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Community Relations Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Hikinex

CFO for KBIC Healthcare

Lakin, KS · On-site

Medical staff relations. Maintains effective and collaborative relationships with the medical staff that inspires and ensures the ability to meet the health needs of the community, advances quality ...

HIKINEX

CFO for KBIC Healthcare

Lakin, KS

Medical staff relations. Maintains effective and collaborative relationships with the medical staff that inspires and ensures the ability to meet the health needs of the community, advances quality ...

Serrato Corporation

Workforce Specialist

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$45K/yr

Primary Position Objectives Plans and conducts community relations program designed to create and maintain favorable public relations for the center and its students in accordance with DOL, PRH, and ...

Serrato Corporation

Workforce Specialist

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$45K/yr

Primary Position Objectives Plans and conducts community relations program designed to create and maintain favorable public relations for the center and its students in accordance with DOL, PRH, and ...

CVS Health

Patient Relations Analyst

Topeka, KS · On-site

$21.10 - $36.78/hr

Join us and be part of something bigger - helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time. Title: Patient Relations Analyst Company: Oak Street Health Role ...

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All JobsCommunity Relations JobsCommunity Relations Jobs in Kansas

Community Relations information

See Kansas salary details

$32.1K

$109.7K

$123.5K

How much do community relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for community relations in Kansas is $109,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,100.00 and $123,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are community relations?

Community relations refers to the practice of building and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and the communities in which it operates. Professionals in this field work to foster goodwill, address concerns, and create partnerships that benefit both the organization and the public. Their responsibilities often include organizing events, managing communications, and supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives. Effective community relations help improve the organization's reputation and ensure mutual understanding with stakeholders.

What is the difference between Community Relations vs Public Relations?

AspectCommunity RelationsPublic Relations
Primary FocusBuilding and maintaining relationships with local communities and stakeholdersManaging the organization's public image and media relations
Work EnvironmentCommunity events, local organizations, nonprofit settingsMedia outlets, press releases, corporate communications
Required CredentialsCommunications, Public Relations, or related degrees; often requires community engagement experienceCommunications, Journalism, or Public Relations degrees; media relations experience

While both roles involve communication skills and stakeholder engagement, Community Relations focuses on local community partnerships and grassroots efforts, whereas Public Relations emphasizes managing the organization's overall public image and media interactions. Understanding these differences helps organizations target the right skills and strategies for each role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Relations Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Community Relations Specialist, you need strong communication, public relations, and organizational skills, typically supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with social media platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and event planning tools is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities help you build trust and positive connections with diverse community stakeholders. These skills are crucial for fostering meaningful engagement, enhancing an organization’s reputation, and effectively addressing community needs.

How does a Community Relations professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Community Relations professionals often work closely with departments such as marketing, public relations, and human resources to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the organization's goals. They may coordinate events, manage partnerships, and gather feedback from the community to relay important insights internally. Successful collaboration requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance community needs with organizational objectives, ensuring that initiatives are both meaningful and effective.
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Relations jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Community Relations jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Relations jobs in Kansas? For Community Relations jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Relations jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Community Relations jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Community Relations jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Community Relations job openings:
Community Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Relations job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,672 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Director of Community Relations

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Pittsburg State University rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

580th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a Director of Community Relations in the Division of Economic and Community Engagement that is responsible for serving as liaison between the university and the local community as well as between the division and internal stakeholders and constituents, fostering relationships that support the university's mission and enhance its role as a civic partner. This position develops and implements strategic initiatives to build partnerships, promote university programs, and engage with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, businesses, neighborhood associations, faculty, and staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement and Partnerships - 30% 

  • Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with local government officials, community organizations, and business leaders 
  • Represents PSU at community meetings, events, and forums to foster goodwill and mutual understanding 
  • Acts as a key point of contact for community inquiries, ensuring timely and effective responses 
  • Serves as tenant relations lead for The Foundry and leads development of strong community ecosystem within The Foundry and the entire Block22 District. Including the following: 
    • Serves as the primary point of contact for tenants within The Foundry and the Block22 District, addressing inquiries, resolving concerns, and ensuring a positive tenant experience while collaborating with legal and management teams to define lease terms and agreements 
    • Coordinates lease agreement processes, including preparation, review, and obtaining signatures, while working with the Facilities Coordinator to maintain accurate property records and regularly collect tenant feedback for continuous improvement 

Strategic Planning and Leadership - 25% 

  • Develops and executes a comprehensive community relations strategy that aligns with the university and division mission and strategic goals 
  • Uses independent judgement to identify opportunities for collaboration with community partners to enhance the university's visibility and impact 
  • Serves as a lead advisor on community relations and engagement matters, providing counsel to division leadership 
  • Works closely in alignment with government relations and economic/community development teams 
  • Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of community relations initiatives, providing regular reports to division leadership 
  • Identifies key performance indicators (KPIs) and uses data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement 

Program Development and Coordination - 20% 

  • Plans and oversees innovative and strategic community relations and engagement programs and initiatives 
  • Plans and oversees university-sponsored community events, including open houses, service projects, educational workshops, and partnership driven events such as the annual Four State Farm Show 
  • Collaborates with academic and administrative departments to develop community-based programs and initiatives 
  • Works with student organizations to promote civic engagement and volunteer opportunities 

Communication and Advocacy - 20% 

  • Develops messaging and communication materials that highlight the university's community impact and contribution 
  • Oversees the work of the Digital Communications Project Manager in the development and posting on various social media platforms 
  • Works closely with the Creative and Strategic Communications team to promote university research, community relations, and economic development initiatives, programs, news and impact 
  • Advocates for the PSU interests in local policy discussions and community development projects 

Other Duties as assigned - 5% 

  • Contributes to the success of Economic and Community Engagement by performing other duties as assigned 

Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire

  • 5 years of progressive experience in community relations, public affairs, or a similar role, preferably in higher education 

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Master's degree in public relations, communications, public administration, or related field 
  • 1 year of experience working with local governments and community organizations 

Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.

Job Type: Unclassified

Appointment Duration: 12 months

Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, weekends as needed, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, other hours as needed

Application Documents Required*:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Names and Contact Details for three (3) Professional References

*Consolidate into two documents to upload.

Open Until Filled with a first consideration date of July 22nd, 2026.

Search Committee Chair: Kristi Toeller, ktoeller@pittstate.edu

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a respectful and supportive environment for all employees.

About Pittsburg State University

Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State's 373-acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art athletics, arts, and research facilities.  

Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.  

Pitt State's hands-on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.  

The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you'll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses. Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities. 

Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities, including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.  

Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building, scheduled to open in July 2026, will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events. 

The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation. 

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