Communications Specialist

University of Kansas
remote work
United States, Kansas, Lawrence
1450 Jayhawk Boulevard (Show on map)
Dec 13, 2024
Position Overview The University Honors Program's communications specialist oversees the program's current-student communications. These include a weekly e-newsletter, social media content across multiple channels, promotion of programming and events, and news articles. This team member will work under the supervision of the program's communication manager, in collaboration with full-time staff members, and in coordination with part-time student staff. The communications specialist's role is critical in connecting students to the program's curricular and co-curricular opportunities, as well as its supportive community of faculty mentors, staff, past students, and peers. In addition to facilitating student engagement in the honors program, communications will depict the life of the program and express its values, as they will often reach prospective students, their families, donors, and other key audiences. Job Description Email communications (30%) Create the program's weekly e-newsletter, Honors Weekly, a project that includes the selection and creation of written and visual content, assembly of the layout, internal circulation of test emails, revision based on feedback, and deployment. Develop and send scheduled programming-related emails, including those used in promotional campaigns for the program's signature events. Assist with individual messages regarding awards, building closures, urgent issues, and other important student updates. Social media content creation and account management (30%) Develop a social media strategy collaboratively with the communications manager. Maintain a content calendar detailing all planned posts, including promotion of upcoming opportunities, key dates and deadlines, past activities, and campaigns also intended for program alumni, friends, partners, and prospective students. Create and post content on time and across all active channels using native applications and integrated platforms like Hootsuite or Meta Business Suite. Measure social media activity for effectiveness and apply insights to future efforts. Serve as community moderator for program's social media channels. Research and recommend new platforms or features. Event assistance (15%) Attend live and virtual activities, including convocations, graduate recognition ceremonies, Orientation sessions, social activities, symposia, speakers, and programming-related events. Document events for communications needs. Assist with event logistics as needed. News and press release writing (15%) Draft articles highlighting notable program news and achievements, coordinating and performing research and interviews when required. Respond to edits and feedback in a timely fashion and based on expressed deadlines. Acquire relevant imagery or photography for use in articles. Recruitment and administrative activities (10%) Review applications for admission and program awards. Cross-train on recruitment presentations and serve as a presenter when necessary. Position Requirements This is a hybrid position that allows for one day of remote work per week. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, public relations, marketing, communications, graphic design, or other relevant fields. At least one year of related professional experience. Excellent communication skills as evidenced by application materials. Excellent organizational skills as evidenced by application materials. Previous experience working with and crafting communications for diverse groups as evidenced in application materials. Preferred Qualifications Command of AP style as evidenced by application materials. Two years of experience with email marketing platforms such as Emma or Mailchimp. Two years of experience developing, deploying, and measuring the success of social media content. One year of experience with design and photo editing software, such as Adobe Creative Suite. Additional Candidate Instructions In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position: Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications. Resume List of three (3) professional references Only complete applications will be considered. Application review begins January 4, 2025. To ensure consideration, please apply before the review date. Contact Information to Applicants Justin Runge justinrunge@ku.edu Advertised Salary Range 44,000 to 46,000 Work Schedule M-F 8am to 5pm, some evening and weekends Application Review Begins Saturday January 4, 2025 Anticipated Start Date Monday February 17, 2025