Community Relations Manager - Western Kansas

Ideatek•Garden City, KS

5d•Remote

About The Position

IdeaTek is seeking an energetic Community Relations Manager to strengthen its presence across Western Kansas and deepen relationships with the communities it serves. This role involves acting as a key ambassador for IdeaTek, representing its mission, building partnerships, supporting community initiatives, and driving awareness of its services and impact. The position is field-oriented, requiring active engagement in the community, networking, attending events, and identifying opportunities for positive impact. While remote work is possible within Western Kansas, regular travel throughout the region and occasional travel to offices in Buhler and Wichita are expected. Ideal candidates should reside in or near Garden City or Hays, but candidates in surrounding Western Kansas communities are also considered. The role involves a mix of relationship building, networking, event coordination, volunteer support, and leadership updates, directly contributing to IdeaTek's reputation and presence.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in community relations, event planning, public relations, community engagement, or a related field
Strong presentation skills, including experience and comfortability with PowerPoint, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and similar tools
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and events
Strong organizational skills and adaptability in fast-paced environments
Ability to think creatively and solve problems proactively
Willingness to travel regularly throughout Western Kansas and attend evening/weekend events as needed (personally attend ~2 events per month)
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods during events and lift up to 50 pounds when needed
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
Existing community connections or networks within Western Kansas
Experience in telecommunications, technology, or community-focused industries
Experience with sponsorships, volunteer coordination, or nonprofit/community boards
Strong understanding of marketing, branding, or public engagement initiatives via social media

Responsibilities

Develop and implement community engagement strategies aligned with organizational goals
Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, organizations, businesses, and residents
Represent IdeaTek at community events, council meetings, speaking engagements, and networking opportunities
Serve as a liaison between IdeaTek and key community stakeholders across Western Kansas
Identify opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, volunteer initiatives, and community involvement
Partner with marketing and internal teams to coordinate community outreach and event execution
Assist with planning and execution of community events, outreach initiatives, and sponsorship activities
Support both residential and business sales efforts through community engagement and relationship building
Respond to community inquiries and concerns with professionalism and positivity
Prepare reports and present updates on community relations initiatives to leadership
Participate in promotional and advertising content, including videos and public-facing campaigns when needed
Manage budgets related to community engagement activities and sponsorships
Serve on internal scholarship committee to support employee and community-focused educational initiatives
Support employee engagement and volunteer initiatives within the communities we serve