Strategic Communications Consultant, UMKC Institute for Human Development

The Institute for Human Development (IHD) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)

This position primarily will provide communications support, graphic design and website and social media management to support UMKC's Institute for Human Development. The position will support digital and print communication projects, developing concepts and designs for broad dissemination through traditional media channels along with digital platforms such as social media and websites to promote and enhance the effectiveness of all communications for IHD.

Job Duties:

• Communications Project Support:
  • Provides support to communications project manager supporting specific groups within UMKC's Institute for Human Development.
  • Develops and implements communication strategies for key projects and is instrumental in executing identified communications strategies to ensure they adhere to UMKC and IHD branding standards.
• Communications Expert:
  • Translate complex information into understandable messages according to accessible design, plain language and communications best practices for digital and print communications to keep internal and external audiences engaged, increase awareness and build and maintain the reputation of key projects and assigned areas within IHD among target audiences.
• Content Creation:
  • Write, design, and edit communications materials based on target audiences and select communications channels.
  • Develop and manage direct email campaigns, newsletters, public-facing materials that communicate the activities, products and/or services of key projects within IHD.
• Website and Social Media Management:
  • Develop a quarterly social media calendar and manage/update key websites posting content regularly to social media channels and websites on key projects, achievements, and other updates. This includes SEO optimization.
  • Must ensure all communications are accessible and meet WCAG standards.
• Communication Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with communication project leads and program directors to develop and execute communications needs for various projects including PowerPoint presentations, briefing sheets, talking points, and other promotional/instructional communications.
• Project Reporting:
  • Prepare accurate reports using data from the research and communications activities, including quarterly reports on social media and website engagement, and convey these findings in a comprehensible way to sponsors and UMKC-IHD leadership.

NOTE: This position is 100% grant funded and contingent on continued funding.

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 is necessary

• Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) or comparable certification from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
• Mature communications consulting skills developed through agency or related experiences
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Basic design skills including work with InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Canva and other design software
• Experience working with digital media, including WordPress, Elementor, Divi, Avada, SharePoint and social media

Anticipated salary range is $55,500-$63,500 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $55,000 to $63,500 annual.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: Salary Plan #
University Title: UNIVERSITY TITLE
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Job opening will remain open until filled. For best consideration, please submit application full by May 24, 2026.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.