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
Michigan Law, one of the oldest law schools in the nation, was founded in 1859 and enjoys a reputation for academic excellence. Michigan is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the nation, and enjoys international renown for its academic rigor, stunning physical surroundings, the faculty's preeminent scholarship, and an academic community noted for collegiality and warmth. Supported by remarkable facilities, preeminent faculty-scholars, and unparalleled architecture and physical environment, Michigan Law has a total of 21,800 alumni, 1,001 J.D. candidates, and 82 full-time faculty members, including 55 tenured and tenure-track, 27 clinical and legal practice, and 57 part-time faculty members. In March, 2015 Michigan Law had a 97.4 percent employment rate for the class of 2014. Contributing to the close-knit law-school community, law students have a choice of 6 student-edited journals and more than 50 student organizations in which to participate.
Job Summary
The Project Manager and Communications Coordinator supports the Dean's Office leadership team by managing key initiatives and cross-functional efforts, including current priorities such as the Law School's AI initiative, Dialogue Across Difference programming, and faculty mini-grant programs. The role also supports internal communications and helps build and maintain processes that ensure the effective flow, organization, and readiness of materials across the Dean's Office. This position reports to the Chief of Staff.
Responsibilities*
- Develop and manage comprehensive project plans for Dean's Office initiatives, including defining scope, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and coordination across stakeholders
- Manage project execution from conception through completion, ensuring alignment with priorities and timely progress
- Coordinate with stakeholders across the Law School, including faculty, staff, and administrative leaders, to support cross-functional projects
- Monitor project deliverables and work with stakeholders to ensure materials and outputs meet expectations for quality, clarity, and readiness
- Maintain a centralized view of the project portfolio to support resource allocation, capacity planning, and leadership decision-making
- Support the development, coordination, and selective drafting of materials and communications related to Dean's Office initiatives, including presentations, talking points, and written updates
- Support internal communications from the Dean and the Dean's Office by coordinating inputs and drafting and refining messages, presentations, and other materials as needed
- Support faculty and administrative leadership in preparing submissions for grant and funding opportunities, award nominations, and other honorifics, including coordinating inputs, organizing materials, and ensuring completeness and readiness
- Coordinate the sequencing and timing of project deliverables and communications to ensure alignment and readiness
- Work with stakeholders to ensure materials submitted for leadership review are complete, well-organized, and aligned with expectations for clarity, consistency, and context
- Coordinate the gathering, organization, and integration of inputs from multiple sources to support effective and efficient review and submission processes
- Build and maintain processes, documentation, and systems that support coordination, prioritization, and flow of work
- Support planning and coordination of select initiatives, meetings, or events as needed, in partnership with relevant teams
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- 5+ years of experience in project management, program coordination, or a related role, with demonstrated experience managing complex projects from inception to completion
- Sensitivity and discretion in handling confidential materials and information.
- Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong project management skills, including experience developing plans, tracking progress, managing documentation, and ensuring timely and accurate delivery of work
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners, and to build strong working relationships across teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated experience drafting, editing, and refining a variety of communications materials for different audiences
- Ability to produce polished, executive-level materials with clarity, precision, and sound judgment
- Experience supporting communications development and coordination across multiple teams
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in managing materials, tracking progress, and ensuring readiness of deliverables
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities, project scopes, and timelines with flexibility and professionalism
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and coordination
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, including experience using tools such as Word, Google Docs, PowerPoint, and Google Slides (including track changes, commenting, and presentation development)
- Experience using project management tools and technologies to support organization, coordination, and workflow management
- Demonstrated comfort using emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to support research, writing, project management, and workflow efficiency
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience working in higher education or familiarity with institutional processes in an academic environment
- Degree in communications, English, marketing, or a related 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.
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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.