Digital Communications & Design Specialist

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Office of Research seeks a Digital Communications & Design Specialist to support communications and engagement across the One KU research enterprise. This role leads graphic design and website management, developing print and digital materials, optimizing content, and collaborating with partners to elevate KU research visibility.

The successful candidate will translate complex information into accessible visuals, ensure accessibility, and contribute to training and

Qualifications

• >1: Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills as demonstrated in application materials.
• 1: Experience creating print and digital communications materials.
• 1: Experience creating, editing, and maintaining website and/or intranet content.
• 1: Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Designs and produces print and digital communications materials for websites, email, social media, reports, and event collateral.
• Maintains and improves content across digital platforms to stay current and accessible.
• Ensures materials follow KU brand, style, and accessibility standards and clearly communicates complex information.
• Writes, edits, and adapts copy for news releases, features, sites, newsletters, and reports.

Skills

Strong writing

Visual communication

Project management

Adobe Creative Cloud

Web content management

CMS platforms

Google Analytics

Accessibility best practices

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's + 3 yrs

High school diploma + 5 yrs

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop)

CMS (Drupal/WordPress)

SharePoint

Google Analytics

Job description

Position Overview

The University of Kansas Office of Research seeks a creative, detail-oriented Digital Communications & Design Specialist to support communications and engagement efforts across the One KU research enterprise.
As a member of the Research Communications & Training team in the Office of Research, this position supports communications that both celebrate the impact of KU research within and beyond KU and help faculty, staff, and students understand and access the resources, services, opportunities, and processes that facilitate research success.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Communications & Training, the Digital Communications & Design Specialist serves as the primary resource for graphic design and website management within the Office of Research. The position develops print and digital communications materials, manages and improves website content, monitors website performance and quality, and collaborates with colleagues and partners across the research enterprise to communicate research opportunities, resources, services, achievements, priorities and guidance that both elevate the visibility and reputation of KU research and help members of the KU community understand how to engage in and support research activities.
The successful candidate is a strong visual communicator who enjoys working across multiple platforms and formats.

Job Description

Digital Experience & Design (50%)

• Designs and produces print and digital communications materials and visual assets for websites, email marketing, social media, and other digital platforms, including reports, flyers, posters, brochures, presentations, infographics, signage, and event collateral.
• Supports maintenance across digital platforms, ensuring content remains current, accurate, and accessible.
• Ensures materials adhere to KU brand, style, and accessibility standards and effectively translates complex information for clear communication.

Communications Support & Content Development (25%)

• Supports strategic communications initiatives, assisting with planning, storytelling, and management of designated projects.
• Writes, edits, and adapts copy and design for news releases, features, websites, social media, newsletters, reports, presentations and other products for internal and external audiences.
• Maintains and organizes shared communications and design assets, including graphics, photographs, templates, and brand resources, to support consistent and effective communications, training, web, and outreach activities.

Digital Quality, Analytics & Continuous Improvement (15%)

• Monitors website quality and performance and uses analytics to recommend improvements and enhancements to user experience.
• Collaborates with team members and stakeholders to identify, implement, and evaluate improvements to internal processes, workflows, and service delivery practices.

Consultation, Collaboration & Special Projects (10%)

• Serves as a communications resource and consultant to subject matter experts, administrative units, and other research stakeholders.
• Collaborates with partners across campuses and organizational units to support digital communications and graphic design activities.
• Participates in special projects, cross-functional initiatives, professional development, and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, graphic design, marketing or related field and 1 year of related professional experience; OR associate's degree and 3 years of relevant professional experience; OR high school diploma/GED and 5 years of relevant professional experience.
2. Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills as demonstrated in application materials.
3. Experience creating print and digital communications materials.
4. Experience creating, editing, and maintaining website and/or intranet content.
5. Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop as demonstrated through application materials, portfolio review, and interview.
2. Experience maintaining websites using a content management system (CMS), such as Drupal, WordPress or similar platforms.
3. Experience using Microsoft SharePoint.
4. Experience using Google Analytics or web analytics tools.
5. Experience applying web accessibility and usability best practices.
6. Experience creating reports, presentations, infographics, illustrations and/or other visual communications materials.

Contact Information to Applicants

Mindie Paget, [e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$50,000 - $55,000

Application Review Begins

Monday October 19, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Monday November 30, 2026