KANSAS CITY DESIGN CENTER (KCDC)
Full-Time Program Coordinator Position
About KCDC: Located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, the Kansas City Design Center (KCDC) is a nationally-recognized, 501(c)(3) nonprofit partnership between the architecture and planning programs at Kansas State University, local civic leaders, and professional designers. KCDC aims to improve the public realm by addressing critical urban design issues while providing graduate students a unique educational experience.
Position Overview : The KCDC is seeking a skilled Program Coordinator to join its team. This position primarily collaborates with KCDC's teaching staff and academic leadership to manage program and project administration and facilitates community outreach. The ideal candidate will be a team player comfortable working in a vibrant learning environment where no two days are the same, and must be self-reliant and a quick learner. The role offers flexibility to accommodate interests in applied learning and public service.
Community Engagement Focus: This role requires active participation in community meetings and events, some of which occur outside regular business hours. The ideal candidate should be prepared to attend evening and occasional weekend community meetings as part of their regular responsibilities to strengthen KCDC's connections with local organizations and stakeholders.
Community Outreach Expansion: A key goal for this role is to develop and implement expanded community outreach programs, including K-12 educational initiatives, connecting KCDC's mission with diverse audiences and institutions throughout the Kansas City area.
Tasks and Duties
Administration
Manage general office administration and maintenance tasks:
● Manage office equipment and supplies
● Facilitate IT processes with independent contractor
● Answer phone and handle incoming/outgoing mail
● Coordinate with maintenance and property management team as needed
● Monitor program/project budgets and work with company accountant to coordinate monthly bookkeeping
● Assist with grant/funding acquisition and maintenance, including submission of progress reports and deliverables
Assist with Board of Directors and Advisory Council governance:
● Schedule and prepare meetings
● Take meeting minutes
● Draft monthly and bi-annual reports to be sent to the KCDC Board of Directors and Advisory Council
Project Coordination
Manage public outreach and community engagement:
● Assist with project scheduling and timeline management, including coordinating communication with project advisory groups and stakeholders
● Attend community meetings and public forums to represent KCDC and build relationships with local organizations
● Assist with student recruitment events and activities
Assist with knowledge transfer:
● Oversee KCDC server database (project archives, reference documents, folder organization)
● Assist with building and maintaining collaboration with local organizations and coordinate potential program expansion opportunities
Manage post-studio project completion follow-through:
● Project results communication
● Awards submissions
● Project publications
Other tasks as assigned
Marketing and Communications
● Lead creation and continuous publication of the KCDC digital newsletter
● Maintain PR communication with various supporting constituencies
● Manage and administer KCDC's website and various social media platforms
● Develop and manage KCDC program digital and print information and public event promotion communications
Qualifications
Required Minimum Qualifications
● Education: Undergraduate degree required
● Proven self-starter with ability to be self-reliant and a constructive collaborator
● Savvy communicator with strong interpersonal skills
● Strong organizational skills
● Excellent writing skills
● Flexibility: Ability and willingness to attend community meetings and events outside regular business hours
Preferred Qualifications
● Degree related to architecture, design, marketing, and/or communications
● Good understanding of and/or interest in KCDC's academic mission and community relations
● Strong graphic design and communication skills with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
● Experience with community engagement and public meeting facilitation
Time Requirements & Compensation
Position Type: Full-time, salaried position
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend community meetings as required
Salary: $55,000 annually
Benefits
● Paid Time Off: 15 days of paid time off (combined vacation + sick days)
● Health Insurance: Monthly stipend provided toward health insurance costs - $300/month
● Holidays: Eight federal holidays observed in alignment with Kansas State University, plus winter break between Christmas and New Year's
● Professional Development: Opportunities for conference attendance and professional growth
How to Apply
Send a cover letter and resume describing your qualifications and interest in the position to:
Email: lharness@kcdesigncenter.org Subject Line: "Program Coordinator"
Application Status: The application will remain open until the position is filled. Candidates will be notified of their application status by email. Please do not call with questions about application status.