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 skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The Communications & Marketing Manager creates and distributes compelling content across digital and print platforms to promote faculty and student research; amplify the achievements of the department and its community members; support recruitment efforts; and help deepen engagement with alumni, business leaders, and prospective donors.
Responsibilities*
Content Creation
- Coordinate with faculty to enhance publicity opportunities
- Oversight and management of workflows and scheduling for story and announcement development, eNews properties, social media channels and messaging, and facility digital display content
- Create relationships across the community to inform about notable research, news, and events
- Write research and community news
- Manage creation of the annual magazine (up to discretion of department leadership)
- Read academic journals and interview subjects to inform content
- Write critical messages and talking points for faculty and staff
- Manage on-site building media, including tour content, pamphlets, and digital screens
- Collaborate with graphic designer to create digital and physical announcements for publicizing events
- Design and production of department literature and production of promotional and informational videos
Communications Strategy
- Develop and maintain editorial and brand guidelines for ECE communications
- Develop communications tactics to support ECE initiatives as defined by ECE administration, including graduate and faculty recruiting, alumni engagement, etc.
- Coordinate and communicate with other ECE staff members and stakeholders about communications plans and activities
- Develop and implement a strategic communications plan with leadership
- Build relationships with key partners/communicators to coordinate outreach
- Collaborate across departments and colleges to keep messaging in line with priorities
- Contribute to events strategy that promotes culture and influence of the department
- Ensure consistency in brand voice, tone, values, and visual identity across all communications
- Utilize data analytics to develop appropriate communications strategies
- Team Management/Supervision
- Provide leadership to and supervise ECE communications and marketing staff
- Arrange and lead individual and team meetings to track projects and check in with team members
- Develop and refine workflows and processes that improve collaboration and efficiency
- Balance multiple concurrent projects while maintaining attention to detail and quality from strategy
- Create, maintain, and share branding collateral and templates for use by all members
- Manage relationships with freelance designers, photographers, videographers, and writers as needed
Digital Platform Management
- Oversee evolution and maintenance of EECS WordPress multi-site environment
- Oversee content, organization, and maintenance of EECS/ECE intranet
- Maintain ECE website, regularly updating the website with timely news, events, and feature content
- Assist community with digital dissemination of research, classwork, and events
- Maintain email lists and engagement, including monthly newsletter
- Collaborate with digital media specialist to develop and manage social media channels
- Oversee social media campaigns
- Manage/support lab websites and other websites for faculty and student groups
Administrative
- Help answer or direct external inquiries, particularly from media
- Respond to and address internal asset requests
- Assist in proofreading or graphics creation and editing
- Curate and purchase branded promotion items
- Conduct other duties as directed by the Department Chair or Unit Administrator
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or related, a STEM field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 4+ years of progressive experience in communications
- Experience working within higher education, specifically within an academic department, or a complex research environment is highly desirable to understand academic priorities and faculty dynamics
- Proven ability to translate complex electrical & computer engineering research and technical concepts into compelling stories for diverse, non-technical audiences
- Experience dealing with sensitive and confidential information that requires discretion, independent judgment, and sound decision making
- Must be attentive to detail, results-oriented, able to prioritize, and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Advanced experience with Content Management Systems (e.g. WordPress, Drupal) and an understanding of web maintenance (HTML/CSS basics)
- Demonstrated ability to develop brand guidelines and manage multi-channel social media strategies
- Ability to conduct studies and evaluations, using metrics to track the health of ECE and the effectiveness of communication plans
Experience providing direct support to senior leadership (e.g. Department Chairs or Deans), including drafting speeches and high-level presentations
- Proven ability to use data analytics to develop appropriate communications strategies
- Background in science journalism
Desired Qualifications*
Master's or PhD in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or in Engineering, or a STEM field
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
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.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.