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 addition to a cover letter, a writing sample is also required as the final page of your resume. Writing samples may be no longer than two pages.

We are currently seeking a Communications Specialist to join our expanding team. The Communications Specialist will partner with OPEN’s leadership, our Grant Program Manager, and the greater team to manage and market all OPEN communications with the aim of furthering our mission, meeting our collective goals, and illustrating success. The position is dedicated to creating, organizing, and executing strategic communication plans through our website, social media, and existing networks of partners and vendors.

About our team

OPEN (Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network) at the University of Michigan works with physicians, public health experts, policy makers, and payers to positively impact the opioid epidemic through improved prescribing and pain management. We aim to prevent opioid-related harms throughout the state and beyond through data-driven research, evidence-based pain management recommendations, development of education and resources for providers, and community engagement.

• Manage and market all OPEN communications including developing and maintaining a strategic communication and tactical plan (i.e. leading a content calendar, identifying outreach opportunities and building partnerships)
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to create, organize and execute a strategic communication plan
• Create original content for blogs, newsletters, news releases, web pages, social media posts, presentations
• Manage and maintain current social media platforms and trends (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin)
• Manage and maintain OPEN Website (WordPress) including analytics, content creation and updates, and graphic design
• Manage and maintain OPEN email listserv (MailChimp) and lead all targeted OPEN communications
• Lead all OPEN creative efforts including graphic design for creating fliers, powerpoint presentations, and toolkits to target audiences (Illustrator and InDesign).
• Assist with identifying and participating in community and provider outreach events and conferences, to include and set up and tear down of visual displays and OPEN booths
• Collaborate with a variety of team members, partners and stakeholders to offer and illustrate successes achieved through strategic communications and social media plans.
• Other tasks as determined

• Bachelor's degree in related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least 3-5 years of relevant work experience in communications
• Experience with website management platforms, analytics, content creation and graphic design
• Demonstrated knowledge and use of current social media platforms
• Evidence of strong knowledge of technology and tools associated with communications and multimedia
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Exceptionally strong organization and pre-planning skills
• Ability to work independently but also within a team, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, delegate as needed and meet deadlines are all a must

• Familiarity with communications in healthcare
• Experience using the Google suite for sharing and collaboration
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about substance use disorders, harm reduction, and medications for opioid use disorder in a non-judgmental approach

This is a 2 year term-limited with the possibility of renewal. At the end of the stated term, the appointment will terminate and will not be eligible for Reduction in Force (RIF) benefits. 

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

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

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely.   More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.