Senior Strategic Communications Consultant, UMKC Institute for Human Development, 86675

Hiring Department

The Institute for Human Development (IHD), a University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), is an applied research and training center for human services designed to exemplify the University’s goals of engaged scholarship and community partnerships. Its functions include interdisciplinary training, applied research, community program development and information dissemination.

Job Description

This position primarily will provide strategic communications counsel to the Early Childhood Innovation Center within UMKC's Institute for Human Development. The position will create strategic communication plans, manage and coordinate a wide range of communications projects to support, promote and enhance the effectiveness of the Early Childhood Innovation Center, including those key projects within the ECIC including MO-SECA, Quality Assurance Reporting and Workforce Development. The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

· Builds relationships across IHD, primarily serving the Early Childhood Innovation Center, supporting IHD and other programs across the organization if needed

· Assist the Associate Director of Strategic Communications in the development of strategic communication plans based on conversations and relationships with the representatives of the groups served

· Serves as strategic communications counsel and communications project manager primarily to Early Childhood Innovation Center Leaders

· Devise and implement communication strategies based on target audiences, develop messaging and select communications channels

· Draft and edit communications materials, including communications for printed and digital media such as website content and social media

· Develop year-long calendar of upcoming projects

· Post content regularly to websites and social media as determined by communication plans

· Review and edit complex white papers, reports and position statements for use by policy makers, governmental agencies, funders and the general public

· Collaborate with leaders across IHD and external partners to translate complex information into understandable messages

· Provide executive communication support to leaders as needed for PowerPoint presentations, briefing sheets, talking points, etc.

· Drive consistency with communications to ensure they adhere to IHD branding across various parts of the organization and across various communication channels

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

· 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

· Experience working with digital media, including WordPress and social media

· Basic design skills including work with InDesign and other design software

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated salary range up to $73,500, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Application Deadline

Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.

Benefit Eligibility

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 .

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

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