Professional and Continuing Education Specialist

About This Role

K-State Olathe is seeking a Professional and Continuing Education Specialist to lead faculty on grants and support K-State Olathe’s goal to provide professional and continuing education, engagement and programming to meet workforce needs in Greater Kansas City, state of Kansas and the federal government linking K- State’s expertise to appropriate regional, national and international audiences. This position reports to the Professional and Continuing Education Manager. Responsibilities include

1. Execute and deliver professional and continuing education programs and conferences.

• Manage all contracts, budgets, vendors, and registration for K-State Olathe related conferences and programs. 
• Coordinate with the Communications and Marketing team to develop and implement marketing plans for program needs. Coordinate with other K-State units as needed for execution and promotion of programs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Facilities, Events, Communications and Marketing, IT and other staff, and coordinate with these units for internally hosted program delivery. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with outside vendors for externally hosted conference delivery. Be familiar with and build relationships with K-State Manhattan units as needed for programs offered on the Manhattan campus.
• Coordinate logistics, registration and event set up with appropriate teams.
• Communicate with speakers, presenters, and subject matter experts for specific programs.
• Partner with K-State faculty and departments related to specific programs to assess full need for services and develop contract with partners.
• Evaluate and assess services and programming to continue to streamline and improve operations and outcomes.

2. Research and assist with submitting grants for professional and continuing education programs and conferences with priority for        transportation and logistics.

• Collaborate with the faculty, staff, and other campuses to identify and submit grants to offer professional and continuing education programs and conferences. Focus on transportation and logistics, and other areas as identified by Professional and Continuing Education Manager.
• Manage grants and assure reports and accounts are accurately submitted in a timely manner. Work closely with fiscal affairs and the K-State office of research to assure paperwork is complete, and budgets and financial reports are accurately reported.  

3. Work with faculty and subject matter experts to build strong programs and relationships in the transportation sector.

• Point-person for all transportation programs for professional and continuing education, as well as other initiatives identified in grants and other funding sources based out of K-State Olathe. 
• Work closely with lead faculty in transportation and civil engineering who are part of the grants awarded.
• Develop relationships with associations, companies, government officials, faculty and other universities in the area of transportation.
• Develop and update program budgets, monitoring costs, and revenue for programs related to transportation.
• Build and coordinate efforts in transportation programs with faculty and staff at K-State Olathe and in K-State Manhattan College of Engineering and Business Administration. 

4. Collaborate and assist with special projects as requested by the Professional and Continuing Education Manager or the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives.

About Us

Kansas State University’s Olathe campus was launched in April 2011 and is the newest campus in the university’s system. The campus is located in Johnson County and the Greater Kansas City metro area. The campus is a strategic partner of the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle, which was created in 2008 when residents invested in the county's future by voting for a one-eighth cent sales tax. The proceeds from this tax generate more than $20 million a year to fund higher education through a unique partnership among Johnson County, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University.

K-State Olathe provides a unique work culture that offers a variety of professional development opportunities and a community building committee to organize campus wide activities that have included social gatherings, service opportunities, and team building workshops. Professional development opportunities on campus and in the community that employees regularly participate in, employee tuition assistance for academic programs, on campus lunch and learns, professional development workshops on campus, Leadership Olathe, various regional Chamber activities.

Worksite Description

This position is Hybrid eligible. Work is performed partially remote and partially on employer premises or designated assignment location. This role is expected to work on-site approximately three (3) days a week. Remote work is granted at the discretion of the direct supervisor.

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 four years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination  of work experience and education.
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and one year of experience in event management
• Experience in conference planning, event management, program development and execution.
• Experience with CRM (constituent relationship manager)
• Knowledge of hospitality and conference planning industry.
• Knowledge of transportation sector is a plus but not required.
• Understanding of Federal grants is a plus but not required.
• Excellent project management skills and attention to detail that helps ensure successful program and event delivery.
• Ability to produce efficient and thoughtful programming and events.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituents.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset that promotes creativity, innovation, growth and efficiency.
• Work effectively on a team as well as independently.
• Be flexible to adjust to changes.
• Travel as well as evening and weekend hours may be necessary.

Sponsorship eligibility:

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

How to Apply

Applicants must provide the following materials to be considered:
• Cover letter
• Resume, and
• Contact information for three current professional references.

Application Window

Applications close on: December 11, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$42,216-$59,500