Communications Officer

APDesign seeks a creative, strategic Communications Officer to lead storytelling, communications, and signature events. This role will elevate the college’s brand by highlighting achievements and fostering engagement among students, faculty, alumn...

  • 521920
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Arch Planning & Design Dean of
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
  • Closing at: Aug 13 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

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.

About Us

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.

Worksite Description

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.

What You'll Need to Succeed

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.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

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

Application Window

Applications close on: August 13, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$47,486 - $60,541

 

 

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.