Marketing Communications Specialist

Jayhawk Welcome Center Photobooth Terms of Use

By using the Photo Booth, you agree that your access to these digital photo services is subject to the terms and conditions listed below.

Position Title

Marketing Communications Specialist

Job Classification

Full-time; non-exempt

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Occasional evening and weekend hours

Work Location

Hybrid Work Schedule

Salary Range

$55,000-$65,000

Reporting Relationship

Associate Vice President, Marketing and Content Strategy

Primary Accountability

The Marketing Communications Specialist is a member of the KU Alumni’s (KUA) Marketing & Content Strategy Department. The team develops, creates and implements impactful marketing communications campaigns and initiatives in support of the KUA’s objectives.

 

Responsibilities include writing content for internal and external audiences to promote the organization and its benefits through storytelling and creative content. This position serves as a liaison between the Marketing & Content Strategy Department and KUA’s revenue teams, which include Sales, Business Development and Donor Relations. Additionally, this position will work closely with the Engagement team to promote its events and programs.

Major Duties
  • Plan, research, write and edit content and strategies for assigned alumni e-newsletters, email campaigns, thought leadership articles and other marketing materials.
  • Manage multiple concurrent projects—both short-term and long-term—with a focus on deadlines, quality and strategic alignment.
  • Prepare reports and summaries that highlight marketing communications efforts, results and accomplishments.
  • Develop and document standard operating procedures as needed to support team efficiency.
  • Analyze and report on e-newsletter performance and other key marketing analytics to inform future strategies.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and recommend data-driven improvements.
  • Identify challenges or gaps in marketing efforts and propose actionable solutions.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with key campus partners, confidently engaging across all levels to support KUA’s brand and mission.
  • Demonstrate understanding of KUA’s mission and its connection to the broader educational, research and service goals of the University.
  • Collaborate effectively in a hybrid team environment while also being able to work independently.
  • Contribute ideas and assist with the development of marketing strategies aimed at increasing awareness of KUA, driving engagement and retaining donors.
  • Partner with revenue teams to ensure timely execution of communications that meet brand and quality standards.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, digital media or a related field
  • Three to five years of relevant professional experience in marketing, communications or content strategy
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient in AP style writing
  • Strong command of grammar, spelling and editing; high attention to detail
  • Proven ability to craft compelling content for both short-form (e.g., email, social media) and long-form (e.g., articles, reports) formats
  • Demonstrated skill in digital content strategy and marketing best practices
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience with CRM platforms such as Salesforce, Marketing Cloud or Anthology
  • Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with accuracy and efficiency
  • Valid driver’s license required.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advertising, marketing or public relations agency experience
  • Corporate communications or marketing experience
  • Editorial experience
  • Strategic online marketing ideation and execution
  • Familiarity with WordPress
  • Experience using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn professionally
Standards of Performance:

Organization and Time Management

Demonstrates strong organizational skills, meets deadlines, manages multiple priorities effectively and maintains attention to detail.

Strategic and Analytical Thinking

Applies critical thinking to assess situations, identify trends and develop sound strategies that support KUA’s goals

Problem-Solving Ability

Approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, evaluates options and implements practical and innovative resolutions

Creativity and Innovation

Brings fresh ideas and creative solutions to enhance processes, programming and communication. Encourages a culture of innovation

Leadership and Initiative

Leads by example, inspires collaboration and takes ownership of projects and responsibilities. Supports team success and continuous improvement

Interpersonal and Relationship-Building Skills

Communicates effectively and respectfully. Builds and maintains positive relationships within KUA and with external partners, alumni and stakeholders

Self-Motivation and Professional Growth

Takes initiative in learning, demonstrates curiosity and seeks out opportunities to grow professionally and contribute more meaningfully

Receptiveness to Feedback

Welcomes constructive feedback, reflects on it and applies it to enhance performance and team dynamics

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

  • Regularly required to sit, stand or walk for extended periods.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift and move objects up to 20 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequent use of office equipment such as a computer, keyboard and telephone.

 

The work environment is generally an office setting with moderate noise levels but can include exposure to noise and temperature variances at both indoor and outdoor events. The employee must be able to travel occasionally for offsite meetings and events.

Additional Duties:

The position description is not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary. These duties will be related to the employee’s expertise and support the goals of the department and organization. Reasonable accommodation will be made to ensure that these responsibilities align with the employee’s capacity and role.

Application Deadline:

Friday, August 8 (5 p.m. Central Time).

 

Submit two professional writing samples along with your resume: one sample of no more than 100 words and second sample of no more than 500 words. Applications should be submitted to dparman@kualumni.org.

It is the policy and commitment of KU Alumni to prohibit discrimination in employment practices, organizational activities and provision of services on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Above and beyond discrimination/harassment based on protected characteristics, KU Alumni also strives to prevent subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (like bias and stereotyping). Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place here.

 

KU Alumni is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact Dwight Parman at dparman@kualumni.org or 785.864.4763.

Welcome to KU Alumni

Your gift to KU Alumni is the single most powerful way to make all of KU stronger, including the value of your own degree. Through your support, KU Alumni:

KU Alumni