Communications Specialist - Public Policy and Management Center - Wichita State University Careers

We need a wordsmith with a passion for telling stories that resonate! Do you excel at juggling deadlines, managing creative projects, and crafting professional, polished communication pieces? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you with our...

Department: Public Policy and Management Center

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range is between $39,700 to 45,000/yr, adjust based on qualifications

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8a - 5p, (can vary depending on scheduled events quarterly)

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

We need a wordsmith with a passion for telling stories that resonate! Do you excel at juggling deadlines, managing creative projects, and crafting professional, polished communication pieces? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you with our team! The Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with the public and private sectors to conduct research, evaluation, training, and community development.

This role is the heartbeat of the PPMC's communication efforts, connecting the dots between our teams, our community, and the broader audience. You’ll be the architect of our storytelling, highlighting the incredible impact our work has on communities across the region. From designing marketing materials to managing digital content and social media, you’ll have the chance to shape our voice and messaging in powerful, meaningful ways.

As the go-to editor, proofreader, and style guide guru, you’ll ensure every piece of content—whether it’s internal updates or public-facing reports—meets the highest standards of quality and professionalism. Collaborating closely with leadership and peers, you’ll balance schedules, drive timelines, and keep everyone on track while championing our mission through visually and verbally compelling communication.

This role offers a dynamic mix of responsibilities, from managing digital content and leading marketing strategy to reviewing research proposals and finalizing reports. You’ll need to be adaptable, organized, and ready to jump into multiple projects at once, ensuring everything flows smoothly through your process. With your ability to prioritize, motivate others, and bring stories to life, you’ll help us show the world the incredible work happening here.

If you’re ready to make an impact with your words, your strategy, and your creativity, join us to help how we communicate with the world. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to create a lasting narrative for our center and the communities we serve. Let’s tell the story together!

Job Summary

Develops and implements communications content and strategies to achieve business goals.

Essential Functions

Oversees communications efforts for projects, campaigns, events, programs and/or services. May lead staff in the design and implementation of communications content. Creates, reviews, edits, and enhances messaging in news, print, audio, and/or online publications and advertisements ensuring alignment with goals and objectives. Collaborates with University staff and related departments to develop and implement communications content that engage and enhance the customer experience. Interviews internal resources, collects relevant information and develops material for media releases and communications sessions. Researches target audience, ensuring communications efforts align with the perceived perception of service and value. May assist with the monitoring, tracking, and management of annual communications budget.

Job Duties

50%- Editing and working on final approvals for proposals timeline creation, routing them through the project management system.
40%- Design and create public facing marketing aspects, representing a consistent and cohesive messaging for the center. Including maintaining social media, digital content and websites regularly
10%- Creation and management of the internal communications related to team awareness driving deadlines.

This position will be an integral component to the Center's community service efforts and will have a lead role in service delivery and maintaining the Center's relationships with various federal, state, local government, and nonprofit partners. This position will represent the Center at various seminars, conferences, and meetings, as necessary.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism or related field
• Three (3) years of experience in marketing, communications or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite or similar programs
• Graphic design, formatting, editing, and data visualization skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects, including competing and sometimes shifting priorities, while maintaining a commitment to high standards

Preferred Qualifications:

• Constant Contact or similar emailing distribution software
• WordPress experience

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.

Additional Physical Requirement: