Senior Strategic Communications Associate, Institute for Human Development

Hiring Department

The Institute for Human Development at the University of Missouri-Kansas City

Job Description

This position will provide strategic communications counsel and relationship management with one of the divisions in the Institute for Human Development and its various programs. Work objectives include increasing visibility of each until among its target audiences highlighting the unit’s activities, developing and disseminating promotional and educational materials in supporting of the unit’s and IHD’s mission and objectives. The successful candidate will:

• Design, write and edit communications materials with support from program subject matter experts based on target audiences and select communications channels according to AP style and accessible design and practices; develop and manage communications and information dissemination campaigns for direct email, digital communications including social media and websites, newsletters, public-facing reports and materials, and various other materials for marketing or educational purposes communicating the activities, products and/or services of a unit within IHD.
• Develop and maintain a positive and productive consultive and solutions-oriented, service-minded relationship with the assigned unit within IHD, serving as the relationship and communications project manager supporting one or more units with IHD, building trust while counseling internal clients, developing communication plans and implementing communication strategies for key projects within the assigned unit of IHD while driving consistency to ensure communications adhere to UMKC and IHD branding and accessibility standards. Work with the IHD Communications’ director in the development and improvement and ongoing implementation of standard processes for the department and across IHD.
• Translate complex information into understandable messages according to accessible design, plain language and communications best practices to keep internal and external audiences engaged, increase awareness and build and maintain the reputation of key research projects and specific units within IHD among various target audiences. Work with identified liaisons within each program area of IHD to train and continue to coach and collaborate with them in basic communications activities including accessibility, design and writing styles (AP).
• Manage a portfolio of one or more websites and associated social media sites ensuring they adhere to WCAG accessibility and UMKC-IHD branding standards, ensuring timely posting of content to include regular updates on key research projects, achievements, and other newsworthy items within IHD while driving SEO optimization. Must maintain and manage functionality of the WordPress websites using Elementor, DiviBuilder and/or Avada platforms.
• Counsel, collaborate, maintain trust and provide communication support with leaders and program directors and program area liaisons to support communications needs for various projects including PowerPoint presentations, briefing sheets, talking points, and other promotional/instructional communications including the ultimate dissemination of such materials.
• Prepare accurate reports using data from the research and communications activities, including quarterly reports on social media and website engagement, and convey these findings in a comprehensible way to IHD unit and IHD leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

NOTE: This position is 100% grant funded and is contingent on continued funding.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a team along with communications projects
• Two to three years’ experience as a graphic designer using basic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (including Adobe InDesign and Illustrator) and Canva
• Proven experience posting and managing social media
• Two years’ experience in website development and management experience using WordPress
• Preferred certifications include Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) or certifications in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, along with UX/UI design

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $65,000 to $72,500 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS 10
University Title: SENIOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE
To review the University of Missouri’s Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Deadline

Job posting will remain open until filled. For best consideration, please submit application in full by May 24, 2026.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.