How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and must be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter must address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relates to the position as outlined in this posting. Applicants that fail to meet this requirement will not be considered for the position.
Who We Are
The Institute for the Humanities (IH) facilitates research in the humanities and works to deepen the understanding and value of the humanities on all three of U-M's campuses as well as our surrounding communities. Each year we provide research fellowships for U-M faculty, graduate students and visiting scholars who work on scholarly and artistic projects. We also offer a wide array of public and scholarly programming, including public lectures, workshops, art exhibitions and more.
Job Summary
We're looking for an innovative Marketing-Communications Specialist to join our small but mighty team to help tell the stories of the Institute for the Humanities. Through compelling writing, thoughtful design, photography, video, social media, and other digital and print communications, you'll bring the ideas, people, and impact of the humanities to life for audiences on campus and beyond.
In this role, you'll plan and develop creative communications that highlight the Institute's exhibitions, public programs, research, and community partnerships while helping diverse audiences understand the relevance of the humanities in today's world. You'll identify meaningful stories, translate complex ideas into accessible and engaging content, and create communications that inspire curiosity, connection, and participation.
We're looking for a creative communications professional who is equal parts storyteller, designer, and strategist. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, passionate about the humanities, and eager to continually grow as a writer, designer, and digital communicator. They are detail-oriented, thrive in a collaborative environment, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, and bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking to every project.
Responsibilities*
(See a more detailed list of responsibilities here)
- Strategize, develop and implement multiple annual marketing plans to publicize the institute's programming and events to attract and engage a broad array of participants and attendees on campus and surrounding communities
- Present work to key stakeholders, clearly explaining the assignment and the rationale behind your proposals and decisions.
- Actively seek out new ideas and outlets for enhancing the visibility of the humanities generally, the institute and its events.
- Develop and implement the institute's social media strategy, ensuring alignment with overall communications goals.
- Craft compelling content that tells the stories of the institute, its people, programs, and impact in ways that resonate with a wide array of audiences.
- Determine and implement tools to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of print, digital, social media, web, and other marketing campaigns; create user-friendly reports for and provide strategic recommendations and advice based on evaluations and experience to key stakeholders.
- Develop creative concepts and translate them into visually compelling designs across print and digital media.
- Actively seek out new ideas and outlets for enhancing the visibility of the humanities generally, the institute and its events.
- Manage one's workload effectively, and communicate any resource or timeline considerations proactively to your supervisor.
- Develop and adhere to marketing budgets
- Other duties related to the position and its title as needed and assigned.
Required Qualifications*
The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to the humanities with successful experience designing and implementing marketing strategies across print and digital mediums that engage audiences and generate interest in the marketed product. They will demonstrate a keen eye for detail and versatile design thinking. They're comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple projects simultaneously while bringing energy and enthusiasm to their work. They're a self-starter who works comfortably as part of a team and on their own. They'll set a high bar through the quality of their work and their contributions to IH, while remaining open to direction and eager to grow.
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, graphic design or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Have at least three years of professional experience related to the responsibilities outlined for this position
- Proficient in Adobe CC, using the latest design tools, and embracing the future and the use of AI in an appropriate, professional manner
- Experience developing, implementing and evaluating successful marketing and social media campaigns/strategies. Proven success in increasing and retaining social media followers/audiences
- A positive outlook with a 'can-do' attitude and flexible approach to problem solving
- Great communication skills, both verbal and written
- Demonstrated success thriving in a fast-paced environment and consistently meeting tight deadlines
- Excellent time management skills and attention to detail
- Ability to showcase conceptual thinking and creative problem-solving abilities
- Passion for and interest in bringing the value of the humanities to life both visually and textually
Desired Qualifications*
- Proven experience using a variety of tactics and strategies for enhancing the profile of a unit within higher education.
- Creative and innovative graphic design style with expert-level skills in Adobe Creative Suite software
- Experience creating engaging videos for publicity/social media purposes from concept through final editing
- Expert knowledge of the Google suite of products including sheets, docs and photos.
- Experience with Adobe Experience Management software
- Experience implementing scheduling software for social media campaigns
- Knowledge of accessibility guidelines for print and online media
- Demonstrated experience developing and adhering to budgets
- A commitment to lifelong learning and staying current with digital technologies
Modes of Work
This is a full-time, hybrid position. Though the typical work schedule is 8:30am - 5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff, your work specific schedule will be determined with your supervisor and may change as required by the needs of the unit.
During your first six months, you will be required to work on-site 5 days per week at the Institute's office on central campus.
Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 3-4 days per week determined in conversation with your supervisor. In addition, ad-hoc on-site meetings and events may be needed with adequate notice provided. There may be some occasional work required outside of the established schedule, which may include evenings and weekends.
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.
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 salary range is $56,800-$71,000 , please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the select candidate's experience.
As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
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
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 Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.