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 your skills and related experience.
Job Summary
The Demography of Aging, Disability and Care Program (DADC) in the Survey Research Center at the Institute for Social Research focuses on population aging, disability, and long-term care and related measurement and survey issues. The program provides leadership for the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and supports the Michigan Center on the Demography of Aging (MiCDA).
Responsibilities*
We are seeking a full-time Communications Coordinator who will assist project teams by coordinating public communications (e.g. social media and website posts), educational communications (e.g., videos and course management), and research events and activities (e.g., conferences and workshops; evaluating use of the data).
In partnership with the NHATS and MiCDA project teams, you will be responsible for communication-related activities in three areas:
Public Communications (50%)
- Handle social media for NHATS and MiCDA
- Develop and post website content for the NHATS and MiCDA websites and keep the NHATS and MiCDA websites up to date
- Develop lists of conference presentations for key conferences to share via social media and websites
- Build audiences for NHATS and MiCDA research findings
- Track and report on analytics for social media and websites
Educational Communications (25%)
- Record and edit educational videos for researchers using NHATS
- Assist with managing NHATS online self-paced course, summer workshops and webinars
- Assist with managing MiCDA workshops and related activities on scientific communication
- Build audience for NHATS and MiCDA educational activities with targeted constituencies
- Prepare reports about views and participation in educational activities
Research Event and Related Activity Coordination (25%)
- Use AI tools at UM to analyze existing NHATS publication corpus to help determine underused sections of NHATS and identify opportunities for new conferences/workshops
- Draft study participant newsletters based on recent publications
- Work with vendors to design and request quotes for project materials such as brochures and exhibit materials.
- Assist with organizing and managing logistics for in-person and virtual events webinars, workshops and conferences and track event participation statistics
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in social science or communications field.
- Minimum of 1-2 years of communications experience preferred
- Demonstrated strength in communicating effectively with and building research audiences
- Experience managing social media and website content, preferably using WordPress and/or Drupal
- Experience with video editing software, preferably using Camtasia
- Experience with preparing reports using website and/or social media analytics
- Familiarity with and/or willingness to learn UM AI tools including Maisy
- Excellent skills in prioritization and project management, including handling multiple projects with varying deadlines
- Evidence of strong oral, written, and verbal communication skills, including interpersonal communications
- Ability to both work independently and as an effective team member
- Substantial experience with Microsoft Office suite of programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom)
Work Locations
Work location is expected to be onsite in Ann Arbor with flexibility for hybrid work within our overall Center guidelines.
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 Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous time off; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Learn more about U-M benefits.
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
Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.