Director of Strategic Communications

University of Kansas, United States

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Lawrence, KANSAS

29632BR

International Affairs Admin


Position Overview

The 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 Description

Leadership 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

  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications or relevant field, plus minimum of 5 years of related experience.
  • Minimum one year of experience supervising staff or students.
  • Excellent writing skills, as evidenced by application materials.
  • Previous experience developing a strategic communications plan.
  • Previous experience working effectively within an established institutional brand.
  • Graphic design, print publishing and web management experience, as evidenced by application materials.
  • Excellent organizational skills, including demonstrated abilities to set priorities and meet deadlines, as evidenced by application materials.
  • Experience working with people from a wide array of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds as evidenced by application materials and work history.
  • Demonstrated experience that requires managing large projects with multiple constituents and contributors, as evidenced in application materials.  
  • Experience which demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish strong working relationships across campus and the community.
  • Social media experience in community engagement.

    • Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in journalism, English, international relations, international education, higher education, foreign language, area studies, public relations, marketing, communications, or relevant field.
  • Professional experience at a large, public university or international organization.
  • Experience with Adobe software such as Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign.
  • Experience working with Drupal or another Content Management System (CMS).
  • International experience such as study, work, or travel abroad, or regular involvement with an international organization or group.

    • Contact Information to Applicants

    Camille Debreczeny
    camille@ku.edu
    785-864-5361


    Additional Candidate Instruction

    Only complete online applications will be accepted.  An application packet will include the following items: 

  • A cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications;
  • A complete resume/CV
  • A list of 3 professional references with contact information.
  • A professional writing sample
    • Application review will begin Monday, February 3rd, 2025 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

    Advertised Salary Range

    Starting at $65,000


    Application Review Begins

    03-Feb-2025


    Anticipated Start Date

    03-Mar-2025


    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus


    FLSA Status

    Administrative


    Employee Class

    U-Unclassified Professional Staff


    Work Schedule

    Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm


    Job Family

    Public Affairs-KUL


    Conditions of Employment

    Serve at the Pleasure


    Work Location Assignment

    On-Site


    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.


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