Strategic Communications Specialist - UMKC Strategic Marketing and Communications, 72023

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - KANSAS CITY
STRATEGIC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

UMKC is looking for a dynamic, creative, collaborative public relations specialist with broad experience in digital content strategy and creation to join our strategic communications team. This person's duties will include writing content to tell the UMKC story through a variety of earned and owned media for internal and external audiences; and creating content for the university's website, digital newsletters, and social media channels. Strong organizational skills and experience in meeting deadlines are musts. The position reports to the Director of Strategic Communications within the Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

The job also requires someone who can:

• Demonstrate ability to develop content ideas in multiple formats and quickly execute high-quality content in those areas.
• Juggle a variety of projects, demonstrating ability to move quickly on short-term needs while making progress on longer-term goals.
• Demonstrate superb news judgment and writing skills.
• Increase public visibility by developing and facilitating relationships with key campus and public constituents, including but not limited to academic units, campus leadership and local, regional, state, and national media.
• Other duties as assigned.

This is a full-time, benefit eligible staff position.

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• A bachelor's degree in English, Journalism or Communications or equivalent direct experience required.
• Three to five years minimum experience in journalism and/or public relations and digital communications.
• Strong news judgment.
• Sound knowledge of editorial and journalistic principles and respect for deadlines.
• Experience in digital content strategy.
• Excellent storytelling skills.
• Availability to respond to occasional after-hours situations on short notice.
• Technical knowledge of major social media platforms.
• Familiarity with using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn in a professional setting.
• Superior interpersonal, written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, benefactors, media and other key constituents.
• Ability to exercise reasonable judgment, often under intense deadline pressure.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality digital media content.
• Creative problem-solving ability.
• Ability to proactively identify communications opportunities and develop supporting content.

Up to $55,000.00 per year commensurate with experience, education and internal equity.

For best consideration apply by July 2, 2025, the position will remain open until filled.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.