Public Relations Jobs in Kansas

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!

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

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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, journalism, public relations, communications, or other related fields.
• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience.
• Strong communication skills as evidenced by application material.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in geology, journalism, public relations, education, communications, or other related fields.
• Experience with organizing and coordinating outreach program events as evidenced by application material.
• Experience with designing and building museum exhibits as evidenced by application material.
• Successful experience in a team environment as evidenced by application material.
• Experience with writing press releases for a state agency as evidenced by application material.
• Experience with graphic design as evidenced by application material.
• Experience with designing promotional and marketing material in a variety of formats, including print, online, and hands-on learning materials as evidenced by application material.

Additional Candidate Instructions

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

• Cover letter detailing how the candidate meets the required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume.
• Unofficial transcripts.
• 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.

Contact Information to Applicants

Annette Delaney, KGS HR

adelaney@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$55,000 - $60,000, depending on qualifications and experience

Application Review Begins

Monday June 29, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Sunday July 5, 2026

Posting Information

• Posting ID: 33061BR
• Department: Kansas Geological Survey
• Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
• Assignment: On-Site
• Reg/Temp: Regular
• Employee Class: U-Unclassified Professional Staff
• Review Begins: 29-Jun-2026