Position Overview

The University of Kansas Office of Research seeks a creative, detail-oriented Digital Communications & Design Specialist to support communications and engagement efforts across the One KU research enterprise.

As a member of the Research Communications & Training team in the Office of Research, this position supports communications that both celebrate the impact of KU research within and beyond KU and help faculty, staff, and students understand and access the resources, services, opportunities, and processes that facilitate research success.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Communications & Training, the Digital Communications & Design Specialist serves as the primary resource for graphic design and website management within the Office of Research. The position develops print and digital communications materials, manages and improves website content, monitors website performance and quality, and collaborates with colleagues and partners across the research enterprise to communicate research opportunities, resources, services, achievements, priorities and guidance that both elevate the visibility and reputation of KU research and help members of the KU community understand how to engage in and support research activities.

The successful candidate is a strong visual communicator who enjoys working across multiple platforms and formats.

Job Description

Digital Experience & Design (50%)

Designs and produces print and digital communications materials and visual assets for websites, email marketing, social media, and other digital platforms, including reports, flyers, posters, brochures, presentations, infographics, signage, and event collateral.
Supports maintenance across digital platforms, ensuring content remains current, accurate, and accessible.
Ensures materials adhere to KU brand, style, and accessibility standards and effectively translates complex information for clear communication.

Communications Support & Content Development (25%)

Supports strategic communications initiatives, assisting with planning, storytelling, and management of designated projects.
Writes, edits, and adapts copy and design for news releases, features, websites, social media, newsletters, reports, presentations and other products for internal and external audiences.
Maintains and organizes shared communications and design assets, including graphics, photographs, templates, and brand resources, to support consistent and effective communications, training, web, and outreach activities.

Digital Quality, Analytics & Continuous Improvement (15%)

Monitors website quality and performance and uses analytics to recommend improvements and enhancements to user experience.
Collaborates with team members and stakeholders to identify, implement, and evaluate improvements to internal processes, workflows, and service delivery practices.

Consultation, Collaboration & Special Projects (10%)

Serves as a communications resource and consultant to subject matter experts, administrative units, and other research stakeholders.
Collaborates with partners across campuses and organizational units to support digital communications and graphic design activities.
Participates in special projects, cross-functional initiatives, professional development, and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, graphic design, marketing or related field and 1 year of related professional experience; OR associate's degree and 3 years of relevant professional experience; OR high school diploma/GED and 5 years of relevant professional experience.
Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills as demonstrated in application materials.
Experience creating print and digital communications materials.
Experience creating, editing, and maintaining website and/or intranet content.
Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop as demonstrated through application materials, portfolio review, and interview.
Experience maintaining websites using a content management system (CMS), such as Drupal, WordPress or similar platforms.
Experience using Microsoft SharePoint.
Experience using Google Analytics or web analytics tools.
Experience applying web accessibility and usability best practices.
Experience creating reports, presentations, infographics, illustrations and/or other visual communications materials.

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
Resume.
Portfolio demonstrating both print and digital design experience, including multipage print publications and digital communications assets.
- Portfolios should be submitted as a single PDF and may include links to websites, online portfolios, digital campaigns, videos, or other work that is best experienced in its original format. For collaborative projects, applicants should briefly describe their role and contributions.
Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Monday October 19, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Mindie Paget, mpaget@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$50,000 - $55,000

Application Review Begins

Monday October 19, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Monday November 30, 2026

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Center for Public Partnerships & Research

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Digital Communications & Design Specialist