Communications and Marketing Manager

The purpose of the Communications and Marketing Manager is to direct a team of communication professionals in the development and execution of strategic communication for effective student recruitment and engagement, alumni relations, research and extension, and College of Agriculture stakeholders through collaboration with senior leadership. This position will lead communications campaigns, serve as the lead contact for external vendors and contractors.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement/execute and evaluate strategic and integrated communication plans, including external and internal communication, in support of the College of Agriculture and it's departments, and K-State's mission/vision.
• Assess the effectiveness of communications and marketing efforts and recommend adjustments to improve impact and alignment with College and University goals.
• Ensure communications align with University brand standards, messaging guidelines, and accessibility requirements.
• Develop, oversee, and analyze methods/metrics for measuring the impact, reach, and performance of marketing campaigns and College of Agriculture public relations.
• Manage plan implementation and resolve critical issues encountered during execution.
• Oversee the development of feature stories and promotional materials highlighting faculty and staff teaching, research, and extension activities, using science communication skills to translate complex information for broad and targeted audiences.
• Manage and direct a multi-disciplined team in strategic development, tracking, and management of communications, marketing, and branding for K-State College of Agriculture.
• Work closely with the Director of Communication and Marketing, department communicators, administrators, and faculty in the development and implementation of strategic communication projects and campaigns.
• Communicate campaign and marketing objectives to staff.
• Manage staff assignments and review/edit work of team members.
• Conduct annual performance reviews for staff and encourage professional development.
• Manage vendor relationships as needed to align deliverables with college strategy.
• Manage the primary College of Agriculture websites.
• Partner with graphic designers and lead department staff members to ensure end-products meet client needs.
• Partner with College of Agriculture and department administrators, specialists, and staff in the development and management of agriculture web content and digital assets.
• Manage the ongoing College of Agriculture website updates through the collection and updating of content and design of web pages and digital assets.
• Develop materials to advocate for new public and private funding, and support economic development efforts related to the College of Agriculture.
• Develop campaigns and tools/templates that can be easily adapted and used by multiple departments/units.
• Develop and guide social media strategy, website and digital asset development, photography, and video/ animation services.
• Lead client meetings. Develop, manage, and oversee the preparation of client-related business materials for meetings/presentations.
• Conduct and/or use communication and market research.
• Present and lead client strategic communication and marketing training, including how to use developed tools/templates.
• Consult/Collaborate with DCM communication professionals to provide strategic communication support.
• Serve on College, Department, and university committees.
• Perform other duties and fulfill other responsibilities as assigned.
• Remain current with communication and marketing methods, keeping skills up-to-date and relevant.
• Occasional day or overnight travel for professional development or topical presentations.

We're proud to be recognized as one of the nation's top ag schools. It's an outgrowth of our dedication to advancing the science of agriculture and the art of teaching. Our faculty truly care about students, colleagues and the world we serve. Every day, we put our hands and minds together to work on better ways to achieve sustainability, feed billions, build agribusinesses and improve lives with thoughtful, well-researched use of plants, animals, numbers and words. Visit our website to learn more, https://www.ag.k-state.edu/

This position is Hybrid eligible. This position is primarily in-person. Employees are expected to work on-site the majority of the time. The position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of one remote workday per week, with all other days worked on-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and seven years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience. Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a communications-related field.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop implementation plans with strong follow-through and measurable results.
• Experience working in a communications and marketing agency or similar professional communications environment.
• Experience in a university environment, preferably a land-grant university.
• Knowledge of current agricultural practices and the land grant mission.
• Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring organizational brand(s) and ensuring branding consistency.
• Experience with multi-platform communications, including video production and editing; audio production and editing; photography; desktop publishing using the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with social media tools, web design, blogging platforms, data reporting tools, analytics, keyword searching and search engine optimization (SEO).
• Supervisory/management experience.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties including recruitment, selection, training, mentoring, performance management, and accountability.
• Highly creative with demonstrated experience in identifying target audiences and devising campaign messages that engage, inform and motivate - elevating enrollments, revenue and relationships.
  
  

Additional Role Information:

• Drivers license

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Portfolio of work samples
4. Contact information for three professional references

Applications close on: April 21, 2026

$60,000 - $75,000