The University of Kansas (KU), a flagship public research institution in Lawrence, Kansas, stands as one of the premier employers in higher education across the United States. With a rich history dating back to 1866, KU employs thousands in diverse roles spanning academia, research, administration, and support services. As of 2026, KU offers hundreds of positions through its centralized employment portal, attracting professionals eager to contribute to world-class education and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned academic, a skilled administrator, or an entry-level enthusiast, University of Kansas careers provide stability, growth, and impact in a vibrant campus environment.
Why Pursue University of Kansas Careers?
Working at KU means joining a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving Kansas and beyond. The university's commitment to excellence is evident in its rankings, research funding exceeding $300 million annually, and contributions to fields like medicine, engineering, and social sciences. University of Kansas careers appeal to those seeking meaningful work with competitive benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans matching up to 10%, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, and generous paid leave. In a state where higher education jobs offer above-average salaries— with KU faculty averaging around $133,000 for full professors— these positions provide financial security alongside professional fulfillment.
Recent data highlights KU's appeal: 94.6% of graduates secure employment or further education within a year, with an average starting salary of $52,000. For current employees, average pay hovers between $77,000 and $94,000, with top earners in leadership roles surpassing $1 million, often in athletics or executive administration. The university's Lawrence campus, Edwards Campus in Overland Park, and Medical Center in Kansas City create a network of opportunities tailored to various expertise levels.
Top Faculty Positions Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders
Faculty roles at KU represent the pinnacle of University of Kansas careers, offering tenure-track paths, practice professorships, and leadership chairs. These positions involve teaching, research, and service, with review dates extending into mid-2026 for many openings. Senior roles like Chairperson-Associate or Full Professor in the Department of Spanish & Portuguese (Job ID: 32347BR) demand expertise in language pedagogy and cultural studies, reviewing applications from April 15, 2026. Similarly, the Director/Associate or Full Professor in International Affairs Administration (32380BR) seeks visionaries to lead global programs, with reviews starting April 21, 2026.
Other standout faculty jobs include Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of the Practice in Project Management at the Edwards Campus School of Professional Studies (32409BR), ideal for industry veterans transitioning to academia, and Associate Professor/Professor in Constitutional Law at the Law School (32089BR). These roles typically require a Ph.D. or terminal degree, a strong publication record, and teaching experience. Salaries for assistant professors start around $80,000-$100,000, scaling to $150,000+ for full professors, per national benchmarks adjusted for Kansas' cost of living.
- Assistant/Associate/Full Teaching Professor - American Sign Language (Special Education, 32002BR): Focuses on inclusive education for deaf communities.
- Assistant/Associate Professor of the Practice Sports Media & Society (Journalism, 32101BR): Blends media studies with athletics, leveraging KU's storied basketball program.
- Business Director (Law Enforcement Training Center, 32441BR): Oversees operations for public safety training.
Research Roles: Driving Innovation at KU
Research positions form a cornerstone of University of Kansas careers, particularly through centers like the Bureau of Child Research and Molecular Biosciences. Current openings include two Assistant Researcher roles: one in the Bureau of Child Research (32276BR, review March 31, 2026) exploring developmental disabilities, and another in Molecular Biosciences (32410BR, April 14, 2026) advancing biotech discoveries. These unclassified professional staff positions require advanced degrees like a master's or Ph.D., with salaries ranging from $50,000-$90,000 based on experience.
KU's research ecosystem supports over 1,000 projects yearly, funded by NSF, NIH, and private grants. Researchers benefit from state-of-the-art labs, collaborative networks, and pathways to principal investigator status. For instance, the Life Span Institute integrates interdisciplinary work on aging and neuroscience, offering top jobs for postdocs and scientists eyeing faculty tracks.
To explore detailed research impacts, check the KU Analytics and Institutional Research site, which tracks outcomes and funding trends.
Administrative and Leadership Opportunities
Administrative roles in University of Kansas careers provide strategic influence without requiring terminal degrees. Standouts include Assistant Director, Fitness/Wellness in Recreation Services (32115BR), managing campus wellness programs, and Associate Director Major Division/School at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (32327BR). The Case Manager in Office of Civil Rights & Title IX (32454BR) addresses equity issues, a growing priority in higher ed.
These positions demand organizational skills, often a bachelor's plus experience, with mid-level salaries $60,000-$100,000. Leadership jobs like Business Director at the Law Enforcement Center offer oversight of budgets and teams, appealing to MBAs or public admins.
Staff and Support Positions: The Backbone of KU Operations
Staff jobs comprise the largest category in University of Kansas careers, from Admission Representatives (32442BR) guiding prospective Jayhawks to specialized roles like Boiler Operator Senior (32431BR) in Facilities Services. With 2026 staff salary structures starting at $37,440 for entry-level (L06) up to $150,000+ for executives, these offer clear progression via annual reviews and training.
| Grade | Minimum | Midpoint | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| L06 | $37,440 | $41,800 | $47,300 |
| L10 | $45,000 | $50,200 | $56,800 |
Staff enjoy KU's emphasis on work-life balance, with hybrid options post-pandemic.
Entry-Level and Student Hourly Jobs
For newcomers, University of Kansas careers start with student hourly roles like Ambler Rec Weight Room Specialist or Coordinator of Staff in Student Senate. These build resumes, offering $10-$15/hour and networking. Graduates transition seamlessly, with 94.6% placement rates per KU's First Destination Survey.
Career Outcomes for KU Graduates: Top Paths Beyond Campus
KU alumni thrive in diverse fields, per career center data. Top employers include Garmin (8 hires in engineering), ExxonMobil, Honeywell, and Black & Veatch. Business grads join EY, Deloitte, PwC. Healthcare roles at KU Health System—ranked Kansas' top employer by Forbes—draw nursing and med alumni.
Popular careers: Software Engineer (Engineering majors), Registered Nurse (Nursing), Policy Analyst (Political Science), Research Scientist (various STEM). Median alumni wages vary: engineering ~$70,000 early career. KU's job portal lists alumni-accessible positions.
Benefits, Perks, and Professional Development
KU invests in employees via the Staff Development Program, leadership academies, and tuition waivers. Health benefits cover 85% premiums; retirement vests immediately. Wellness initiatives and athletic perks enhance appeal.
Navigating the Application Process
Apply via KU's Work at KU portal: create profile, upload resume/cover, tailor to job ID. Reviews begin promptly; internal candidates prioritized for seniors. Prepare for interviews emphasizing KU values like inclusivity.
- Search openings by category.
- Submit required docs (transcripts for faculty).
- Follow up post-review date.
Future Outlook for University of Kansas Careers
With KU's $2.5B budget and expansions in AI, health, and sustainability, top jobs will grow 10-15% by 2030. Demand surges for STEM faculty, DEI admins, and tech staff amid national talent shortages. Jayhawks shape the future—start your University of Kansas career today.
Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
