Digital Communications & Design Specialist

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.

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.

1. Bachelors degree in communications journalism English public relations graphic design marketing or related field and 1 year of related professional experience; OR associates 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.

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

Additional Candidate Instruction
In addition to the online application the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
2. Resume.
3. Portfolio demonstrating both print and digital design experience including multipage print publications and digital communications assets.
   • Portfolios should be submitted as a single PDF and may include links to websites online portfolios digital campaigns videos or other work that is best experienced in its original format. For collaborative projects applicants should briefly describe their role and contributions.
4. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Monday October 19 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Work Schedule
M-F; 8a-5p

Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color ethnicity religion sex national origin age ancestry disability status as a veteran sexual orientation marital status parental status gender identity gender expression and genetic information in the universitys programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Room 1082 Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KSTTY.