Communications Director

Kansas United for Impartial Courts (KUIC) is a statewide coalition of organizations and concerned citizens working to defeat a constitutional amendment on the August 2026 ballot that would eliminate merit selection for Kansas Supreme Court justices and replace it with partisan elections. KUIC seeks to run a campaign that not only leads to victory, but also builds durable grassroots power and organizing infrastructure statewide.

KUIC is seeking a Communications Director to lead the campaign’s earned media, rapid response, and public messaging efforts. The Communications Director will serve as the campaign’s primary press lead, oversee day-to-day media relations, and manage the campaign’s social media manager. This role will work closely with the Campaign Manager to ensure that all public communications reinforce a clear, disciplined narrative aligned with campaign strategy.

This position reports directly to the Campaign Manager.

• Communications Strategy & Message Discipline
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy in partnership with the Campaign Manager and consultant team.
  • Ensure all public-facing messaging is accurate, consistent, values-driven, and aligned with campaign goals.
  • Work closely with campaign leadership to anticipate and prepare for high-risk or high-visibility communications scenarios.
• Earned Media & Press Relations
  • Serve as the campaign’s primary press contact, responding to media inquiries in a timely and strategic manner.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with Kansas-based reporters, editorial boards, and relevant national media.
  • Identify and secure earned media opportunities that advance the campaign’s narrative and reach key audiences.
  • Draft and distribute press materials including press releases, advisories, statements, talking points, and background memos.
• Digital & Social Media Oversight
  • Manage and supervise a Social Media Manager, setting clear goals, expectations, and content priorities.
  • Ensure social media content reinforces earned media narratives and overall campaign messaging.
  • Coordinate digital messaging with press, field, and coalition efforts to maximize impact.
• Campaign Integration & Coordination
  • Collaborate closely with the Field Director, coalition partners, and consultants to align communications with on-the-ground campaign activity.
  • Participate in regular campaign meetings and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.
  • Provide messaging guidance and materials to campaign staff, coalition partners, and spokespeople as needed.
    
    Serve as a campaign spokesperson as needed, and work with leadership to identify and prepare other appropriate spokespeople.
  Required Qualifications
  • At least one full cycle of campaign or issue-based communications experience, preferably in a press or communications role.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly under tight deadlines.
  • Strong judgment and ability to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
  • Commitment to democratic values, civic institutions, and respectful public discourse.
  Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience leading earned media for a statewide campaign or ballot initiative.
  • Familiarity with Kansas media markets and political landscape.
  • Experience managing staff or contractors.
  • Ability to communicate complex policy or legal issues to non-expert audiences.

  The position is full-time and based in Kansas. The salary for this position is $8,000 plus a health care stipend per month. The final date of employment will be 8/31/2026.

  Please submit a resume and cover letter with the subject line “KUIC Communications Director” to leo. Applications must include a cover letter to be reviewed. Initial review will begin March 2, 2026 and the position will be open until filled. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis with a likely start date in March 2026.