Communications Specialist

Position Overview

The KU School of Law is seeking a Communications Specialist to assist in communications and promotional activities for the law school.

The Communications Specialist helps tell the KU Law story through the law school's website, blog, social media channels and publications. The Communications Specialist collects, prepares and disseminates news about the school, writing and creating content for a variety of audiences through digital platforms, printed and electronic publications, advertising, media relations and school-sponsored events. The ideal candidate will be an excellent writer, strong proofreader and creative storyteller who has experience in graphic design, website management, photography and video creation.

This is a regular, full-time (1.0 FTE), benefits eligible, unclassified staff position.

Job Description

Writing, Marketing and Communications Support (45%)

• Write news releases, features and blog posts on a variety of subjects, including law school programs, student/faculty/staff accomplishments, alumni profiles, etc.
• Write, report and conduct research for stories in the KU Law Magazine and other publications produced by the school, the university and others. Additional content generation may include shooting and editing photography and video.
• Create, source and manage content for the KU Law Blog, including writing, editing and graphics. Collaborate with and edit content from contributing writers, including law school students, faculty, staff and alumni.
• Routinely contribute ideas and content for websites, social media, newsletters and other school, university and external publications as needed.
• Maintain relationships with various law school offices and programs - such as Career Services, Admissions, Moot Court, International and Comparative Law and others - to develop messaging and generate content for internal and external audiences.
• Track rankings, accomplishments and media coverage of the school, faculty, students and alumni for cross-channel promotion.
• Assist with designing print and electronic materials as needed.
• Assist with the ongoing development of the law school's strategic communications plan as it relates to communications materials and activities.

Website Maintenance and Multimedia Communications (35%)

• Maintain and manage content on the KU School of Law website (law.ku.edu), in KU's content management system, in collaboration with the Director of External Affairs. Serve as a contact for updates across the site, maintaining news feeds and events calendars, and ensuring overall accuracy, consistency, accessibility and brand alignment.
• Oversee website and social media analytics and produce regular reports.
• Identify and assist with opportunities to produce multimedia pieces for KU School of Law platforms, including video.
• Assist with management of social media channels, including editorial calendar for social media posts, graphics and copy for posts, engagement with audiences, updates to look and feel, and strategic campaigns.
• Produce e-newsletters for law school centers and programs on a consistent schedule. Projects include annual newsletters for the Wheat Law Library, International & Comparative Law Program and the Tribal Law & Government Center.
• Continually analyze the effectiveness of digital communications methods and recommend ways to enhance the school's electronic presence.

Event Support and Marketing (20%)

• Attend and contribute to events, team meetings and event planning sessions.
• Develop promotional materials for School of Law events, including electronic invitations and registration forms, print materials, website content and social media campaigns.
• Lend support at events and public relations activities hosted by the school, including live and virtual events.
• Assist with taking photographs and/or video as might be required for events and activities and performing other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
This position will have a hybrid work arrangement. Incumbent will work remotely and on-site at the Lawrence, Kansas campus based on a set departmental schedule. Occasional after hours work to cover law school events and activities for marketing and communication purposes.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, English or relevant field plus one (1) year of related experience OR a High School Diploma/GED and five (5) years of related experience
2. Excellent writing skills, demonstrated by prior work or classwork.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, as evidenced by application materials.
2. Experience developing, reporting or writing feature stories and news coverage for various audiences.
3. Experience managing multiple detail-oriented projects on tight deadlines.
4. Strong computer skills, preferably with experience in Microsoft Office and using Adobe Creative Suite - especially Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere and Illustrator - for creating graphics and video.
5. Experience creating and managing content for a range of social media platforms.
6. Experience writing and maintaining information on a website using a content management system.
7. Experience with email marketing platforms.
8. Experience shooting and editing photo and video.
9. Experience with analysis and usage of Google Analytics.
10. Familiarity with the University of Kansas, the School of Law and/or higher education environment.

Contact Information to Applicants

Julie Francisco
Director of External Affairs, KU School of Law
juliefrancisco@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

Complete and submit the online application and include the following:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and assessment of your skills related to the required and preferred qualifications.
2. Resume
3. List of three professional references
4. A writing sample. Candidates may also include additional work samples, such as print and digital design, social media content, etc.

Review of applications will begin on June 1, 2026, and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. To ensure priority consideration, apply by the review date.

Advertised Salary Range
$44,100 - minimum starting salary

Application Review Begins
01-Jun-2026

Anticipated Start Date
01-Jul-2026

Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE
1.0

Reg/Temp
Regular

FLSA Status
Nonexempt

Employee Class
U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Location Assignment
Hybrid