Communications & Public Relations Specialist

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY•Wichita, KS

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Friends University is seeking to fill the Communications & Public Relations Specialist position in Wichita Kansas. This position will provide professional communications and public relations support for Friends University in accordance with the mission, core values, and purposes of the University. Serve as a communications resource who supports fundraising and engagement efforts, monitors and helps protect the University’s reputation, supports crisis and emergency communications, and produces media and public-relations materials as directed by the Vice President of Advancement and/or the President. This position collaborates closely with the Advancement team to identify and share compelling stories that highlight student success, alumni achievement, donor impact, academic excellence, and campus life. As a member of a small, collaborative team, the position contributes to projects beyond its primary area of focus as needed. Provide strategic communications for University Advancement by developing and implementing communication strategies that support fundraising priorities, donor engagement, alumni relations, and institutional advancement goals. Create and manage content for digital and print communications, including websites, social media, email campaigns, newsletters, annual reports, donor communications, campaign materials, and alumni publications. Support fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship efforts, and alumni engagement initiatives through compelling storytelling and targeted messaging. Research, identify, and develop donor impact stories, stewardship reports, case statements, and other advancement-related materials that demonstrate philanthropic impact and strengthen relationships with constituents. Ensure all communications adhere to university brand standards and maintain consistent messaging across all platforms. Provide strategic communications and public relations support for university-wide initiatives and institutional priorities. Develop and implement communication strategies that enhance institutional visibility, strengthen brand awareness, and promote the university's mission and accomplishments. Provide communications support and event coverage for university programs and events, collaborating with campus partners to share key achievements with internal and external audiences.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field is required.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Strong news and feature writing in Associated Press style.
Familiarity with social listening/monitoring tools and emergency notification systems.
Ability to work calmly and accurately under deadlines and during high-pressure situations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of five years of experience in communications, public relations, media relations, or a related field, preferred.
Crisis communications experience preferred.
Higher education experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic communications for University Advancement by developing and implementing communication strategies that support fundraising priorities, donor engagement, alumni relations, and institutional advancement goals.
Create and manage content for digital and print communications, including websites, social media, email campaigns, newsletters, annual reports, donor communications, campaign materials, and alumni publications.
Support fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship efforts, and alumni engagement initiatives through compelling storytelling and targeted messaging.
Research, identify, and develop donor impact stories, stewardship reports, case statements, and other advancement-related materials that demonstrate philanthropic impact and strengthen relationships with constituents.
Ensure all communications adhere to university brand standards and maintain consistent messaging across all platforms.
Provide strategic communications and public relations support for university-wide initiatives and institutional priorities.
Develop and implement communication strategies that enhance institutional visibility, strengthen brand awareness, and promote the university's mission and accomplishments.
Provide communications support and event coverage for university programs and events, collaborating with campus partners to share key achievements with internal and external audiences.