Public Relations and Communications Strategist

The Public Relations and Communications Strategist for the Office of the President is a pivotal, high-level administrative professional who manages the dual functions of institutional strategic communication originating from the Office of the President and core presidential support. This individual is expected to work closely with the Executive Communicator to the President, Vice President for the Division of Communications and Marketing (DCM), the Executive Assistant to the President, and a wide array of internal and external partners. This position acts as the central liaison between the President's Office and DCM for all stakeholders - including the Kansas Board of Regents, Deans, Faculty Senate, communication consultants, and external partners - ensuring seamless operations and consistent, high-impact messaging across all platforms. The role requires exceptional judgment, absolute discretion, strategic thinking and the ability to operate effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment.

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  Serve as a senior strategic communications advisor and trusted support professional within the Office of the President.

  
  
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  Coordinate on presidential communications, ensuring alignment with university priorities, brand, and strategic goals.

  
  
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  Prepare and support the President for high-profile events, media engagements, and stakeholder meetings, serving as on-site communications lead as needed.

  
  
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  Act as the primary liaison between the President's Office and the Division of Communications and Marketing to ensure consistent, high-impact messaging.

  
  
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  Assist with media relations and crisis communications, including briefing materials, interview preparation, and time-sensitive messaging.

  
  
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  Exercise exceptional judgment, discretion, and organizational skill while managing confidential matters, competing priorities, and special initiatives.

  
  

The Office of the President guides the many endeavors of the university with a strong commitment to student access and success, teaching excellence and entrepreneurial research activity. Our leaders are united in their efforts to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow while honoring the university's role established in 1863 as a land-grant institution.

This position is On-site.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and seven years of experience in a combination of the following: executive-level support, public relations, and strategic communications, including writing and editing high-level, sensitive, and confidential communications in a fast-paced environment. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.
* Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Political Science, or equivalent experience that would support the position needs.
* Experience in executive-level support, public relations and strategic communications.
* Proven experience writing and editing high-level executive communications (presentations, speeches, official correspondence, media statements).
* Demonstrated ability to exercise absolute discretion and handle highly sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
* Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse constituencies, including high-ranking officials, faculty, staff and donors.
* Experience working within a higher education institution, nonprofit board governance structure or public sector environment.
* Experience in crisis communication management.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

* Cover letter
* Resume
* List and contact information of 3 professional references

Applications close on: February 17, 2026

$75,000-$85,000