Department: Communications

Reports to: Sr. Digital Media Strategist

FLSA Status: Part time; non-exempt

Who we are and what we’re about:

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU. As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity. You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends. 

This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university. We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits. People are engaged. Purpose is ignited. Lives are changed.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:

At KU Endowment, we recognize that we best achieve our mission of building a greater University of Kansas by embracing diversity, equity inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to cultivating a people-centered environment that is welcoming to the spectrum of differences among us in an atmosphere of respect and fairness. Accordingly, our staff, Board of Trustees, volunteers and donors will work together to create a more representative, equitable and inclusive KU Endowment.

What we are looking for:

A part-time position responsible for helping the Communications department with multiple functions including marketing communications (email, website and social media content); video editing; and special events such as One Day. One KU. The ideal candidate for this position understands the power of storytelling and the role it plays in connecting the University of Kansas with its supporters. 

This is a temporary position and is open only to undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Kansas. The individual in this position will work up to 19 hours per week, scheduled between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, in person at KU Endowment’s Lawrence office. Employment is evaluated at the end of each 16-week semester and could be extended by mutual agreement. Summer employment may also be considered.

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – passion for KU, partnership with donors, perpetual support for KU, and a people-centered approach – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities. 

What’s a typical day look like?

• Engage with KU Endowment staff; university faculty, staff and students; donors and others to gather information needed to write and edit compelling content for websites, e-newsletters, social media and other publications. Ideally, the writing will have a strong element of storytelling that illustrates the impact of donors and private philanthropy at the University of Kansas.
• Edit video interviews with donors, faculty or students to tell impact stories related to the Ever Onward campaign.
• Conduct research on best practices in various areas, including email marketing, content creation, video production, development writing and more. Share knowledge acquired with other staff members.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Perform other work as assigned.

What’s required to be considered:

• The ideal candidate will be a junior or senior student at KU who has completed upper-level coursework in journalism or communications and has significant experience writing and editing for publications and online media. 
• Must be able to meet deadlines. 
• Writing samples and/or social media content samples (personal or for an organization) will be reviewed prior to hiring. Please be prepared to share those during the application/interview process.

What separates the best from the rest?

•  Detail-oriented, excellent writer who is familiar with AP style.
•  Proficient in the Mac environment.
•  Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and tools in the Microsoft Suite (Word, Outlook, Teams, PPT).
•  Ability to work individually with minimal supervision and also in a team environment.
•  Scriptwriting, videography, photography, and video editing a plus.

Sounds good, right? What’s next?

Please include your resume and cover letter when applying for the position. 

Questions regarding this vacancy may be addressed to: 

Emily Garcia

Sr. Human Resources Associate 

KU Endowment PO Box 928 Lawrence, KS 66044-0928 

Email: egarcia@kuendowment.org 

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants. By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information. Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.