SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, EDUCATION POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

Transcription

1 EFL Associates Tomahawk Creek Parkway Leawood, KS Phone: SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, EDUCATION POSITION SPECIFICATIONS CLIENT The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation ( Kauffman Foundation ) was established in the mid-1960s by the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is among the thirty largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $2 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at Though all major foundation donors were entrepreneurs, Ewing Kauffman was the first such donor to direct his foundation to support entrepreneurship, recognizing that his path to success could and should be achieved by many more people. The Foundation s vision is to foster a society of economically independent individuals who are engaged citizens, contributing to the improvement of their communities. In service of this vision, and in keeping with its founder s wishes, the Foundation focuses its grant making and operations on two areas: advancing entrepreneurship and improving the education of children and youth. The Foundation supports key educational programs such as the Ewing Marion Kauffman School, Kauffman Scholars, Teach for America and KC STEM Alliance, among others. Significant entrepreneurship programs include Kauffman Founders School, Kauffman FastTrac, 1 Million Cups, and several other important initiatives. The Foundation also conducts and supports research and policy programs aimed at helping to develop effective programs and inform policy that will best advance entrepreneurship and education. The Kauffman Foundation s reach and impact would not be possible without its vast social network of grantees, partners, experts and practitioners. The Foundation helps cultivate these relationships by playing the role of convener, bringing together local, national and world leaders to share innovative thinking and engage in dialog related to

2 Page 2 entrepreneurship and education. Each year, more than 60,000 people visit the Foundation s Conference Center, which provides 40,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. This position will be located at the Foundation s home office in Kansas City, Missouri. The Kansas City metropolitan area is ranked by several national publications as one of the best places to live and work in the United States and offers an outstanding quality of life. Relevant websites that provide meaningful information about the region are as follows: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association Kansas City Area Development Council Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Kansas City Star Newspaper Kansas City Business Journal RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Senior Communications Specialist will help manage and shape the Foundation s identity and contribute to a variety of research and program initiatives, with a primary focus on the Foundation s Education program area. The Kauffman Foundation s education work is aimed at achieving the best possible academic and life outcomes for lower income urban students in Kansas City. To attain this vision, the Foundation invests in schools, programs, personnel, and research that support the development of a local educational ecosystem in Kansas City. Specifically, our education strategy focuses on access to high-quality public school options, postsecondary opportunities, and programs that attract and retain great teachers and leaders in our community. Working collaboratively within a 14-person marketing and communications team, s/he will operate in an internal agency model, providing both consultation and hands-on execution to help increase the visibility of Kauffman Foundation programs, events, research and initiatives. Given the high caliber staff that works on behalf of the Foundation, it will be important for the Senior Communication Specialist to establish credibility and rapport with associates and leaders across the organization, providing insight regarding communication and marketing issues and working in a manner that is consistent with

3 Page 3 the philosophy of the Foundation. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Develop and execute strategic communications and marketing plans and activities for the Foundation s program and research initiatives, with a heavy focus in the Education program area. Manage and lead large-scale communications initiatives for all Kauffman School and Kauffman Scholars communications needs and Foundation Education program initiatives. May manage or assist with communications for select local events and others as assigned. Advise, develop and manage: media relations, marketing strategies, collateral, web and social media engagement, video projects, events and new initiative launches. Attend and/or organize team meetings, and execute and track metrics for marketing and communications strategies and tactics. Support Communication team initiatives and prominent events that further the work of the Foundation, such as the Kauffman digital properties, and signature online publications (e.g., the Kauffman Thoughtbook). Support and contribute to internal communications as needed. Represent the Foundation at conferences and events as appropriate. Cultivate relationships with media representatives and collaborate with internal and external communications contacts, including vendors and partners. Stay current in communications best practices, including evaluation and implementation of new technology and platforms. Travel on occasion as necessary to effectively perform the duties of the position. Other communications projects as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or public relations is required. Graduate level education would be viewed favorably. A professional track record of 8+ years in communication roles involving hands-on work in executing strategic plans is required. Preferred candidates will possess a background in an agency environment with experience managing multiple clients in the education sector. An understanding of urban K-12 community outreach would be helpful, but not required. Candidates must possess a background managing multiple projects/priorities simultaneously with a high degree of reliability, thoroughness, consistency and accuracy.

4 Page 4 An understanding of a variety of communications platforms, including media relations, collateral development, digital and social media, video, events, etc., is a must. Must possess superior writing skills. Work samples/examples will be sought. Experience in the development and execution of proactive and reactive media relations strategies is necessary. Demonstrated success in consulting with clients at all levels of an organization. Must be able to meet or exceed expectations regarding quality of work product, deadlines, budget and customer service. Previous experience working closely with external vendors to meet organization needs and ensure competitive pricing is preferred. A proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and social media networks is necessary. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Must possess excellent writing, speaking and presentation skills with an ability to communicate externally and internally with the highest degree of clarity and authority. Proactive self-starter with a high level of focus on delivering consistent results and demonstrating value to internal customers. Outstanding organizational skills and detail-orientation with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Must be flexible and adaptable with an ability to thrive in an environment where priorities are addressed through influence rather than direct control. Possesses a clear understanding of strategic communication and marketing theory and practice. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, capable of self-direction and able to work collaboratively in a teamwork capacity. Candidates must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities and constant change. Must possess poise and maturity, a high level of energy and drive and a resultsoriented mindset. Should possess a passion for doing what is right, unquestioned integrity, and positive ethics and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation. Must have solid interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and develop credibility quickly at all levels of the organization. Should be tactful and diplomatic with good listening skills and an approachable team-oriented personality. Must be capable of building and sustaining long-term relationships.

5 Page 5 Distinctive problem-solving and analytical skills, combined with solid judgment and decision-making abilities. An ability to support leadership decisions by identifying risks and providing advice/counsel is necessary. COMPENSATION A competitive compensation package, including base salary and an outstanding benefits package will correspond to the experience level, credentials, and personal characteristics of the candidate. NON-DISCRIMINATION Our client and EFL Associates firmly support the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state or local law. EFL ASSOCIATES Tomahawk Creek Parkway Leawood, KS Phone: FAX: Angie Salmon, Senior Vice President asalmon@eflassociates.com Nancy Huckaba, Associate Vice President nhuckaba@eflassociates.com