Career Opportunities

Now Hiring:  Communications Assistant

Friends of the Kaw (FOK) serves the Kansas River, known locally as the Kaw. The Kansas River is the largest prairie watershed in the world. The river originates at the junction of the Smoky Hill and Republican Rivers and runs more than 173 miles to meet the Missouri in northeast Kansas. The Kansas River also provides drinking water for over 950,000 Kansans. For more than thirty-five years, our organization has been the only grassroots conservation group dedicated to protecting the Kansas River. 

FOK’s Mission is to:

  • To protect and preserve the Kansas River for future generations.
  • To advocate for the rehabilitation of the Kansas River’s environs, including its water quality and wildlife habitat.
  • To discover and promote compatible public recreational uses of the Kansas River and encourage the development of public access.
  • To educate the public about the importance, benefits, and beauty of the Kansas River.
  • To cooperate with other people, organizations, and public agencies in support of a healthy Kansas River ecosystem.

As a member of the Friends of the Kaw Team, the Communications Assistant is responsible for:

  • Coordinating and implementing multiple projects in support of Friends of the Kaw.
  • Assist with organizational initiatives and projects as requested.   
  • Assist the FOK Team as requested to fulfill the mission of FOK.
  • Clear, frequent, and consistent communications with multiple project team members and will have a close working relationship with all members of the FOK Team to enable cross-team collaboration and communication.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides support as a representative of FOK on projects and initiatives.
  • Assist with communications objectives as needed and assigned.
  • Social media tasks as assigned.
  • Graphic design projects as assigned.
  • Communication tasks or event assistance.
  • Data entry.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Environmentally aware and passionate
  • Excellent communication, organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and multi-task effectively.
  • Dependable, positive attitude and a sense of humor.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, Google Docs, social media, Canva, Hootsuite and graphic design programs preferred.
  • Graphic design experience required.
  • Ability to work remotely and self-motivate.

General Information

  • Work time is conducted in an office setting. 
  • Flexibility in schedule is required; occasional work in the evening and weekends for meetings or event participation.
  • Must possess access to reliable transportation to attend events and meet with staff. 
  • Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
  • Must be equipped for work from a home office including internet access and space to work.

Friends of the Kaw is an equal-opportunity employer.  Come as you are, all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.  We welcome all. 

Salary:                        Part-time up to 10 hours per week. Pay will be commensurate with experience. 

Location:                   Virtual Position with Commuting Distance to Lawrence, KS

Application:              Send resume, references, and letter of interest to: info@kansasriver.org

Application Closes:  March 13, 2026.  The position may be held open until filled. 

Thank you for your interest in our work to protect and preserve the Kansas River!