Description

Position Overview

The Science Outreach Manager of the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kansas (KU) invites applications for a KGS Science Communications Coordinator. The KGS Outreach unit oversees activities including social media and press release communications, K-12 educational resources, public field trips and professional development workshops, and KGS exhibits at local conferences and events. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating communications, public affairs, and marketing activities for the outreach unit under supervision. They will plan and organize events to support grant funded projects. These activities may include writing news, instructional or promotional content for print and web, publication layout and formatting, graphic design, and photography. The Science Communications Coordinators will promote KGS visibility and highlight KGS scientist and staff accomplishments.

The Science Communications Coordinator will work as part of a team to support the mission of the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS). The Science Communication Coordinator works collaboratively to develop and oversee a variety of communication programs within the survey, such as press releases and promotional content. This position will support grant funded projects and help coordinate earth science education programs such as short courses and educational products for professional audiences. They will design and develop materials content for general audiences that foster engagement in the research and service activities of the KGS. They will also participate in scientist grants projects in support of broader impacts and outreach activities. An ideal candidate for this position is a team player who is organized, resourceful, and self-motivated.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation earned per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. KGS at KU is a great place to work!

For more information about the KGS, visit our website: http://www.kgs.ku.edu.

Job Description

• 50% - Support outreach efforts by writing educational content specifically for general audiences such as the Educational Series and Research Spotlights publications, GeoKansas content, social media, press releases, grant applications, nomination packages for KGS scientists and staff. Solicit ideas for new Public Information Circulars.
• 30% - Support grant funded projects and programs at the KGS by developing promotional and marketing material, writing press releases, museum exhibits, and organizing project specific events.
• 15% - Support the Kansas Field Conference with field conference guidebook layout, formatting, and design. Work with the KGS Website Content Manager and Editor to create a corresponding story map with the Kansas Field Conference Guidebooks.
• 5% - Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

1. Travel up to an accumulated two weeks per year to participate in meetings and other project-related activities.
2. Valid driver's license to drive state vehicle by the time of hire.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in geology, journalism, public relations, communications, or other related fields.
2. Minimum 1 year of relevant experience.
3. Strong communication skills as evidenced by application material.
4. Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite applications and Adobe applications, specifically Adobe Illustrator, as evidenced by application material.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

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

1. Cover letter detailing how the candidate meets the required and preferred qualifications.
2. Resume.
3. Unofficial transcripts.
4. Contact information for 3 professional references; state the relationship to references. At least one reference must be a past or present supervisor.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Review of applications will begin Monday, June 29, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

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 university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.