How to Apply
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 particular skills and background experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Office of the Dean in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) is seeking two (2) Assistant Directors for Internal Communications and College Engagement. With general direction from the Director of Internal Communications and College Engagement, you will provide strategic communications leadership to the Dean and senior leaders within the Office of the Dean in LSA. You will assist in developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies for internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students, and resources to support the office communication goals. Ideal candidates will be sophisticated and seasoned communicators with organizational acumen and a proven track record of supporting leadership through effective, high-level written content. A strong understanding of the liberal arts and knowledge of the changing strategies and landscape of higher education would be helpful for these roles.
We are looking for candidates willing to work a hybrid work schedule. The target salary for this position is between $90-$110K. A higher salary may be possible for well-qualified candidates, as internal equity allows.
Mission Statement
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.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers comprehensive benefits to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future including:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Tuition reimbursement
- While you will work onsite on our central campus in Ann Arbor, LSA offers flexible work options.
- Meeting free days and communication norms that support your well-being.
- Access to deals, discounts, and attractions; see Uniquely Michigan for details
Responsibilities*
- Support the development and implementation of internal communications strategies by drafting talking points, assisting in the creation of college policy summaries, reports, newsletters, and other materials as directed.
- Assist in providing input on innovative communication strategies to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with college and institutional objectives, under the direction of the director.
- Facilitate internal communications activities, assist in prioritizing content and outreach materials in collaboration with leadership, LSAs Marketing and Communication team, and other communications professionals.
- Assist in the preparation and distribution of formal correspondence from senior executives and support the management of complex communication projects and tasks.
- Engage in the execution of integrated communication strategies to enhance the colleges reputation, highlight achievements, and support ongoing communication efforts.
- Ensure that all materials align with university and college communication policies and best practices.
- Assist in the supervision of an administrative coordinator and/or project manager, or supervise designated projects as assigned
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience.
- At least 5 years of experience in communications, with demonstrated ability to distill complex information for audiences, including faculty, staff, and students.
- Excellent writing skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages, including written, visual, and electronic communications.
- Demonstrated experience assisting in the creation, development, and implementation of communication tasks, plans, and programs.
- Strong judgment and attention to detail, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities
- Experience assisting in shaping institutional narratives to promote key achievements.
- Experience working within a large, complex organization.
- Excellent interpersonal communication, judgment, and active listening skills.
- Experience assisting with supervision, or experience leading projects.
- Ability to use discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
- Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem recognition skills.
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.
Additional Information
The position requires on-campus/in-person work from the Ann Arbor campus with some time working remotely, based on operational needs.
Since 1841, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) has been the heart of The Michigan Difference, educating young leaders through a rich liberal arts curriculum and creating new knowledge through world-class research and scholarship. LSA is the largest and one of the oldest of the university's 19 schools and colleges, with more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. Learn more about LSA at https://lsa.umich.edu. The college has a large workforce of approximately 1,200 staff, 1,500 faculty, 1,800 graduate student appointees and research fellows, and an additional 2,000 temporary employees.
As one of the worlds 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 LSAs Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Background Screening
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.
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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.