University Advancement Communications Specialist

University Advancement Communications Specialist

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

The first date of consideration is September 23, 2026, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Please attach an unofficial transcript to your application. Official transcript required at time of hire.

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title	University Advancement Communications Specialist
Work Location	Springfield Campus
Out-of-State Employment	Out-of-state employment is limited to Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., and subject to supervisor approval.
Department	University Advancement Relations
HR Home Department	090104 UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT RELATIONS
Pay Grade	42
Proposed Salary	$44,000/annual
Sponsorship Information	Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.
Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees?	No, Position is available to all applicants.
Appointment Type	Full Time Regular
Exempt/Non-Exempt	Exempt
General Function	The University Advancement Communications Specialist develops, writes, edits, designs and produces strategic print and digital communications that advance the mission and priorities of University Advancement. The position researches and tells compelling stories that inspire philanthropy, strengthen alumni and constituent engagement, demonstrate donor impact and showcase the transformative experiences of Missouri State University students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. The position creates integrated communications supporting fundraising, donor stewardship, alumni relations, campaign initiatives and the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center through strategic storytelling, graphic design, social media, digital communications and marketing materials. The position collaborates with University Advancement staff and campus partners to ensure communications are audience-centered, visually engaging, and consistent with University branding, editorial standards, and strategic priorities.
Description of Primary Duties	The University Advancement Communications Specialist develops, writes, edits, designs and produces strategic print and digital communications that advance the mission and priorities of University Advancement. The position researches and tells compelling stories that inspire philanthropy, strengthen alumni and constituent engagement, demonstrate donor impact and showcase the transformative experiences of Missouri State University students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. The position creates integrated communications supporting fundraising, donor stewardship, alumni relations, campaign initiatives and the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center through strategic storytelling, graphic design, social media, digital communications and marketing materials. The position collaborates with University Advancement staff and campus partners to ensure communications are audience-centered, visually engaging, and consistent with University branding, editorial standards, and strategic priorities.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications	Education: Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field is required. An equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be considered for substitution of educational requirements. Experience: At least two years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, higher education, or nonprofit communications is required. Experience developing integrated print and digital communications, writing for multiple audiences, and creating graphic design using Adobe Creative Cloud is required. Experience supporting fundraising or advancement communications is preferred. A portfolio demonstrating professional writing and graphic design work is preferred. Skills: Strong professional written and verbal communication skills, along with solid research abilities, are required. Candidates must demonstrate excellent presentation and customer service skills, including the ability to develop and deliver professional presentations. Proficiency in graphic design, signage development, promotional materials, and related software applications is also required to support University Advancement events and engagement initiatives. Other: This position may be required to attend after-hours events and travel to represent our division and the university at long-distance events.
Additional Qualifications
Link to Job Description	https://www.missouristate.edu/Human/JobDescriptions/university_advancement_communications_specialist.htm
Open Date	09/02/2026
Close Date (If Close Date is blank then the posting is considered open until filled)
Special Instructions to Applicants	The first date of consideration is September 23, 2026, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Please attach an unofficial transcript to your application. Official transcript required at time of hire.
Equal Opportunity Statement	Non-Discrimination Statement Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, [email protected], 417-836-4252
Background Check Statement	Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.

Posting Detail

Posting Number	20260228FTS
Quicklink for Posting	https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/87965

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Please specify the recruitment source where you located this posting. If you selected Employee Referral above, please list the name of the current MSU employee who referred you.

   (Open Ended Question)

2. * Are you a current full-time regular Missouri State University employee?
   • Yes, I am a current full-time faculty/staff University employee.
   • No, I am not currently employed by the University.
   • No, I am a current per course faculty member.
   • No, I am a current part-time staff University employee.
   • No, I am a current University graduate assistant or teaching assistant.
   • No, I am a current student University employee.
3. * How did you hear about this vacancy?
   • Indeed
   • Linkedin
   • Missouri State University Website
   • Google
   • Employee Referral
   • Job Alerts
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Personal Contacts / Networking
   • Job Board (CareerBuilder.com, Monster, etc.)
   • Other

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts - 1

Optional Documents

1. Online Portfolio
2. Other Documents -1