How to Apply
A cover letter, resume, and three writing samples are required for consideration for this position. In your letter, explain your interest in the role and how your skills and experience would make you a great fit. Submit all materials (cover letter, resume, and writing samples or links to samples) together in a single file. System limitations do not allow for more than one attachment.
Job Summary
The Public Relations Coordinator will play a critical role within the Office of the Vice President for Communications (OVPC) and will join a dynamic and results-oriented team working on some of the most important and complex issues facing higher education. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs and Internal Communications, this position supports and coordinates communications involving several key groups, including Public Affairs, which handles media requests and institutional issues, the University Record, which is the official U-M news source, the FOIA office, which processes requests for public information, and the Film Office, which works with individuals seeking to film on U-M's campus.
The position calls for a strong writer and sharp thinker who can manage multiple assignments simultaneously, write with clarity and precision, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Diplomacy, organization, attention to detail, resourcefulness, and independence will be key.
Core responsibilities include tracking incoming media requests, leading the development of weekly and monthly reports, helping share and monitor information on social media, working with interns to produce a daily 8:30 am media report for university leaders, and producing background materials for various priorities, including Board of Regents meetings and interviews with journalists. This position is expected to work on-site three or more days per week. Responsibilities often extend beyond traditional working hours due to the time-sensitive nature of the work.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan 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
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Responsibilities*
Public Affairs Support (40%)
- Triage email, inquiries, and correspondence
- Coordinate and track incoming requests from local and national media
- Produce weekly and monthly reports for office leadership
- Write briefing documents for Board of Regents meetings and journalist interviews
- Monitor public affairs email and direct matters to appropriate individuals
- Lead the compilation and distribution of daily news clips
- Collaborate across departments within a large, decentralized organization, fostering positive working relationships with various groups
FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Office Support (30%)
- Provide operational support to the FOIA, with a primary focus on data entry, routine communications, and workflow management
- Assist with records management processes, including organizing, tracking, and maintaining documentation related to FOIA requests
- Coordinate closely with the Public Affairs team on FOIA matters that involve media inquiries, public interest issues, or heightened visibility
Project Management (30%)
- Provide direct project management support to the Assistant Vice President on high-priority, high-impact initiatives
- Track project timelines, deliverables, and milestones to ensure work stays on schedule and aligned with leadership expectations
- Coordinate across internal teams and campus partners to facilitate information flow, task completion, and follow-through
- Prepare meeting materials, summaries, and action items to support decision-making and accountability
- Assist in developing project plans, status reports, and briefing materials for senior leadership
- Support implementation of new processes, tools, or workflows related to Public Affairs and FOIA operations
- Handle sensitive information with discretion and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced, issues-driven environment
- Perform other duties as needed
Required Qualifications*
- A minimum of two years of writing experience or an interest in journalism or communications
- Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple, simultaneous projects and activities
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Demonstrated ability to work appropriately with confidential information
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Good judgment
Desired Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in communications or journalism
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite
- Understanding of news media and current affairs
- Demonstrated understanding of social media platforms
- Experience working in a fast-paced and confidential work environment
Work Schedule
The position will be primarily on-site in Ann Arbor with the opportunity for a hybrid schedule in accordance with operational needs.
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
NOTE: Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
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 these 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.