Associate Director, Communications

During this pandemic, all interviews are being conducted virtually and all positions within OUD are working remotely at least until May 1, 2021.

The University of Michigan Development Community is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and thriving workforce, and demonstrating respect and inclusivity for all.

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. In your cover letter, please indicate how you discovered this opportunity.

Supervises: Three permanent writers, term and temporary writers, student writers
Reports to: Director of Marketing

You will serve the Marketing and Communications team in the Office of University Development (OUD). As a member of the U-M Development Community, you will join dedicated development professionals who promote and inspire life-changing private philanthropic support at U-M, and who thrive in a positive work culture that facilitates success.

In Marketing and Communications, our highly collaborative, creative, and passionate team works to reach the donors, alumni, and volunteers who help make Michigan a world-class university with global reach and limitless potential. As the Associate Director, you will collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Leadership Team to engage key audiences through various high-visibility print, web, email, and social channels. Leading a small team of writers and freelancers, you will oversee and help perform research, writing, editing, case development, copywriting, media relations, and content promotion.

The Associate Director will manage up to three writers, as well as students or freelance writers as needed. Overseeing a variety of publications and channels, you will strategize, edit and write for print and digital channels, and play a key role in the development of Leaders & Best publications, including Leaders & Best magazine, U-M’s flagship philanthropic publication. 

You will:

• Write (30%)

  • Partner with team and unit colleagues to research, write, and promote content for a variety of high-visibility print and digital channels, including Leaders & Best magazine, other L&B publications, websites, email messaging, social media, and external news media.

• Edit (50%)

  • Organize, supervise and edit copy for all channels for clarity, style, and message, ensuring all channels represent the full spectrum of philanthropy across the university and tell compelling stories that inspire support from a diverse audience.

• Provide Leadership (20%)

  • Oversee a small team of writers and freelancers, help lead communications strategy and concept development for OUD publications and projects, and provide positive and cohesive team leadership in collaboration with team directors.

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• 5+ years professional experience in writing, editing, and producing communications materials in varied media

• A demonstrated ability to present with a clear and compelling voice to your team and your audiences

• 2+ years of supervisory experience

• A demonstrated ability to develop productive working relationships with internal staff and administration, and external partners

• Degree in writing, communications, journalism, business or humanities

• Experience editing major publications or periodicals

• Knowledge of the University of Michigan or other academic organization, culture, policies, and procedures

• Experience in and enthusiasm for higher education philanthropy

For additional information about this position and to review other current openings in Development, please visit our website at: https://leadersandbest.umich.edu/careers/home.

A full job description will be provided to candidates selected to interview.

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan.

Although the Posting End Date may indicate otherwise, this job may be filled and closed anytime after a posting duration of seven calendar days.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.