Communications Specialist
University of Kansas
**29680BR**
**Job Title:**
Communications Specialist
**Department:**
Office Civil Rights &Title IX
**Primary Campus:**
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
**Job Description:**
**50% - OCRTIX External Communications Support**
+ Support the development of OCRTIX’s external and internal communications strategy.
+ Assist in planning and implementing OCRTIX’s social media strategy, including semesterly long-term planning and weekly short-term planning, creating and curating content for platforms including Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and other similar/alternative platforms to engage with multifaceted audiences.
+ Oversee Hootsuite scheduling and assist with all logistical processes related to posting on social media platforms.
+ Assist in carrying out the University rebrand across all appropriate One KU platforms and outlets as well as continued implementation of the University brand post-transition.
+ Support long-form writing efforts for blogs, newsletters, e-newsletters, VC Statements, elevator flyers, LinkedIn, Campus Family Communications (Campus ESP), etc.
+ Support the development of event promotional materials; Attend, support, and document events via photography, videography, and investigative journalism across all One KU Campuses (Lawrence, KUMC, Edwards, etc.).
+ Support post-event digital media archival efforts across social media platforms, the OCRTIX website, OCRTIX newsletters, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, etc.
+ Research social media trends (relevant to higher education/University of Kansas brand standards) and implement them in support of OCRTIX programs and initiatives.
**20% - OCRTIX Internal Communications Support**
+ Support the OCRTIX Director of Communications efforts, including the development and review of Impact Advisor Reports, Unit-specific climate reports and surveys, and others. Produce consistent, high-quality, accessible reports and related products. Develop new templates as needed.
+ Oversee data analytics for the website, social media, and all relevant platforms. Maintain social media data tracking, and generate monthly, semester, and annual reports that display engagement, reach, performance, and other outcomes. Use data and outcomes to inform contributions to future communications strategy.
+ Support website development by providing assistance with website updates, content creation, and optimization of user engagement; Assist in OCRTIX compliance with university protocols as well as state and federal legislation.
+ Support the OCRTIX Director of Clery Compliance with the development and disbursement of Timely Warnings as a backup for the OCRTIX Director of Communications.
**20% - Education & Training Programs**
+ Review training offerings and educational resources, providing thoughtful and detailed feedback to OCRTIX team and campus stakeholders regarding branding, design, language, etc.
+ Assist in the development of materials (presentations, handouts, marketing, etc.) cultural competency and educational training opportunities for KU community members – staff, faculty, and/or students.
+ Facilitate trainings and educational programs, as needed.
**10% - Special Projects/Other Duties as Assigned**
+ Participate in rotation with other staff on job searches and campus committees, as needed.
+ Regularly attend full OCRTIX staff meetings, as well as supervisor 1:1s.
+ As needed, attend meetings on behalf of OCRTIX to take notes/minutes, capture major takeaways, and work with the OCRTIX Leadership Team to ensure follow up.
+ Assist other staff members with special projects when needed.
+ Other duties as assigned. As the OCRTIX and its work advance on campus, position. responsibilities may shift or change to meet office/staff needs.
*Percentages are flexible and differential allocations can be made at any time, at the supervisor’s discretion, in response to changing departmental needs or developments.
**Req ID** **(Ex: 10567BR)** **:**
29680BR
**Disclaimer:**
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.
**Work Schedule:**
40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm, with some evenings and weekends. This position requires in-office work a minimum of 4 days a week, at either KU Lawrence or KUMC.
**FLSA Status:**
Nonexempt
**Contact Information to Applicants:**
Kajsa Mullenix, kmullenix@ku.edu
**Required Qualifications:**
1. Bachelors degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or related field with a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.
2. Strong communication and collaborative skills with a wide range of individuals, including administrators, faculty members, staff, and students as demonstrated by the application materials, interview and references.
3. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, as demonstrated by previous experience successfully managing multiple competing priorities/projects.
4. Previous experience with digital design tools, including Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.).
5. Previous experience in content creation and/or program development.
6. Basic knowledge of website content management systems (e.g., CMS Sunflower, Drupal) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
7. Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Suite (Teams, Excel, SharePoint, OneNote, Word, Outlook, etc.).
8. Basic understanding of video editing and photography.
9. Demonstrated understanding of best practices for accessibility standards.
**Employee Class:**
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
**Advertised Salary Range:**
$45,000 - $52,000
**FTE:**
1.0
**Preferred Qualifications:**
1. Proficiency with program management platforms (Asana preferred).
2. Experience working with university communications teams or similar environments.
3. Experience with social media reporting and analytics tools like Sprout Social or Hootsuite
4. Previous work experience building community and promoting access, success, and belonging in higher education.
5. Understanding of civil rights laws and protected classes, particularly in the context of higher education.
6. Familiarity with/understanding of University of Kansas mission, vision, values, and Strategic Plans (Jayhawks Rising, RISE, One KU, etc. ).
7. Project Management certification/credential.
**Position Overview:**
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU and KUMC we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. In support of this mission, the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX (OCRTIX) provides strategic leadership for university-wide education, initiatives, and events.
The University of Kansas OCRTIX One University office seeks a Communications Specialist to assist with OCRTIX internal and external communications, highlighting the important work of this office, necessary compliance requirements, and essential resources and services available to members of the One University community. The work of the OCRTIX Communications Specialist will directly support OCRTIX programmatic efforts and initiatives to foster access, respect, and belonging across the University of Kansas and University of Kansas Medical Center communities – learners, staff, and faculty.
The Communications Specialist is a full time unclassified, non-exempt position in OCRTIX and will play an essential role in the management and support of OCRTIX core functions for all KU/KUMC campuses, including, but not limited to internal and external communications, social media management, event marketing and promotions, education and training content creation, and more. This position will report to the OCRTIX Communications Director.
**Reg/Temp:**
Regular
**Application Review Begins:**
07-Feb-2025
**Anticipated Start Date:**
10-Mar-2025
**Additional Candidate Instruction:**
A complete application will include:
1. Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
2. Resume/CV.
3. List of three (3) professional references, with contact information.
It is highly recommended to submit a portfolio or work samples that include writing and graphic design examples.
**Application review begins Friday, February 7, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified. To ensure consideration, please apply no later than Thursday, February 6, 2025.**
**Job Family:**
Public Affairs-KUL
**Work Location Assignment:**
Hybrid
**Position Requirements:**
This position requires in-office work a minimum of 4 days a week, at either KU Lawrence or KUMC.
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