional marketing and communications efforts with other Rice schools/departments and community partners. * Coordinates with Rice Public Affairs teams as needed on photography and communications efforts. * Assists with the execution of paid marketing plans. Shepherd School of Music: https://music.rice.edu/ Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.