How to Apply
A cover letter and three writing samples are required for consideration for this position and should be attached as one document that includes your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. It is recommended that writing samples include writing for publication (persuasive/inspirational storytelling), oral delivery and newsletter.
Job Summary
The Communications Manager will be the day-to-day internal communications strategist for the Adult Hospitals (University Hospital, Frankel Cardiovascular Center and the soon-to-open D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion) at U-M Health, with a matrixed reporting relationship to the Adult Hospitals Strategic Advisor and U-M Health Communications Manager. The Communications Manager will be charged with developing and executing strategic plans for internal communication critical to the success of the hospitals.
Content Creation 50% Create compelling and effective communication for employees that reflects institutional and segment priorities and supports successful implementation of hospital operations, initiatives and activities.
Strategic Planning 20% Develop strategic communication plans to support segment objectives while also aligning with institutional mission, vision, values and priorities.
Relationship building 20% Collaborate as needed with other embedded U-M Health communicators to share content or relevant stories and align communication across the health system.
Supervision 10% Provide direction and supervision for term-limited Communications Specialist supporting the Kahn Pavilion opening and other key segment projects and initiatives.
Manage relationships with key stakeholders across the Adult Hospitals to ensure accurate and appropriate content and information sources.
Work with colleagues within the Department of Communication, including web, marketing, public relations and creative services team members, as needed for select broader communication campaigns.
Other duties or special projects assigned by the Adult Hospitals Strategic Advisor and U-M Health Communications Manager.
Self-development/education
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge and skills
- Actively pursues learning opportunities and ways to broaden experience and knowledge base
- Seeks continuous improvement for self, team, and department
Professional values
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity and accountability
- Transparency
- Rational decision-making and ethical judgment
- Creativity and forward-thinking mindset
- Solution-oriented
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Responsibilities*
- Provide all communication support for Adult Hospitals executive leadership, based on segment and system-wide priorities and strategic direction
- Support leadership positioning through communication channels and messaging designed to engage all levels of staff. Collaborate with other key stakeholders to positively impact engagement, culture and organizational effectiveness
- Develop in-depth knowledge of the Adult Hospitals, and of projects and project teams within the clinical enterprise. Serve as segment communication lead for system-wide projects and organizational priorities
- Research, develop and implement communication plans to support key operational initiatives and related change management
- Help develop and oversee implementation of strategic communication and change management efforts to support the activation, transition and opening of the new D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion. Provide support for event planning and implementation related to the opening of the new hospital
- Supervise term-limited Communications Specialist supporting the activation, transition and opening of the new D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion and subsequent renovations to University Hospital
- Develop persuasive and inspirational stories, announcements and leader communications to highlight and celebrate the work of teams across the Adult Hospitals segment
- Support essential day-to-day communication needs related to hospital operations
- Translate technical or strategic topics into easily consumed, appropriate communication tailored to various internal audiences
- Leverage technology and social media to optimize and increase communication approaches to effectively reach all levels of staff
- Partner with the other members of the Department of Communication and key stakeholders as appropriate on individual projects or initiatives
- Manage vendors providing creative and collateral support for communication projects
- Develop, track and monitor communication measurements that are strategic, measurable, timely and realistic
Required Qualifications*
- A bachelor's degree in communication-related field; journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or related field
- Minimum 7 years of professional experience in public relations, promotions, journalism, marketing or communication-related field in a professional setting
- Must be comfortable in a multi-layered organization with complex relationship and executive reporting
- Proven experience managing multiple work streams and developing solutions in complex matrixed organizations
- Proven experience developing and maintaining productive relationships with key stakeholders to achieve shared goals
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desired Qualifications*
Experience in health care or related industry.
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 the work modes.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
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.