Position Overview
The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kansas (KU) invites applications for a full-time Program Coordinator to support the work of the State Geologist and the KGS Outreach section. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating governmental affairs and strategic external partnerships, educational programs and professional development workshops available to industry, government, and academic organizations; supporting the outreach team with state legislative engagement opportunities; and supporting the day-to-day activities of the KGS Director.
Work as part of a team to support the mission of the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS). The Program Coordinator works collaboratively to develop and facilitate a variety of earth science content and design professional development opportunities for professional audiences and state-level policy makers. This position will independently coordinate earth science education programs such as short courses and field trips for professional audiences. They will also provide administrative support for grant-funded projects to support scientists in the research and service activities of the KGS. An ideal candidate for this position is a team player that is organized, resourceful, and self-motivated.
For more information about the KGS, visit our website: http://www.kgs.ku.edu.
Job Description
(50%) - Coordinate educational programs and professional development workshops available to industry, government, and academic organizations. This includes:
- Coordinate 1-2 teacher development training workshops each summer.
- Coordinate 2 additional professional education workshops each year.
- Apply for continuing education credits for participants for all workshops.
- Assist the outreach manager in developing website content and marketing materials for all workshop activities.
- Assisting the outreach manager in identifying sponsorship funds for professional development activities.
(40%) Provide executive-level strategic and administrative support to the Director and State Geologist - especially centered on governmental affairs and strategic external partnerships. This includes:
- Serve as a liaison between the KGS Director and select federal and state governmental agency and industry leaders, Federal agencies, other state agencies, and the public, facilitating communication and information sharing.
- Develop and execute strategies for managing communications between the Director, the KGS, and external parties (including company chiefs and federal and state elected representatives)
- Assist the Director in planning and executing key KGS events (e.g., Geological Survey Advisory Committee [GSAC] meetings), presentations, and speeches.
- Help the Director to prioritize and deliver on requests including meetings, scheduled appointments, email correspondence, and communications. This work will require the appointee to independently make prioritization decisions, handle multifaceted projects and presentations that impact the organization, and to collaborate with internal and external entities on behalf of the executive.
- Provide periodic travel planning and administration support to the Director and Associate Director for Geographical Information Systems and Information Technology (GIS/IT).
- Assist staff with arranging scientist candidate interviews by setting up schedules, checking calendars for availability of participants, travel and lodging accommodations, social meetings, meals, and reimbursements, and arrangements.
(10%) Provide support to the Associate Director for Geographical Information Systems and Information Technology around tracking a subset of GIS/IT Division purchases and funding splits.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in geology, earth and environmental sciences plus three years related experience OR a High School Diploma/GED and 7 years of related experience.
- 1 year of relevant experience related to project coordination, as evidenced by application materials.
- Strong communication skills. Written skills will be evaluated by quality of application materials and/or published materials. Oral communication skills will be assessed later through reference checks.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as evidenced by application materials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in geology, earth and environmental sciences.
- Previous experience organizing workshops and program events, as evidenced by application materials.
- Prior experience working successfully in a team environment, as evidenced by application material.
- Previous experience organizing a field trip for general audiences, as evidenced by application material.
Additional Candidate Instructions
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Cover letter (max 2 pages) addressing the required and preferred qualifications and position requirements.
- Resume
- Contact information for 3 references (email address, phone number, and relation to reference).
Only complete applications will be considered.
Application review begins Monday July 28, 2025. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday July 27, 2025.
Contact Information to Applicants
Annette Delaney, adelaney@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$52k-$55k, depending on qualifications and experience.
Application Review Begins
Monday July 28, 2025
Anticipated Start Date
Sunday August 17, 2025
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University of Kansas
Jul 16, 2025