Summary
Michigan News seeks an experienced science and environment writer and storytelling strategist to produce compelling content to pitch and disseminate to news media and share broadly on other external platforms to targeted audiences and the general public. The ideal candidate for this role will be keenly aware of current news and important topics related to the environment and the physical sciences and be able to promote experts on relevant topics and issues in the world.
The PR representative will help design communication strategies that include news releases, pitches, multimedia packages, and social media tactics on topics that include environment and sustainability, climate change, environmental justice, and physical sciences including astronomy, chemistry, and physics. The PR representative will be part of the Michigan News team that works collaboratively and creatively with assigned schools and colleges and within the Office of the Vice President for Communications. The PR representative will work with faculty and communicators across campus to show and tell stories that raise awareness and build upon the reputation of the university as a world-class leader in research, expertise, and academia. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for News in the Office of the VP for Communications.
Mission Statement
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Office of the Vice President for Communications seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to sustain the excellence of the university, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
Required Qualifications*
- A bachelor's degree and at least eight years of experience in journalism or public relations.
- Demonstrated news writing skills.
- Demonstrated ability to explain complex science research in a compelling way for the general public.
- News judgment; the ability to find stories that resonate with niche and broad audiences.
- Knowledge and experience in social media.
- Ability to multitask projects in a fast-paced news environment.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with members of the news media.
- Well-developed interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to set and meet goals, working both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to develop strategic communications plans that include timelines, targeted audiences, news releases, multimedia packages and social media outreach, along with tracking placement and engagement results.
Desired Qualifications*
- Ability to critically analyze efforts and pivot as needed for best outcomes.
- Excellent time management and organization skills.
- Demonstrated success in placing stories in the news media.
- Knowledge of university systems and environment, through employment either at a university or a related business or organization.
Additional Information
While work arrangements are flexible, all new employees are expected to be within commutable distance of the Ann Arbor campus. This position is a hybrid position with defined in-person days.
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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.