Strategic Communications Specialist - Strategic Marketing and Communications

About the role

UMKC is seeking a dynamic, creative, collaborative strategic communications specialist with broad experience in media relations and digital content strategy and creation to tell the story of UMKC’s stellar programs in Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing and Health Studies. This position is based on the UMKC Health Sciences Campus and reports to the associate director of strategic communications for the UMKC Health Sciences Campus within the Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute high-quality content across multiple formats, including the university’s website, digital newsletters, and social media channels.
• Handle a variety of projects, effectively prioritizing short-term needs while continuing to make progress on long-term goals.
• Demonstrate strong news judgment and writing skills.
• Build and maintain relationships with key campus and public constituents, including academic units, campus leadership, and local, regional, state, and national media, to enhance public visibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Availability to respond to occasional after-hours situations on short notice.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or Communications or equivalent direct experience.
• Experience in health-care communications and digital content strategy.
• Three to five years of experience in journalism and/or public relations and digital communications.
• Strong news judgment and excellent storytelling and organizational skills.
• Sound knowledge of editorial and journalistic principles and respect for deadlines.
• Technical knowledge of major social media platforms (Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn) in a professional setting.
• Superior interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, benefactors, media, and other key constituents.
• Ability to exercise reasonable judgment, often under intense deadline pressure.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality digital media content.
• Creative problem-solving ability.
• Ability to proactively identify communications opportunities and develop supporting content.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $53,976.00 - $59,368.00 annually. Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement contributions.
• Paid time off, short- and long-term disability.
• Paid parental leave and paid caregiver leave.
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

Location

This position is based on the UMKC Health Sciences Campus in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City offers a vibrant urban community with Midwestern appeal, featuring thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, diverse shopping, champion sports teams, and a renowned culinary scene, including world-famous barbecue. UMKC’s campuses are conveniently located near key attractions, with the Health Sciences Campus situated downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Hospital.