Associate, Communications

Application Due Date:  Preference given to applications received by February 14, 2025.
Location:  Frankfort, KY, with option for limited telecommuting.
Travel:  Statewide travel to events and meetings.
Compensation:  $50,000 - $60,000
Retirement:  TIAA

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education seeks a motivated team player to join our communications team. The communications associate works under the supervision of experienced team members to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the unit.

About the Council on Postsecondary Education

The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is Kentucky’s coordinating body for postsecondary education and is committed to strengthening the commonwealth’s workforce, economy, and quality of life through the continuous improvement and efficient operation of a high-quality, diverse, and accessible system of postsecondary education.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the drafting and editing of content for a variety of communication channels, including press releases, websites, blogs, newsletters, publications, marketing materials, social media, video scripts, talking points, and other communication tools.
• Work with the communications team to ensure all content aligns with key messages and supports the agency’s priorities, initiatives, and strategic goals.
• Maintain a quarterly content calendar for traditional and digital channels.
• Provide social media coverage including photos and posts for on-site and off-site presentations, meetings and events.
• Provide updates to the agency’s web page using a content management system.
• Assist with the compilation and distribution of media advisories and with the daily distribution of higher education news clips.
• Provide photo and video recording support, as needed.
• Provides support for agency events (on- or off-site) by assisting with registration, room and technology setup, and other logistical needs.
• Maintain and organize media distribution lists, communications documents, photo repositories and other communications materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a communications-related field.
• Prior work in a professional communications setting, which may include internships, co-ops, student newspapers or volunteer work.
• Excellent written communication and proofreading skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience using and leveraging a variety of social media platforms.
• Ability to travel off-site to cover events, including limited evening and overnight travel.

Preferred 

• Experience in a higher education communications office or role, such as providing support for a college departmental office, a higher education organization or an education-related philanthropic organization.
• Familiarity using the following tools:
  • Social media publishing services (Hootsuite or similar service)
  • Email marketing/distribution platforms (GovDelivery, MailChimp or similar service)
  • Website content management systems and Google Analytics; knowledge of basic HTML coding and search engine optimization a plus
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop)
  • Basic video editing software (Camtasia, Adobe Premiere)
  • Remote working platforms, such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom
  • Established and emerging social media platforms
• Ability to work independently, conduct interviews and facilitate projects involving external stakeholders.

Application Information

Interested applicants should send a letter of application specifically addressing the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, a resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references to CPE.HR@ky.gov.