Communications Officer

APDesign is a dynamic, high-performing college with a constant stream of accomplishments, award-winning work, research discoveries, creative projects, community partnerships, and student success stories. The Communications Officer plays a pivotal role in identifying, developing, and sharing these stories with a wide range of audiences, including prospective and current students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, university leadership, professional peers, industry partners, and the broader community.

Working closely with college leadership and stakeholders, this position develops and executes comprehensive communications, marketing, public relations, alumni engagement, and event strategies that highlight the impact of APDesign's teaching, research, creative activities, and service. The successful candidate will help strengthen the college's visibility and reputation while supporting strategic goals related to student recruitment, retention, alumni engagement, fundraising, and community outreach.

In addition to leading the college's communications efforts, the Communications Officer serves as the primary coordinator for a variety of college events and special programs. From alumni and donor engagement activities to lectures, exhibitions, recognition ceremonies, student recruitment events, and college-wide celebrations, this role creates meaningful experiences that connect audiences to APDesign's mission and accomplishments. The position oversees event planning, logistics, promotion, stakeholder coordination, and post-event communications to ensure events are well-executed, impactful, and aligned with the college's strategic priorities.

As a key representative of APDesign, this position helps bring the college's most important events and celebrations to life. Due to the nature of college-wide events, alumni and donor engagement activities, lectures, exhibitions, and special programs, occasional evening and weekend work may be required. This flexibility allows the Communications Officer to create exceptional experiences that showcase the energy, accomplishments, and impact of the college.

This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment and enjoys combining strategic storytelling with event planning to showcase a college that is making a significant impact at K-State and beyond.

The College of Architecture, Planning and Design (APDesign) is home to a vibrant community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are united by a shared passion for design, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Through nationally recognized programs in architecture, interior architecture and industrial design, landscape architecture, regional and community planning, and community development, APDesign prepares future leaders to shape the built, natural, and social environments.

Our college is a hub of creativity and collaboration where students and faculty continually push boundaries, explore new ideas, and address real-world challenges through design. APDesign consistently celebrates student achievements, faculty excellence, impactful research, community engagement, and national recognition, creating countless stories that demonstrate the college's influence across Kansas, the nation, and the world.

As part of APDesign, you'll join a collaborative and supportive community dedicated to inspiring transformative ideas and making a lasting difference through design.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and five years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in writing, editing, and content creation for various platforms.
• Proficiency in managing social media accounts and creating digital marketing campaigns.
• Experience in publication design and distribution.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Familiarity with web content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal).
• Graphic design skills and familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience working in a higher education or nonprofit environment.
• Knowledge of architecture, planning, or design disciplines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Creativity and attention to detail in developing compelling and engaging content.
• Adaptability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Three professional references with contact information

Applications close on: August 13, 2026

$47,486 - $60,541