Communications Specialist- Office of Research
- Employer
- The University of Kansas
- Location
- Lawrence, KS
View more
- Administrative Jobs
- Academic Affairs, Research Staff & Technicians, Institutional & Business Affairs, Communications & Marketing
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The Communications Specialist will play a key role in maintaining the Office of Research website; assisting with social media strategy, engagement and content creation; helping to launch and sustain a campus-wide research blog; and showcasing the accomplishments and societal impact of the KU research community. The ideal candidate will be an excellent writer, strong proofreader and creative storyteller who has experience with graphic design, video creation and website development, and understands how to connect effectively with different audiences on different platforms.
The Communications Specialist reports to the Director of External Affairs and works closely with the KU Research leadership team, unit directors and research communicators across campus. The Communications Specialist also serves as a website consultant to staff in KU’s designated research centers and core laboratories.
This position will work primarily remotely with some on-site work for reporting, photography/video capture, events and meetings.
The Office of Research is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive climate that inspires individuals to engage, grow and succeed as their authentic selves. In a continuing effort to enrich KU’s academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, our office actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education. Job DescriptionWebsite development, maintenance and consultation (35%)
- Maintain KU Office of Research website (research.ku.edu), in KU's new content management system, in collaboration with the Director of external affairs.
- Develop and source content for KU Research websites, including writing, editing and graphics. Includes maintenance of staff photos and bios online and maintaining KU Research events in KU's online calendaring system.
- Help conceptualize, launch and maintain a campus-wide KU research blog designed to communicate the impact of KU research through long-form and multimedia storytelling.
- Oversee analytics and produce monthly reports.
- Advise and assist with occasional website projects for core laboratories and research centers that report to the Office of Research.
- Produce bi-monthly KU Discoveries e-newsletter, in collaboration with director of external affairs, as well as other KU Research departmental e-newsletters.
- Assist with management of social media channels, including editorial calendar for social media posts, graphics and copy for posts, engagement with audiences, updates to look and feel, and strategic campaigns.
- Develop, populate and track electronic invitations and RSVP forms for KU Research events and outreach activities.
- Identify and lead opportunities to produce multimedia pieces for KU Research websites, including video.
- Write news releases, features and blog posts as needed on variety of subjects, including faculty awards and achievements; notable research, innovation and creative activities; leadership hiring announcements, etc.
- Write, edit and prepare content for websites, social media, newsletters, news releases, blogs, reports, presentations and other publications for external and internal audiences.
- Contribute communications, marketing and logistics support for KU Research projects, including live/virtual events and award programs; help coordinate and attend monthly KU Research Communications Council meetings; attend staff meetings and contribute feedback/input on agendas and projects.
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, English or similar field.
- Minimum of 1 year of related experience.
- Excellent writing skills, demonstrated by prior work or classwork.
- Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience developing, reporting or writing feature stories and news coverage for various audiences.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite- especially Photoshop, InDesign, Premier Pro and/or Illustrator- for creating graphics and editing video.
- Basic photography and video skills (can include using cameras, phones or any other devise).
- Experience writing and maintaining information on a website using a content management system.
- Experience with analysis and usage of Google Analytics.
- Experience writing for and managing a range of social media platforms.
- Experience managing multiple detail-oriented projects and deadlines.
- Completed online application.
- A cover letter explaining you interest in the position and an assessment of your skills related to the required and preferred qualifications.
- Resume
- Writing samples (may also include additional work samples, such as print and digital design, social media content, etc.).
Deadline for applications is Sunday, June 5th, 2022. Contact Information to ApplicantsMindie Paget,
Director of External Affairs,
KU Office of Research
mpaget@ku.edu Advertised Salary Range$40,000 Work ScheduleMonday- Friday 8hr/day
This position is primarily remote with some on-site work for reporting photography/video capture, events and meetings. Application Review Begins06-Jun-2022 Anticipated Start Date11-Jul-2022
Organization
Working at the University of Kansas
Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.
The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.
KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.
We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.
Instruction
KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.
Research
The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Service
The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.
International Dimension
KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.
Values
The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.
Our City and State
KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.
Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.
Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.
Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.
Making KU Your Home
Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.
At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.
Get job alerts
Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.
Create alert