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University of Michigan

Communications Manager

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, us, 48113


Communications Manager

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How to Apply

A cover letter, resume, and writing samples are required for consideration for this position. In your cover letter, in two pages or less, explain your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align. Include three professional writing samples, with at least one article or press release. Please submit all materials together in a single file due to system limitations. All materials will be assessed for written communication skills.

Job Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Communications (OVPC) is the central communications unit for the University of Michigan and works in collaboration with hundreds of communicators across our three campuses and academic medical center. Within that larger unit, you will play an important role on our Public Affairs team, which handles reputational issues, media inquiries for the central administration, and communications planning for major initiatives.

Our work is often fast-paced, deadline-driven, and high-volume, requiring diplomacy, organizational skills, and resourcefulness. As a communications manager, you will focus on responding to requests from journalists, writing for the University Record, advising partners on strategy, developing communications plans, and otherwise helping to develop, manage and execute communications from across the university.

In working with local and national journalists, you will evaluate media requests and develop responses. Your work will involve gathering information from across a large, decentralized organization, validating facts and synthesizing multiple perspectives into succinct and accurate statements. A key to success will be your ability to write with power and precision, capturing the university's position in a way that conveys nuance and complexity but is also easy to understand for the general public.

You will report to the Director of Public Affairs and will work onsite 4 days a week. Responsibilities may fall outside of traditional working hours given the time-sensitive nature of our work. For questions or accommodation requests, please contact [email protected] .

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off

A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting

Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability coverage

Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities *

Support communications and issues management.

Develop and execute communication plans related to university initiatives and priorities.

Write, edit, and advise on multiple written communications including media statements, releases, campus messages, and briefing documents.

Develop and maintain long-standing relationships with members of the media.

Collaborate with a broad array of internal partners.

Represent the Director in meetings.

Required Qualifications *

Bachelor's degree.

5+ years of applied expertise in public relations, journalism, and writing.

Interest or experience working in higher education or a decentralized, complex organization.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

253375

Working Title

Communications Manager

Job Title

Communications Manager

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Vice Pres Communicat

Department

Public Affairs

Posting Begin/End Date

8/20/2024 - 9/17/2024

Salary

$115,000.00 - $120,000.00

Career Interest

Communications & Marketing

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