Student Hourly-Transportation Coordinator

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Kansas Transportation Services is seeking a Transportation Coordinator (Student Hourly) to support KU on Wheels operations. The role involves marketing, outreach, and coordination across transit programs, requiring active participation in campus meetings and strong customer service orientation.

The position emphasizes 10–20 hours per week during normal business hours, with on-site work only and no remote options. Prior leadership and Microsoft Office experience are desirable.

Qualifications

• Have at least one year remaining before graduation or plans to leave the University, as indicated in application materials.
• Ability to work approximately 10-20 hours per week during normal business hours (including summer).
• Previous work experience with Microsoft Office programs.
• Previous leadership experience, as indicated in application materials.

Responsibilities

• Marketing / Communications: create and execute plans, use social media, produce print and web materials.
• Oversight / Governance: participate in meetings, liaison to Student Senate, attend Wednesday meetings.
• Outreach and Customer Service: conduct public outreach, respond to emails and inquiries.
• Service Planning: identify opportunities to improve transit routes and coordinate with Lawrence Transit System.

Skills

Leadership experience

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview

For 55 years, KU on Wheels has provided transit services that are an integral part of the University of Kansas, including the popular SafeRide program, JayLift paratransit, airport shuttles, and special event services. We provide approximately 2 million passenger trips annually with a budget of more than five million dollars. We seek to continually improve and refine the system to meet the changing, challenging demands of the University as it grows and evolves. Committed to the highest levels of performance, we provide effective and efficient transportation for students, faculty and staff. KU transit services are highly coordinated with those of the City of Lawrence.

The Transportation Coordinator helps oversee the daily operations of the transit-related programs in KU Transportation Services. Punctuality and professionalism, maintaining assigned work schedule, willingness to help others, and ability to learn job quickly are required.

This is a 100% on-site position. This role is required to perform all job duties in person at the assigned work location. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available for this role. This position is primarily sedentary and involves sitting for long periods of time.

Job Description

25% Marketing / Communications

• Create and execute effective marketing and communications plans, including utilization of social media and the development of print and web information and materials.
• Distribute Transit Guides and SafeRide promotional materials.
• Assist with management of bus advertising policies and program.

20% Oversight and Advisory / Governance

• Participate in meetings as appropriate, e.g. Student Senate, Transit Commission, Student Safety Advisory Board, bicycle advisory committee, and weekly operations meetings.
• Serve as liaison to Student Senate and member of Student Senate executive staff. Must be available to attend senate and council meetings on Wednesday evenings throughout the academic year.

25% Outreach and Customer Service

• Plan and conduct public outreach for transit services at Orientation, during Hawk Week, and other public forums or tabling events throughout the year.
• Provide customer service and respond to email inquiries.

20% Service Planning

• Identify opportunities to improve service on transit routes, SafeRide, or JayLift.
• Collaborate with Lawrence Transit System on coordinated transit efforts.

10% Coordinate with Transportation Services staff on all projects and issues.

Required Qualifications

• Have at least one year remaining before graduation or plans to leave the University, as indicated in application materials.
• Ability to work approximately 10-20 hours per week during normal business hours (including summer), as indicated in application materials.
• Previous work experience Microsoft Office programs, as evidenced by application materials.
• Previous leadership experience, as indicated in application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong preference for ability to start work immediately.
• Previous transportation experience or enrollment in a program of study relevant to transit and/or transportation such as public administration, urban planning, engineering, or business.
• Involvement in and/or knowledge of the KU Student Senate’s processes, particularly related to Finance.
• Previous graphic design, marketing or communication experience.
• Experience with Adobe applications (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), or ArcGIS.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Federal Work Study eligibility.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
• This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Advertised Salary Range

12.50

Anticipated Start Date

Monday October 19, 2026