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Posted: 12-Jan-23
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 229009
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
The Communications Manager will help promote the mission and brand of the University of Michigan Center for Social Solutions (CSS). The Center’s work addresses four main areas: the value of diversity for a prosperous democracy, slavery and its aftermath, water equity and security, and the future of work. We seek a team member with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and equity and who wishes to help the Center to foster collaborations and educate the public about these issues.
You will report directly to the CSS Director and oversee a student temporary employee.
Strategic Planning
- Work with the CSS team to adapt and implement a strategic, multi-channel, marketing and communications plan as well as sub-plans of communication for each of our major programmatic areas that includes dissemination to publics outside of the U-M campus.
- Develop and maintain press contacts in regions where CSS events are held for nationwide dissemination of information regarding Our Compelling Interest initiative and associated book launches (2 annually) and semi-annual convenings of the Creating Democratic Futures national effort to implement community-based reparations.
- Work in collaboration with the CSS team by researching and securing opportunities for storytelling and information sharing
- Research and identify regional and national opportunities for story sharing that highlights work in the Center but also the work of our affiliates across the University, nationally, and internationally.
- Arrange interviews with faculty experts/researchers within the extensive list of Center regional, national, and international connections for TV, newspaper, news blogs and radio stations.
- Stay abreast and share breaking news and ongoing issues related to our program areas at weekly team-meetings to stimulate ideas for the development of future research streams.
- Lead the tracking and measurement of effectiveness of communications initiatives by preparing and presenting regular reports to track impact and propose new strategic directions.
- Together with the Senior Projects Manager, collaborate with U-M partners in the President’s Office, Office of University Development, LSA Advancement, and Michigan News to promote the Center’s work for fundraising efforts
Written Communications
- Plan, research, write, and substantive communications materials including press releases, quarterly newsletters, and other content for CSS publications, including digital and print outlets.
- Coordinate the design and translation of research findings for CSS promotional copy.
- Contribute to the generation of annual reports as needed.
Digital Media
- Oversee the maintenance of the CSS general website and the launch of CSS research microsite, and the Academic Leadership Institute, and the Scholars Network on Black Masculinity websites.
- Develop feature stories
- Write or assign, edit and post blog posts
- Oversee the implementation of social media announcements of CSS events and research findings.
- Work with videography, photography, and digital media experts to communicate stories most effectively for the general public and as part of our regular grant application efforts.
- Evaluate the viability of the development of podcasts as a future medium of disseminating the Center’s work.
Additional responsibilities
- Provide onsite technical support for all webinar and large national webinars and partner collaboration meetings, including 10% effort for travel.
- Manage Public Relations/Communications Assistant, assigning projects, editing work, providing opportunities for growth and professional development, and ensuring a positive, mutually beneficial experience
- Secure communications intern(s) and supervise their work for CSS
- Maintain CSS style guide
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public communication, fine arts, marketing, communications, or related field or equivalent work/educational experience. At least 3 to 5 years of communications experience, including demonstrated writing experience, public relations, marketing, print and digital publishing. Ability to analyze and translate raw data, technical, and scholarly works in accessible language for multiple audiences; and an in-depth understanding of current digital marketing technologies, industry trends, and audience engagement tactics. Demonstrated success collaborating with teams and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, take the initiative, and work effectively under tight deadlines and changing project requirements. Demonstrated experience with website programming Demonstrated evidence of expertise in the design of high-quality graphic Extensive experience with Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop; Premiere Pro and Audition a plus)
Experience in gathering and analyzing data to guide strategy and be willing to quickly pivot if strategy is proving to be unsuccessful. Experience working in higher education and/or public-facing research organizations Experience/knowledge in promoting social sciences research is a plus. Demonstrated professional photography and videography experience. Experience using Google analytics or other reporting applications. Experience with email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact or Mailchimp. Supervisory experience
The salary range for this position is $54,000 to $67,500, please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate’s experience.
This position does allow for some remote work hours.
As one of the world’s great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.
To learn more about LSA’s Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine. This includes those working remotely and temporary workers. More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.
