POSITION TITLE: Communications & Strategic Initiatives Manager
DIVISION: Administration
DEPARTMENT: President’s Office
REPORTS TO: Nerman Family President
CATEGORY: Exempt
DATE: September 2023
Pay: $60,000 – $65,000
Job Summary:
The Communications & Strategic Initiatives Manager for the Office of the President at the Kansas City Art Institute is responsible for creating compelling and engaging content that effectively communicates the mission, programs, and achievements of the institution to various target audiences. This position plays a critical role in ensuring consistent messaging across different communication channels. The Communications Manager is a versatile communicator capable of producing high-quality content for print and digital platforms to keep the campus and various stakeholders informed.
Key Responsibilities:
Content Management:
- Conduct research and interviews to gather information for content development and to ensure accuracy and depth in storytelling.
- Develop clear, concise, and engaging copy that aligns with the Kansas City Art Institute’s and the it’s leadership’s voice and tone guidelines.
- Develop clear and concise crisis communication in a timely manner.
- Review and edit content to ensure clarity, accuracy, grammar, and consistency with the institution’s style guidelines.
- Proofread various materials for spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors.
- Collaborate with other team members to maintain consistent quality standards in all collateral.
- Post urgent content on the institution’s website and social channels
Collaboration and Relationship Management:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, photographers, and videographers, to coordinate integrated marketing and communication campaigns.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders, such as faculty, staff, and students, to gather information and ensure accurate representation of programs and initiatives.
- Establish and maintain relationships with media contacts, journalists, and influencers to promote the Kansas City Art Institute’s news and events.
- Streamline a plan to manage mass communications with internal and external groups including the Board of Trustees.
- Develop and maintain a communication budget for the institution and provide reports as needed.
Management of Strategic Initiatives:
- Serve a project manager for strategic initiatives in the President’s Office.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders, such as faculty, staff, and students, to guide a project from vision to implementation.
Qualifications and Skills:
REQUIRED
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, Business or a related field.
- Proven experience in professional writing and communications, preferably in an arts or education-related organization.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency in crafting content for various formats, including print, digital, and social media platforms.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and content management systems.
PREFERRED
- Project management experience.
- Public speaking.
- Prior experience in supervisory roles.
Kansas City Art Institute intends the above statements to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an individual assigned to this position. We do not intend these statements to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of this position at any time. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Kansas City Art Institute is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Kansas City Art Institute’s Human Resource Administrator at hr@kcai.edu .
EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Disabled/Vets