Digital Communications & Design Specialist

Digital Communications & Design Specialist Position Overview

The University of Kansas Office of Research seeks a creative, detail-oriented Digital Communications & Design Specialist to support communications and engagement efforts across the One KU research enterprise.
As a member of the Research Communications & Training team in the Office of Research, this position supports communications that both celebrate the impact of KU research within and beyond KU and help faculty, staff, and students understand and access the resources, services, opportunities, and processes that facilitate research success.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Communications & Training, the Digital Communications & Design Specialist serves as the primary resource for graphic design and website management within the Office of Research. The position develops print and digital communications materials, manages and improves website content, monitors website performance and quality, and collaborates with colleagues and partners across the research enterprise to communicate research opportunities, resources, services, achievements, priorities and guidance that both elevate the visibility and reputation of KU research and help members of the KU community understand how to engage in and support research activities.
The successful candidate is a strong visual communicator who enjoys working across multiple platforms and formats.

Digital Experience & Design (50%)

• Designs and produces print and digital communications materials and visual assets for websites, email marketing, social media, and other digital platforms, including reports, flyers, posters, brochures, presentations, infographics, signage, and event collateral.
• Supports maintenance across digital platforms, ensuring content remains current, accurate, and accessible.
• Ensures materials adhere to KU brand, style, and accessibility standards and effectively translates complex information for clear communication.

• Supports strategic communications initiatives, assisting with planning, storytelling, and management of designated projects.
• Writes, edits, and adapts copy and design for news releases, features, websites, social media, newsletters, reports, presentations and other products for internal and external audiences.
• Maintains and organizes shared communications and design assets, including graphics, photographs, templates, and brand resources, to support consistent and effective communications, training, web, and outreach activities.

• Monitors website quality and performance and uses analytics to recommend improvements and enhancements to user experience.
• Collaborates with team members and stakeholders to identify, implement, and evaluate improvements to internal processes, workflows, and service delivery practices.

• Serves as a communications resource and consultant to subject matter experts, administrative units, and other research stakeholders.
• Collaborates with partners across campuses and organizational units to support digital communications and graphic design activities.
• Participates in special projects, cross-functional initiatives, professional development, and other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, graphic design, marketing or related field and 1 year of related professional experience; OR associate's degree and 3 years of relevant professional experience; OR high school diploma/GED and 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills as…