Communications and Marketing Manager

The College of Agriculture seeks a Communications and Marketing Manager to direct a team of communication professionals in the development and execution of strategic communication.

  • 521410
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Ag Deans Office & Dir AES
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Apr 21 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • Hybrid eligible
View favorites

About This Role

The purpose of the Communications and Marketing Manager is to direct a team of communication professionals in the development and execution of strategic communication for effective student recruitment and engagement, alumni relations, research and extension, and College of Agriculture stakeholders through collaboration with senior leadership. This position will lead communications campaigns, serve as the lead contact for external vendors and contractors.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Develop, implement/execute and evaluate strategic and integrated communication plans, including external and internal communication, in support of the College of Agriculture and it’s departments, and K-State’s mission/vision.
  • Assess the effectiveness of communications and marketing efforts and recommend adjustments to improve impact and alignment with College and University goals.
  • Ensure communications align with University brand standards, messaging guidelines, and accessibility requirements.
  • Develop, oversee, and analyze methods/metrics for measuring the impact, reach, and performance of marketing campaigns and College of Agriculture public relations.
  • Manage plan implementation and resolve critical issues encountered during execution.
  • Oversee the development of feature stories and promotional materials highlighting faculty and staff teaching, research, and extension activities, using science communication skills to translate complex information for broad and targeted audiences.
  • Manage and direct a multi-disciplined team in strategic development, tracking, and management of communications, marketing, and branding for K-State College of Agriculture.
  • Work closely with the Director of Communication and Marketing, department communicators, administrators, and faculty in the development and implementation of strategic communication projects and campaigns.
  • Communicate campaign and marketing objectives to staff.
  • Manage staff assignments and review/edit work of team members.
  • Conduct annual performance reviews for staff and encourage professional development.
  • Manage vendor relationships as needed to align deliverables with college strategy.
  • Manage the primary College of Agriculture websites.
  • Partner with graphic designers and lead department staff members to ensure end-products meet client needs.
  • Partner with College of Agriculture and department administrators, specialists, and staff in the development and management of agriculture web content and digital assets.
  • Manage the ongoing College of Agriculture website updates through the collection and updating of content and design of web pages and digital assets.
  • Develop materials to advocate for new public and private funding, and support economic development efforts related to the College of Agriculture.
  • Develop campaigns and tools/templates that can be easily adapted and used by multiple departments/units.
  • Develop and guide social media strategy, website and digital asset development, photography, and video/ animation services.
  • Lead client meetings. Develop, manage, and oversee the preparation of client-related business materials for meetings/presentations.
  • Conduct and/or use communication and market research.
  • Present and lead client strategic communication and marketing training, including how to use developed tools/templates.
  • Consult/Collaborate with DCM communication professionals to provide strategic communication support.
  • Serve on College, Department, and university committees.
  • Perform other duties and fulfill other responsibilities as assigned.
  • Remain current with communication and marketing methods, keeping skills up-to-date and relevant.
  • Occasional day or overnight travel for professional development or topical presentations.

About Us

We're proud to be recognized as one of the nation's top ag schools. It's an outgrowth of our dedication to advancing the science of agriculture and the art of teaching. Our faculty truly care about students, colleagues and the world we serve. Every day, we put our hands and minds together to work on better ways to achieve sustainability, feed billions, build agribusinesses and improve lives with thoughtful, well-researched use of plants, animals, numbers and words. Visit our website to learn more, https://www.ag.k-state.edu/

Worksite Description

This position is Hybrid eligible. This position is primarily in-person. Employees are expected to work on-site the majority of the time. The position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of one remote workday per week, with all other days worked 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.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and seven years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience. Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a communications-related field.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop implementation plans with strong follow-through and measurable results.
  • Experience working in a communications and marketing agency or similar professional communications environment.
  • Experience in a university environment, preferably a land-grant university.
  • Knowledge of current agricultural practices and the land grant mission.
  • Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring organizational brand(s) and ensuring branding consistency.
  • Experience with multi-platform communications, including video production and editing; audio production and editing; photography; desktop publishing using the Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Experience with social media tools, web design, blogging platforms, data reporting tools, analytics, keyword searching and search engine optimization (SEO).
  • Supervisory/management experience.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties including recruitment, selection, training, mentoring, performance management, and accountability.
  • Highly creative with demonstrated experience in identifying target audiences and devising campaign messages that engage, inform and motivate - elevating enrollments, revenue and relationships.

Additional Role Information:

  • Drivers license

Sponsorship eligibility:

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

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. Portfolio of work samples
  4. Contact information for three professional references

Application Window

Applications close on: April 21, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$60,000 - $75,000

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.