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Director of Strategic Communications

Employer
The University of Kansas
Location
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
View more categoriesView less categories
Administrative Jobs
Institutional & Business Affairs, Communications & Marketing
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Position OverviewThe Director of Strategic Communications directs and implements external and internal communications, public affairs, public relations and marketing initiatives for KU International Affairs. This position oversees a strategic communications plan that promotes KU’s internationalization efforts and global importance. The role coordinates and produces print and digital communications, including KUIA’s newsletter, annual report, website and social media accounts. This position is responsible for managing the International Affairs brand and ensuring KUIA’s adherence to the KU brand and identity standards.

The director of external affairs serves as the dynamic leader of KUIA’s communications, campus outreach and internationalization advocacy for the division, acting as a liaison to the Provost Office, Office of Public Affairs, KU News Service, KU Marketing and academic unit communicators. Additionally, this position is part of the KUIA leadership team and works collaboratively with KUIA unit directors. Partnering with the division’s nine units, the director of strategic communications pursues opportunities for collaboration and coordinates joint communication projects across the division. This position reports to and works closely with the senior internationalization officer at KU to craft strategic communications plans.Job DescriptionLeadership and Administration (50%)
  • Provide oversight and administrative leadership for communication activities within KU International Affairs.
  • Assist with the implementation of International Affair’s strategic initiatives, communicating the value and impact of internationalization efforts on campus to the university and broader community.
  • Manage KUIA messaging through news releases, print publications, website, advertising and other communications and marketing activities.
  • Pursue opportunities for collaboration and coordination for joint communication initiatives among KUIA’s nine units and provide a point of connection for unit communicators by co-chairing the International Communications and Events Committee.
  • Oversee internal communication strategies that build cohesiveness and unity throughout KUIA’s units, including a newsletter that shares division and university updates and resources.
  • Guide KUIA’s crisis communications by quickly and appropriately responding to international events that impact students, faculty, and staff and ensuring that KUIA’s messaging fosters a culture of care.
  • Advise and support KUIA units on major communication initiatives, collaborate on project management, publication production and public relations.
  • Manage the KU and KUIA brand across all units, ensuring brand assets are used properly and messaging is consistent.
  • Act as KUIA’s liaison with the Provost Office, Office of Public Affairs, KU News Service, Marketing and academic unit communicators.
  • Serve on the KUIA Administrative Leadership and Division Management teams.
  • Supervise a student graphic designer.
External Communications (40%)
  • Oversee a comprehensive strategic communication plan to reach audiences across campus, including students, alumni, faculty, staff and university leadership, as well as donors, alumni, and regional and national stakeholders.
  • Produce an annual report highlighting KU’s international partnerships, program development, academic innovation and global research.
  • Develop and manage a campus-wide communication plan for connecting with faculty and staff on international engagement opportunities.
  • Support KU Endowment Association’s outreach efforts, including writing news releases, crafting fundraising letters and managing KUIA’s One Day One KU campaign.
  • Write news releases on KUIA’s international work, faculty and staff’s international achievements, and international events. Work with the KU News Service to publicize news releases with local, regional and national news outlets.
  • Serve as the primary media contact for KUIA, fielding media inquiries and directing requests to the proper channels within KUIA.
  • Monitor campus, local, regional and national print and electronic media for news related to the work of International Affairs.
Website and Electronic Media (10%)
  • Serve as webmaster and oversee the technical development and maintenance of the KUIA website, consulting with technology personnel as needed and working with IT and Marketing to ensure that site complies with KU guidelines.
  • Ensure that news, information and updates are routinely and appropriately published to the website.
  • Manage the development, editing and deployment of content that enhances KUIA’s online presence, including video, audio and photos.
  • Oversee all aspects of social networking sites, including content creation and overall maintenance of KUIA’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube platforms. Develop an overall social media strategy that enhances awareness and strengthens KUIA’s identity and image.
Required Qualifications
  1. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications or relevant field, plus minimum of 5 years of related experience.
  2. Minimum one year of experience supervising staff or students.
  3. Excellent writing skills, as evidenced by application materials.
  4. Previous experience developing a strategic communications plan.
  5. Previous experience working effectively within an established institutional brand.
  6. Graphic design, print publishing and web management experience, as evidenced by application materials.
  7. Excellent organizational skills, including demonstrated abilities to set priorities and meet deadlines, as evidenced by application materials.
  8. Experience working with people from a wide array of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds as evidenced by application materials and work history.
  9. Demonstrated experience that requires managing large projects with multiple constituents and contributors, as evidenced in application materials.
  10. Experience which demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish strong working relationships across campus and the community.
  11. Social media experience in community engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
  1. Master's degree in journalism, English, international relations, international education, higher education, foreign language, area studies, public relations, marketing, communications, or relevant field.
  2. Professional experience at a large, public university or international organization.
  3. Experience with Adobe software such as Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign.
  4. Experience working with Drupal or another Content Management System (CMS).
  5. International experience such as study, work, or travel abroad, or regular involvement with an international organization or group.
Additional Candidate InstructionsOnly complete online applications will be accepted. An application packet will include the following items:
  1. A cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications;
  2. A complete resume/CV
  3. A list of 3 professional references with contact information.
  4. A professional writing sample
Application review will begin Monday, February 3rd, 2025 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.Contact Information to ApplicantsCamille Debreczeny
camille@ku.edu
785-864-5361Advertised Salary RangeStarting at $65,000Work ScheduleMonday - Friday, 8am to 5pmApplication Review BeginsMonday February 3, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday March 3, 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.

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