Communications & Engagement Manager
The Communications and Engagement Manager is a strategic communicator and creative leader responsible for enhancing the visibility and impact of Kansas City PBS and its digital journalism platform, Flatland, through compelling storytelling across print, digital, and spoken platforms. This marketing role oversees the production of the monthly program guide, manages earned media, leads promotional copywriting, and drives community engagement through events and strategic outreach. The position also supervises the Events Coordinator, ensuring seamless planning and execution of station-hosted events that connect with and grow audiences.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Lead the editorial planning, writing, and production of the monthly program guide, coordinating with internal teams and contributors to ensure timely, mission-aligned content.
- Lead strategy for the station's earned media, writing and distributing press releases and media pitches, maintaining relationships with outside media partners and serving as main point of contact for media coverage.
- Lead the development and execution of crisis communication strategies, ensuring cohesive messaging across channels and supporting organizational resilience and risk management.
- Manage the Events Coordinator, overseeing the planning and execution of community engagement events, screenings, and outreach initiatives.
- Represent the station at public events and cultivate partnerships with local organizations.
- Identify and pursue innovative opportunities within the events program to attract new audiences and deepen engagement with existing ones.
- Write compelling copy for on-air, digital, and print promotions, working strategically to ensure platform-specific best practices are utilized.
- Lead editorial planning, writing and production of annual reporting efforts.
- Coordinate key messaging/remarks for internal stakeholders to ensure alignment across all distribution channels.
- Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, cultural groups, and civic leaders to expand the station’s reach and relevance.
- Actively seek opportunities for the station to be represented at key community events, festivals, and forums across the metro area and surrounding regions.
- Serve as an ambassador for the station, ensuring a consistent and positive presence in the community that builds trust, visibility, and audience engagement.
- Other duties as assigned by the Chief Content Officer.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with demonstrated ability to write for an external audience in various applications.
- Ability to multi-task and oversee diverse projects simultaneously in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment.
- Ability to work outside of normal business hours, flexing time to meet deadlines and attend station events as needed.
- Strong interpersonal skills for managing internal and external stakeholder relationships.
- Public speaking skills, and the ability to represent Kansas City PBS as a responsible, informed ambassador.
- Knowledge of AP Style.
- Strong project management skills.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIRED (an equivalent amount of training, education and experience will be considered):
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or media, preferably in a nonprofit or media setting.
• Proven experience managing publications and media outreach.
• Management experience a plus.
To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to humanresources@ kansascitypbs.org. Please include in your cover letter how you learned about this position.
Kansas City PBS is an E-Verify, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer
Job Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $50,000 - 74,999
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