Real World Initiatives is a formally established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an affiliate of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The ProX Communications Specialist plays a critical role in managing and executing communications strategies that increase awareness, engagement, and alignment across all program stakeholders. This limited-term position * supports both external and internal communication efforts—including email campaigns, storytelling through photo/video content, and the development of branded slide decks and digital assets.
With a keen eye for project management and brand consistency, the Communications Specialist helps bring the voice of ProX to life while collaborating across teams to support messaging to students, families, schools, employers, and the broader community. This role also works closely with the ProX administrative team and a EMKF strategic communications liaison to ensure messaging is aligned across all channels and meets the needs of multiple audiences.
Specific Responsibilities include:
Content Creation & Messaging
Draft, design, and distribute external email campaigns (e.g., newsletters, announcements, reminders) to students, families, and employer partners.
Create branded slide decks and communication materials for both internal (staff, coaches, leadership) and external (employers, schools, funders) audiences.
Collaborate with administrative and program staff to ensure messaging is tailored to each audience and consistent with overall program tone and branding.
Write clear, compelling content that reflects ProX’s values, voice, and impact.
Storytelling & Visual Media
Support the documentation of intern and employer experiences through photo, video, and written storytelling.
Lead the planning and execution of storytelling content across internships, events, and milestones.
Work closely with interns, coaches, and employers to capture media that can be used in social, web, or print communications.
Maintain photo and video asset organization for use in future promotional efforts.
Project Management & Brand Coordination
Manage timelines, requests, and approvals related to communications assets and projects.
Ensure all messaging, visuals, and language adhere to established branding and tone guidelines.
Coordinate with the social media team to ensure email, web, and social content are part of a unified communications strategy.
Events & Internal Communication
Collaborate with the ProX team to support event communications, including invitations, reminders, signage, and post-event recaps.
Provide communication support for internal briefings and newsletters to keep program staff and partners informed.
Create and design presentation decks and talking points for program leaders, coaches, and interns.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, social work, youth development, or related fields (teaching certification preferred).
Work Experience: At least five years of relevant industry experience, with prior experience in educational, nonprofit, or community-based settings working directly with youth strongly preferred.
Travel & Schedule: Hybrid schedule with remote work and some in-person office meetings being expected.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates in this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-directed work, detail-oriented and able to work collaboratively across teams and departments. Candidates must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities and constant change.
Is familiar with work-based learning, real-world learning frameworks, or student career readiness.
Is a relationship builder and leader with the ability to engage, inspire, and work collaboratively and effectively with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders while building supportive relationships across diverse populations.
Is confident and possesses professional credibility, and excellent writing and speaking skills with the ability to adjust tone and format for varied audiences.
Demonstrates ability to manage communication projects from concept to completion with strong attention to timelines, detail, and brand consistency.
Demonstrates flexibility, professionalism, and a team-first attitude.
Has the ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
Must pass a criminal background check and fingerprint clearance.
Has strong computer literacy skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and content creation applications, including Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Slides/PowerPoint, and email tools like Mailchimp.
All of the statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Kauffman Foundation firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state or local law.
TO APPLY
Interested applicants can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume. Job posting will be removed at 12:00 pm CT on October 17, 2025.
Please note that this role is Kansas City, MO based and associates must reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
* Limited Term = November 2025 through July 2026.
Job Type: Temporary
Salary Range: $30,000 - 49,999
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