Public Relations and Communications Strategist

Join our team as the Public Relations and Communications Strategist for the Office of the President. Coordinate on strategic communications, support presidential initiatives, and collaborate with leadership and partners to advance the university’s...

  • 521082
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Presidents Office
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
  • Closing at: Feb 17 2026 - 23:55 CST
  • On-site
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About This Role

The Public Relations and Communications Strategist for the Office of the President is a pivotal, high-level administrative professional who manages the dual functions of institutional strategic communication originating from the Office of the President and core presidential support. This individual is expected to work closely with the Executive Communicator to the President, Vice President for the Division of Communications and Marketing (DCM), the Executive Assistant to the President, and a wide array of internal and external partners. This position acts as the central liaison between the President’s Office and DCM for all stakeholders - including the Kansas Board of Regents, Deans, Faculty Senate, communication consultants, and external partners - ensuring seamless operations and consistent, high-impact messaging across all platforms. The role requires exceptional judgment, absolute discretion, strategic thinking and the ability to operate effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities (Highlights):

  • Serve as a senior strategic communications advisor and trusted support professional within the Office of the President.

  • Coordinate on presidential communications, ensuring alignment with university priorities, brand, and strategic goals.

  • Prepare and support the President for high-profile events, media engagements, and stakeholder meetings, serving as on-site communications lead as needed.

  • Act as the primary liaison between the President’s Office and the Division of Communications and Marketing to ensure consistent, high-impact messaging.

  • Assist with media relations and crisis communications, including briefing materials, interview preparation, and time-sensitive messaging.

  • Exercise exceptional judgment, discretion, and organizational skill while managing confidential matters, competing priorities, and special initiatives.

About Us

The Office of the President guides the many endeavors of the university with a strong commitment to student access and success, teaching excellence and entrepreneurial research activity. Our leaders are united in their efforts to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow while honoring the university’s role established in 1863 as a land-grant institution.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and seven years of experience in a combination of the following: executive-level support, public relations, and strategic communications, including writing and editing high-level, sensitive, and confidential communications in a fast-paced environment. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Political Science, or equivalent experience that would support the position needs.
• Experience in executive-level support, public relations and strategic communications.
• Proven experience writing and editing high-level executive communications (presentations, speeches, official correspondence, media statements).
• Demonstrated ability to exercise absolute discretion and handle highly sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse constituencies, including high-ranking officials, faculty, staff and donors.
• Experience working within a higher education institution, nonprofit board governance structure or public sector environment.
• Experience in crisis communication management.

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:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List and contact information of 3 professional references

Application Window

Applications close on: February 17, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$75,000-$85,000

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: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

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 you can visit the site 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.