Skip to main content

Communications Coordinator

Employer
The University of Kansas
Location
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
View more categoriesView less categories
Apply on website
Send job

Job Details

Position OverviewThe Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies (IHDPS; https://ihdps.ku.edu) is seeking a part-time (0.50 FTE) Communications Coordinator. This role offers flexibility and can be remote or hybrid. The position is contingent on funding. This role will help expand the reach and impact of our programs, especially the National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD; https://ihdps.ku.edu/nshd). With a solid foundation already in place, we are looking for someone to help us grow our research outreach, connect with a wide variety of communities, and support our findings to be shared in meaningful ways. In this role, the Coordinator will focus on two primary areas:
  1. Recruitment and Engagement: This position will be responsible for promoting the NSHD and other IHDPS initiatives through creative outreach strategies. The Coordinator will develop focused campaigns to connect with various disability communities. Using social media, partnership networks, and influencer collaborations, they will help us maximize research and survey participation to expand our audience.
  2. Knowledge Dissemination and Communication: The Coordinator will also lead efforts to translate research findings and project outcomes into accessible, meaningful content for community, policy, and academic audiences. They will create social media posts, articles, and promotional materials that communicate our research in ways that engage and inform. Additionally, they will organize webinars, events, and discussions to help bring our findings into the hands of those who can benefit most.
The position is ideal for someone with strong connections to disability communities, a passion for disability issues, and an interest in helping us build partnerships and share valuable insights.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.


Job DescriptionSurvey Recruitment and Engagement (30%):
  • Develop and implement outreach campaigns for IHDPS projects, especially the National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD), to increase participation.
  • Build and manage relationships with disability organizations, community partners, and influencers to broaden survey reach.
  • Design and execute social media strategies on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and LinkedIn, focusing on engaging a wide variety of disability communities.
Knowledge Dissemination and Communication (30%):
  • Translate research findings and project outcomes into accessible, plain-language content for social media, web, and print materials.
  • Develop materials, such as blog posts, infographics, and summaries, that communicate key insights from the NSHD and other IHDPS projects to varied audiences, including community members, policymakers, and academics.
  • Organize and support events, webinars, and online discussions to share findings and foster dialogue within disability communities.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement (20%):
  • Act as a point of contact for disability communities, providing updates and building trust within these networks.
  • Engage with community feedback to support IHDPS projects in staying relevant and responsive to community needs.
  • Develop strategies to increase IHDPS’s visibility and credibility within disability spaces.
Website and Digital Presence Management (10%):
  • Assist in maintaining and updating the IHDPS and NSHD websites/social media pages to ensure content is accurate, engaging, and accessible.
  • Work with team members to improve website/social media structure and content to enhance user experience and promote IHDPS initiatives.
  • Track and analyze website/social media engagement metrics to optimize digital content strategies.
Administrative Support (10%):
  • Assist with report writing, grant support, and communications with project partners.
  • Provide support in preparing for events, organizing virtual and physical materials, and tracking outreach metrics.
Position RequirementsThis position may be either fully remote, or hybrid. Required Qualifications
  1. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications, or relevant field, plus minimum of 1 year related professional experience.
  2. Demonstrated knowledge of or lived experience with disability issues, with a commitment to disability inclusion, as evidenced in application materials and work history.
  3. Proficiency in digital content creation and social media management, with direct experience managing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and LinkedIn, as demonstrated in application materials and work history.
  4. Strong written communication skills, with an ability to create clear, engaging content for a variety of audiences, as demonstrated in application materials, cover letter.
Preferred Qualifications
  1. Established connections within disability advocacy networks or experience working with disability-focused organizations.
  2. Strong personal or professional ties within disability communities.
  3. Experience with outreach to a wide variety of communites within disability spaces.
  4. Proven ability to develop partnerships and manage collaborations with various stakeholders to achieve strategic goals.
  5. Familiarity with accessible design and inclusive communication practices.
Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
  • Resume or CV
  • Cover letter highlighting relevant experience and interest in the position
  • Writing sample or Digital Media Portfolio showcasing examples of written content, social media campaigns, or digital communication materials
  • List of three (3) professional references
    • Only complete applications will be considered.

    Application review begins Monday, December 09, 2024. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, December 08, 2024.
    Contact Information to ApplicantsKelsey Goddard; ksg@ku.edu; 785-864-0578Advertised Salary Range$23,500 to $26,000 annually (based on 0.50 FTE, prorated from $47,000 to $52,000 full-time equivalent)Work ScheduleFlexible w/ candidate’s availability, to be determined. Up to 20 hrs per week.Application Review BeginsMonday December 9, 2024Anticipated Start DateMonday January 6, 2025Apply to Job

    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.

    Apply on website
    Send job
    Apply on website

    Get job alerts

    Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

    Create alert