Job Summary
The University of Michigan is embarking on a once-in-a-generation portfolio of transformative infrastructure initiatives that will shape the future of the campus, region, and research enterprise. The Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (EVPCFO) seeks a Manager of Communications with deep experience in infrastructure related communications, public engagement, and executive messaging to lead communication strategies for the university's most complex and high-profile strategic capital projects.
This position reports to the Director of The Automated Transit System within the EVPCFO office and plays a critical leadership role in shaping how the university communicates the purpose, impact, and long-term vision of its infrastructure strategy - spanning transportation innovation, energy sustainability, real estate development, academic space transformation, and public-private partnerships.
The manager will be responsible for developing and executing communication plans that explain infrastructure decisions, engage diverse stakeholders, and build support among internal and external constituencies, including university leadership, municipal and regional partners, donors, media, students, and the broader public.
Why Work at Michigan?
The University of Michigan offers a world-class benefits package, including:
- Generous paid time off
- Immediate vesting in a two-for-one retirement plan
- A wide variety of comprehensive health insurance options
- Life and disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
The university is committed to building and supporting a diverse workforce reflective of our community and values.
Responsibilities*
- Develop and lead comprehensive communication strategies and public engagement plans that support the planning and implementation of major capital and infrastructure initiatives.
- Partner with project executives, planners, architects, and technical subject matter experts to translate complex infrastructure issues into clear, compelling messages tailored for diverse audiences.
- Develop remarks, presentations, talking points, and briefings that articulate the university's infrastructure vision.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Transportation Strategies Leadership team.
- Manage stakeholder engagement and transparency efforts, including public meeting communications, governance materials, and institutional alignment with university communications teams.
- Lead storytelling around infrastructure investment - highlighting innovation, sustainability, impact on the student experience, research competitiveness, and community benefit.
- Coordinate across multiple project owners and communication teams to ensure consistency in messaging and branding for multi-year, cross-cutting initiatives.
- Support the development of board-level materials, including Regental briefings, investment justifications, and project milestone updates.
- Serve as a liaison between the EVPCFO office and the Office of the Vice President for Communications on infrastructure-related topics.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, urban planning, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in strategic communications, preferably with demonstrated experience in infrastructure, capital programs, or government/public-sector projects.
- Proven ability to develop and lead integrated communications campaigns that shape stakeholder understanding of complex planning, construction, or real estate initiatives.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and messaging skills across a range of platforms and formats - including executive communications, slide decks, internal newsletters, briefings, and public-facing content.
- Deep experience creating messaging for high-level decision-makers, including C-suite leaders or elected officials.
- Comfort operating in fast-paced, highly matrixed environments, managing sensitive information, and maintaining high ethical standards.
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to lead communications across concurrent large-scale projects.
- Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, WordPress, and basic graphic design tools preferred.
- Commitment to University of Michigan values in all aspects of strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
Desired Qualifications*
- Master's degree in a related field.
- Experience with communications related to public infrastructure, research facilities, climate and energy initiatives, or transit and mobility strategies.
- Familiarity with university governance and stakeholder environments.
- Demonstrated experience in crisis communications, regulatory communications, or engagement with public-sector partners.
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.
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.