"Community Engagement Initiatives (CEI) Events Specialist"

Job Details

Position OverviewMore than perhaps any other factor, the degree to which a university attracts and retains qualified students determines the success or failure of that institution. The Enrollment Management division is a key player in this activity and has a profound effect on the institution’s success. Enrollment Management (EM) includes the following functional units: Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Enrollment Management, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Office of the University Registrar, Student Lifecycle Technology, Enrollment Marketing Communications, and Enrollment Management Services. The division is committed to developing a data-informed, forward-looking, comprehensive enrollment strategy that enables the institution to pursue strategic goals in an integrated and intentional manner.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions reports to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and is responsible for domestic and international undergraduate admissions for freshman and transfer students. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions coordinates the overall recruitment strategy for KU, including travel, high school and community college relations, on and off-campus events, prospect and inquiry management, and application processing.

The Community Engagement Initiatives (CEI) Events Specialist supports the Office of Undergraduate Admissions' strategic recruitment goals by planning, coordinating, and executing events that engage prospective students and their communities. This position is a key contributor to KU’s efforts to increase access, visibility, and enrollment through high-quality campus visits, off-campus events, and targeted outreach experiences for prospective freshman students and transfer students.

Reporting to the Associate Director for Community Engagement Initiatives, the CEI Events Specialist collaborates with campus and community partners to deliver experiences that reflect KU’s commitment to educational opportunity and student success. The position also supervises a team of undergraduate student ambassadors, known as the CEI Recruitment Team, who support event execution and peer-to-peer engagement.

This role is event-focused and service-driven, requiring strong organizational skills, cultural responsiveness, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with the public.

In addition to a competitive salary, KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, 9 paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a great retirement program, medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options and state of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers educational opportunities for employees.

Job Description

65% - Event Planning & Execution

• Plan and coordinate on-campus and off-campus recruitment events such as Destination KU (for first-generation admitted freshmen and transfer students) and Super Saturday (for middle-school students), high school and community college visit days, and individual group visits.
• Develop event timelines, manage logistics (e.g., space, catering, technology), and collaborate with KU partners on programming and staffing.
• Ensure all events are student-centered and are aligned with KU’s strategic enrollment goals.
• Coordinate pre- and post-event communications with the Enrollment Marketing Communications team.

20% - Recruitment Outreach and Engagement

• Represent KU at selected recruitment events, both on- and off-campus, and deliver group presentations to prospective students, families, and key stakeholders.
• Serve as a resource during the daily campus visit program, including one-on-one meetings with prospective students and guests.
• Participate in targeted campus-wide yield events and initiatives.

10% - Student Staff Supervision and Support

• Recruit, train, and supervise undergraduate ambassadors of the CEI Recruitment Team.
• Provide direction and oversight during events, ensuring students and full-time recruitment staff are effectively engaged in outreach efforts.
• Foster professional development and leadership growth among student team members.

5% - Strategic Support and Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Associate Director for Community Engagement Initiatives, the Assistant Director for Transfer Recruitment, the Transfer Engagement Team, and the larger recruitment and events teams on strategy, planning, and partnership development.
• Serve on internal planning committees and provide input on programming, recruitment materials, and outreach practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

1. Driver’s license required or ability to obtain one at the time of appointment.
2. Evening and weekend work, along with occasional travel, is required.

Required Qualifications

1. High School Diploma/GED and two (2) years of related experience.
2. Public speaking or presentation experience in academic, volunteer, or professional settings as evidenced by application materials.
3. Demonstrated event coordination experience, as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Education or related field.
2. A graduate of KU or knowledge of KU academic programs, student services, and admissions processes as evidenced by application materials.
3. Experience working with student populations such as first-generation, transfer, and non-traditional students as evidenced by application materials.
4. Supervisory experience with student workers or volunteers as evidenced by application materials.
5. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish as evidenced by application materials.
6. Understanding CRM philosophy and familiarity with Slate or other CRM technologies as evidenced by application materials.

Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume
• List of three (3) professional references

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Monday, October 6th. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, October 5th.

Contact Information to ApplicantsAmy Tharp atharp@ku.edu 785-864-5421Advertised Salary Range$44,000Application Review BeginsMonday October 6, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday October 13, 2025