Community Program Specialist

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 47,638 - 58,225; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University, Public Policy and Management Center, Wichita, KS, is seeking a full-time Project Coordinator responsible for managing multiple client-driven projects on-site. You will coordinate focus groups, develop strategic plans, monitor budgets, and ensure timely delivery of reports and deliverables to stakeholders.

The role requires strong communication skills, client relationship management, and the ability to translate client needs into actionable plans while working with

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of experience in marketing, project management, or related field; experience may be substituted by education hours as described.
• Ability to connect with people and cultivate relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and manages projects for external clients and partners.
• Supports forecasting, budgeting, and scheduling to meet project timelines.
• Creates reports and documents using templates and client briefs.
• Manages client communications, expectations, and progress updates to keep everyone aligned.
• Balances multiple projects and adjusts plans to changing client needs while meeting deadlines.

Skills

Project management

Client relations

Communication

Budgeting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Department: Public Policy and Management Center

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range beginning $52,932/yr, negotiated based on qualifications

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 5:00pm; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

As our newest team member, you'll provide essential support helping our small but mighty team to balance multiple projects, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Envision being a Project Management Wizard, Client Whisperer, Focus Group Sage, Master Scheduler, Communication Extraordinaire, Budget & Timeline Ninja, Strategic Planner, Report Writing Rock Star.

That’s the role. As for our team: you will be involved with Community Initiatives & Strategic Engagement. You’re excited to be in front of the room with clients, community, and stakeholders. Interact with clients, gather info, and serve as the go-to consultant. Translate client needs into actionable plans and keep them in the loop. Facilitate focus groups and other project-related activities, making sure all voices are heard and considered. Encourage, engage, and guide our clients, community, and stakeholders while navigating complicated topics and challenges. Handle scheduling, budgeting, workplans, and project timelines with the finesse of a seasoned pro. Manage external communications, outreach, and client meetings, making sure everyone is on the same page. Keep an eagle eye on budgets and timelines, ensuring they are met and managed effectively. Craft questions, coordinate research, and design strategic plans that knock socks off. Write reports and create documents, using templates as your starting point and turning them into masterpieces. Focus on stellar customer service and be able to shift gears effortlessly, resolving issues simultaneously. Adapt to new clients and project adjustments while still meeting deadlines. If this sounds like you and you want to be part of our team, then apply now and let’s make great things happen together!

Job Summary

Designs, develops, and proposes strategic planning, capacity-building or related processes to potential clients. Manages all aspects of the project, responding to client needs and expectations, and fulfilling agreed-upon commitments while managing multiple clients simultaneously.

Essential Functions

Proposes, secures and delivers work with external clients. Manages external partner relationships to ensure the fulfillment of expectations. Supports the conceptualization, design, and delivery of work related to ongoing center projects, working primarily in a team environment. Completes reports associated with respective projects according to project deadlines and requirements. Supports the monitoring of the project budget and resources to ensure that fiscal processes and guidelines are met. Provides assistance in understanding financial reports and data, in controlling costs and budgets, and in fulfilling budgetary requirements.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Six (6) years of experience in marketing, project management, or related field. Every 30 hours of college coursework can be substituted for one (1) year of experience, up to 120 hours.

Required License/Certifications/Training

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to connect with people and cultivate relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of financial reports and data to fulfill project and budgetary requirements
• Ability to work both individually and collaboratively
• Understanding of local government and nonprofit topics, trends, best practices, and future issues, as well as understanding community issues
• Demonstrated success and involvement with coalitions, community boards, task forces, or multi‑stakeholder groups
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and develop work plans
• Capable of leading and facilitating meetings effectively

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.