Job Summary
This role requires a mix of experience, including executive communications strategy and support with superb writing skills, traditional and social media management, and blog and vlog content development. The successful candidate will lead messaging and multi-media content development to position Michigan Medicine as a leader and convener in healthcare innovation. They will also oversee the strategic direction, development, and execution of priority content initiatives designed to educate, inspire, and ignite action to advance the organization's mission and goals.
Responsible for informing and educating external and internal stakeholders through publications, speaking events, and mass communication. This includes ongoing responsibility for research, writing, editing, and producing communications that inspire action and advance organizational goals. Employees in this classification typically analyze, compare, and evaluate various courses of action and have the authority to make independent decisions on matters of significance, free from immediate direction, within the scope of their responsibilities. Primary activities and decision-making authority are predominantly performed independently.
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.
Who We Are
The Executive Communications and Content Strategy Manager is a newly created role that will report directly to the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communication strategy to support Michigan Medicine's CEO and leadership communications. The person in this role will serve as a content strategist and senior writer for internal and external audiences.
Responsibilities*
- Executive Writing and Strategic Communication Planning:
- Translate big ideas into compelling messaging that captures the CEO's voice and tone across all intended audiences
- Employ smart brevity that inspires action across internal and external communications channels
- Develop and implement an integrated communication strategy that enhances the CEO's vision and message both internally and externally
- Align communication strategies with Michigan Medicine objectives and key business priorities
- Internal Communication:
- Lead the development of internal communication campaigns that engage, inform, and inspire employees
- Collaborate with HR and leadership teams to craft messages that foster a positive organizational culture and promote engagement
- Utilize internal communication tools and platforms to ensure effective message delivery across the organization
- External Communication and Branding:
- Serve as a senior writer on behalf of Michigan Medicine's enterprise and regional executives
- Develop creative and impactful content for press releases, speeches, interviews, and social media that positions Michigan Medicine as a healthcare leader
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including media, industry partners, government, business leaders, community organizations, and other healthcare stakeholders
- Manage media relations and support the CEO's public appearances
- Thought Leadership and Content Strategy:
- Devise and execute an enterprise-wide content strategy targeting Michigan Medicine's thought leadership audience, considering personas, channel optimization, and an integrated editorial calendar
- Oversee the curation, creation, and management of content across thought leadership platforms that educate, inspire, and ignite action
- Simplify complex healthcare concepts into compelling visual and written content that drives engagement
- Stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in content creation, digital media, and healthcare communications
- Enterprise Collaboration:
- Partner with key internal stakeholders within U-M Medical School, Development Office and Office of the President, as well as clinical leadership, marketing, public affairs, and community engagement teams to curate content and leverage external relationships
- Serve as a strategic advisor to align parties across the organization through coordinated messaging and content initiatives
- Reputation Management:
- Monitor public perception and address any communication challenges or crises effectively
- Develop strategies to mitigate risks and enhance the CEO's and the organization's reputation
- Work closely with marketing and communications teams to ensure content aligns with Michigan Medicine's brand identity and messaging
- Maintain a consistent brand voice across all communication channels
- Analytics and Performance Measurement:
- Establish benchmarks for communication effectiveness and report on key metrics
- Utilize data and analytics tools to measure the effectiveness and impact of content
- Monitor key performance indicators, analyze trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize content strategies and engagement
- Use insights to continuously improve communication strategies and tactics
- Innovation and Industry Leadership:
- Identify opportunities for innovation and propose new approaches to enhance audience engagement
- Explore emerging platforms and channels to expand Michigan Medicine's thought leadership presence
- Lead strategic initiatives designed to position Michigan Medicine as a convener and innovator in healthcare
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or Digital Marketing required; Master's degree preferred
- 7+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, content marketing, or related field that demonstrates executive-level communication expertise
- Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills with the ability to craft executive-level communications
- Proven experience in executive communications with superb writing skills that capture voice and tone
- Demonstrated success managing communication initiatives and external media relations
- Experience developing and executing content strategies for thought leadership audiences
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively
- Proficiency in communication, analytics, and digital content tools
- Experience with content management systems and understanding of channel optimization
- Background in healthcare communications or complex organizational environments preferred
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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.