Assistant Director of Strategic Communications - Strategic Marketing and Communications

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - KANSAS CITY
STRATEGIC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

UMKC is looking for an experienced, dynamic, creative and collaborative public relations/social media leader with deep knowledge of digital content strategy and creation to help lead our strategic communications team.

This person's duties will include supervision of several front-line strategic communications writers; issues management strategy and execution; leadership of the strategic communications team when the director is not available; executive writing for campus leadership; a primary editor of social media copy; editing and writing content to tell UMKC's story through a variety of earned and owned media for internal and external audiences; and planning and creating content for the university's website, digital newsletters and social media channels.

The assistant director will play an important role in issues management/crisis response situations at a 24/7/365 campus. Strong news judgment and organizational skills; and experience in meeting deadlines and personnel management are musts. The position reports to the Director of Strategic Communications within the Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

The ideal candidate will:

• Develop content ideas in multiple formats and quickly execute high-quality content in those areas.
• Juggle a variety of projects, demonstrating ability to move quickly on short-term needs while making progress on longer-term goals.
• Demonstrate strong news judgment and writing skills.
• Increase public visibility by developing and facilitating relationships with key campus and public constituents, including but not limited to academic units, campus leadership and local, regional, state and national media.
• Other duties as assigned.

This is a full-time, benefit eligible staff position.

The assistant director will need to be available some nights and weekends when special circumstances require it, as this position plays an important role in issues management/crisis response situations at a 24/7/365 campus.

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• A Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism or Communications or equivalent direct experience required.
• Ten years minimum experience in journalism and/or public relations and digital communications.
• Strong news judgment.
• Sound knowledge of editorial and journalistic principles and respect for deadlines.
• Knowledge of digital content strategy.
• Excellent storytelling, organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in producing digital newsletter communications on platforms such as Emma, Anthology (formerly iModules), MailChimp or Constant Contact.
• Technical knowledge of all major existing social media platforms.
• Familiarity with using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn in a professional setting.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, benefactors, media and other key constituents.
• Ability to exercise reasonable judgment, often under intense deadline pressure.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality digital media content.
• Creative problem-solving ability.
• Ability to proactively identify communications opportunities and develop supporting content.

The annual salary for this position has been established as $60,944 to $76,000 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: 11
University Title: AST DIR STRAT COMMUNICATIONS
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Job posting will remain open until filled, for best consideration apply by June 28, 2026.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.