Strategic Communications Specialist - Strategic Marketing and Communications

University of Missouri - Kansas City
Strategic Marketing and Communications

UMKC is seeking a dynamic, creative, collaborative strategic communications specialist with broad experience in media relations and digital content strategy and creation to tell the story of UMKC's stellar programs in Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing and Health Studies. This position is based on the UMKC Health Sciences Campus.

This role will write content across earned and owned media for internal and external audiences and create content for the university's website, digital newsletters and social media channels. Strong organizational skills and experience in meeting deadlines are musts. This position reports to the associate director of strategic communications for the UMKC Health Sciences Campus within the Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute high-quality content across multiple formats.
• Handle a variety of projects, effectively prioritizing short-term needs while continuing to make progress on long-term goals.
• Demonstrate strong news judgment and writing skills.
• Build and maintain relationships with key campus and public constituents, including academic units, campus leadership, and local, regional, state and national media, to enhance public visibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• A bachelor's degree in English, Journalism or Communications or equivalent direct experience required.
• Experience in health-care communications and digital content strategy.
• Three to five years of experience in journalism and/or public relations and digital communications.
• Strong news judgment, and excellent storytelling and organizational skills.
• Sound knowledge of editorial and journalistic principles and respect for deadlines.
• Availability to respond to occasional after-hours situations on short notice.
• Technical knowledge of major social media platforms.
• Familiarity with using Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn in a professional setting.
• Superior interpersonal, written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, benefactors, media and other key constituents.
• Ability to exercise reasonable judgment, often under intense deadline pressure.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality digital media content.
• Creative problem-solving ability.
• Ability to proactively identify communications opportunities and develop supporting content.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $53,976.00 - $59,368.00 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: 9E
University Title: STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT
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.

For best consideration please submit a cover letter with your resume and application materials.

Job posting will remain open until filled. For best consideration apply by June 23, 2026.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.