Communications & Public Relations Specialist (8251)

Friends University seeks a Communications & Public Relations Specialist to provide professional communications and public relations support in Wichita, Kansas. The role supports fundraising, engagement efforts, protects the University’s reputation, and assists with crisis and emergency communications. It collaborates with the Advancement team to tell compelling stories about student success, alumni achievement, donor impact, academic excellence, and campus life.
Responsibilities Develop and implement strategic communications that support fundraising priorities, donor engagement, alumni relations, and institutional advancement goals.
Create and manage content for digital and print communications, including websites, social media, email campaigns, newsletters, annual reports, donor communications, campaign materials, and alumni publications.
Support fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, and alumni engagement through storytelling and targeted messaging.
Identify and develop donor impact stories, stewardship reports, case statements, and other advancement materials to demonstrate philanthropic impact and strengthen constituent relationships.
Ensure communications adhere to university brand standards with consistent messaging across platforms.
Provide strategic communications and public relations support for university-wide initiatives and priorities; develop strategies to enhance visibility, brand awareness, and the university’s mission and accomplishments.
Provide communications support and event coverage for university programs and events, collaborating with campus partners to share key achievements with internal and external audiences.
Qualifications Minimum of five years of experience in communications, public relations, media relations, or a related field; crisis communications experience preferred; higher education experience a plus.
A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field is required.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Strong news and feature writing in Associated Press style. Familiarity with social listening/monitoring tools and emergency notification systems.
Ability to work calmly and accurately under deadlines and during high-pressure situations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Please visit our employment site at https://www.friends.edu/employment-opportunities/ to apply. Only applications submitted through this Friends University website application process will be accepted.
Friends University aspires to be a model of excellence in higher education. We seek individuals who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to apply and join our community.
Benefits Friends University is committed to work-life balance, offering flexible work options, up to 4 weeks of vacation, 96 hours of sick leave per year, up to 13.5 paid holidays, half-day Fridays for June and July, up to 5% retirement matching, and free undergraduate tuition for you, your spouse, and your dependents.
Equal Opportunity Employer Friends University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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