Communications Coordinator

KU RECREATION SERVICES, a department within Student Affairs, provides a campus-wide impact by improving the quality of life for all students, faculty, staff, affiliates, retirees, alumni, spouses, and domestic partners through our fitness and wellness initiatives. KU RECREATION SERVICES provide state-of-the-art recreational programs, facilities, and services.

The University of Kansas RECREATION SERVICES department seeks a Communications Specialist to assist with RECREATION SERVICES internal and external communications, highlighting the important work of this office, and essential resources and services available to members of the University community. The work of the RECREATION SERVICES Communications Specialist will directly support RECREATION SERVICES programmatic efforts and initiatives to support its core values of Community, Excellence, Experience, Growth, and Integrity which align directly with two of KU's Institutional Priorities of Healthy and Vibrant Communities and Student Success.

The Communications Specialist is a full time unclassified, non-exempt position in RECREATION SERVICES and will play an essential role in the management and support of RECREATION SERVICES core functions 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 Senior Associate Director of Programs.

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university, plus a center for learning, scholarship, and creative endeavors. Founded in 1865, the University enrolls 28,000 students and has 2,800 faculty members. KU is the only Kansas Regents University to hold membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), a select group of 62 public and private research universities that represent excellence in graduate and professional education and the highest achievements in research internationally. The National Science Foundation and Carnegie Foundation both classify KU as a top research university.
The university is committed to excellence. It fosters a multicultural environment in which the dignity and rights of the individual are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.

Lawrence Campus
Considered one of the most beautiful in the nation, KU's central campus occupies 1,000 acres on and around historic Mount Oread in Lawrence, a community of about 100,000 in the forested hills of eastern Kansas. Ten of KU's 13 schools are based here and are internationally recognized research centers and laboratories.

40% - External Communications Support

• Support the development of RECREATION SERVICES' external and internal communications strategy.
• Assist in planning and implementing RECREATION SERVICES's social media strategy, including semesterly long-term planning and weekly short-term planning, creating and curating content for platforms including Instagram, X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and other similar/alternative platforms to engage with multifaceted audiences.
• Oversee scheduling and assist with all logistical processes related to posting on social media platforms.
• 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 news releases.
• Support post-event digital media archival efforts across social media platforms, the RECREATION SERVICES website, RECREATION SERVICES newsletters, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, etc.
• Research social media trends (relevant to higher education/University of Kansas brand standards) and implement them in support of RECREATION SERVICES programs and initiatives.
• Create, uphold and implement RECREATION SERVICES branding strategy for social media, printed materials and physical spaces using KU's Towering Toward the Blue brand initiative as a template.

20% - Internal Communications Support

• Assist with internal department projects
• Support the RECREATION SERVICES leadership team efforts including the development of budget reports, impact reports and surveys. 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 while serving as the administrator for the department website.
• Assist in RECREATION SERVICES compliance with university protocols as well as state and federal legislation.

30% - Project Management

• Develop and implement customized communication strategies and plans for assigned constituents
• Develop concepts, headlines and copy in all media forms
• Work with graphic design team to ensure creation of a consistent communications/marketing strategy
• Create and complete projects on time and within budget
• Work with colleagues to produce high quality printed materials
• Directly hire, train and supervise a team of approximately 3-5 student hourly employees
• Organize/create schedule for tabling for events such as Orientations, Wellness Fairs, Admissions events, etc.
• Review training offerings and educational resources, providing thoughtful and detailed feedback to RECREATION SERVICES team and campus stakeholders regarding branding, design, language, etc.
• Assist in the development of materials (presentations, handouts, marketing, etc.) for KU community members - staff, faculty, and/or students.

10% - Special Projects/Other Duties as Assigned

• Participate in rotation with other staff on job searches and campus committees, as needed.
• Regularly attend full RECREATION SERVICES staff meetings, as well as supervisor 1:1s.
• As needed, attend meetings on behalf of RECREATION SERVICES to take notes/minutes, capture major takeaways, and work with the RECREATION SERVICES Leadership Team to ensure follow up.
• Assist other staff members with special projects when needed.
• Other duties as assigned. As the RECREATION SERVICES 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.

In addition to the online application, a complete application will include:

1. A cover letter addressing how the required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae addressing how the required and preferred qualifications are met.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

It is highly recommended to submit a portfolio or work samples that include writing and graphic design examples.

Application review begins Monday, June 2, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Aja McCormick
a.mccormick-barros@ku.edu

45,000-55,000

Monday May 26, 2025

Monday July 7, 2025