Manager of External Relations - External Relations and Constituent Engagement, 38724

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - KANSAS CITY
EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND CONSTITUENT ENGAGEMENT

UMKC's Division of External Relations and Constituent Engagement (ERCE) plays a vital role in fostering meaningful connections between the university and our community. We build relationships that support our students, faculty and staff, and champion critical issues in the neighborhoods we call home. Through these meaningful collaborations, we build public appreciation for and commitment to the university's mission as the regions only urban public research university.

We accomplish this work by:

• Establishing and stewarding partnerships and engagement opportunities with community organizations, businesses, and neighborhood associations,
• Actively managing advisory and leadership boards that advocate and work on behalf of UMKC,
• Serving as the university's liaison to elected officials, civic leaders and government dignitaries, and,
• Planning and executing campus-wide special and signature events and operating a variety of outreach facilities.

In short, our work ensures that the community's engagement with UMKC is experiential, enduring and extraordinary.

ABOUT THE ROLE

UMKC's Division of External Relations and Constituent Engagement (ERCE) is seeking a collaborative and results-driven candidate to serve as our Manager of External Relations. This position will play a key role in strengthening UMKC's presence and partnerships across the Kansas City region and will be an active member of the Division's External Relations Team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Community and Constituent Engagement

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for chartered constituent groups such as the UMKC Neighborhood Advisory Council and the UMKC Retirees Association, coordinating meetings and engagement strategies to deepen connections between UMKC and these stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships for a portfolio of external partners and community organizations, ensuring UMKC remains a valued and engaged institutional leader in Kansas City.

Program and Event Management

• Lead the coordination of planning and execution of established signature community engagement initiatives, often directly tied to the university's relationship with external community partners, such as UMKC Day at the Kansas City Symphony and UMKC Day at Starlight Theatre.
• Manage the design, implementation, and assessment of new outreach programs that strengthen UMKC's role as a valued community partner and create lasting connections between UMKC and the community.
• Represent the university at select events, both on and off campus, fostering new relationships and reinforcing UMKC's commitment to community engagement.

Strategic Communication and Outreach

• Manage existing digital communication platforms designed to increase participation in UMKC events and awareness of the university's priorities, including the UMKC Neighborhood News E-Letter and the public-facing university website- Community Connect (community.umkc.edu).

Divisional and University Support

• Provide support to initiatives championed by direct supervisor, including the UMKC Insider Academy and UMKC Engagement Month.
• Assist with divisional and university government relations initiatives, including visits and recurring meetings involving elected officials, civic leaders, and government dignitaries.
• Assist with divisional and university initiatives for the staffing of high-profile volunteer, advisory, and advocacy boards including the UMKC Board of Trustees.
• Contribute to division and university initiatives, including support for major events such as Commencement, Crescendo, the STARR Women's Hall of Fame, and UM System Board of Curators visits, and other duties as assigned.

This is a full-time, benefit eligible staff position.

This position is expected to be on campus five days a week, Monday through Friday. Flexible work arrangements, such as telework, may be approved in advance for specific circumstances.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Experience in community outreach, event execution, and managing a range of volunteer groups and boards.
• Ability to multitask efficiently and effectively, with strong attention to detail.
• Exemplary relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills; and ability to handle multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills.
• The ideal candidate should have a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate with others when necessary.

Up to $54,300 per year commensurate with education, experience and internal equity.

Open until filled. For best consideration, please apply by July 6, 2025.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.