Working/Functional Title

Communications Manager

Position Summary

The Communications Manager is a part of the Executive Communications team within University Communications. The position prepares talking points, briefing materials, remarks, statements, scripts, messaging and other communications materials for Board of Trustee members. This position also prepares Board members for media interviews in conjunction with university messaging and providing internal communications support in coordination with a variety of university units and stakeholders. This position works closely with the Board Secretary and Chief of Staff to the Board of Trustees and University Communications leadership on communications materials and topics, including crisis and issues related activities; supports logistics and preparation for key events; and helps maintain trustee website and prepare web content, video scripts and other written products. This position is responsible for maintaining comprehensive knowledge of diverse issues and requires continuous coordination with multiple departments, units and activities across MSU to maintain an advanced level of situational awareness. The position will report to the Director of Executive and Internal Communications with frequent guidance provided by the Vice President for Media and Public Information/University Spokesperson and Director of Executive and Internal Communications.  The position will work closely with all areas of University Communications to stay up to speed on issues management and the ongoing promotion and marketing of the university and key programs.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports external and internal communication from the MSU Board of Trustees in conjunction with university messaging and in coordination with a variety of university units and stakeholders
• Prepares talking points, remarks, statements, scripts, presentations, messaging and other communications materials for Board members
• Develops communications plans for key projects
• Coordinates special events and prepares honorary resolutions, when needed
• Manages Board website and prepares website content; coordinates content with other key sites as needed
• Contributes to and/or develops written materials and content communicating board activities
• Plans and coordinates photo opportunities and videos to inform the public and key stakeholders on Board projects and positions
• Supports Board members in their communications with diverse range of constituents and media
• Assists with responses to the Board email account
• Contributes to editing other material within University Communications and BOT Office
• Monitors media coverage of the Board and assists with corrections and clarifications as needed
• Provides updated media and social media reports to Board when needed

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, English or related field
• Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations; internal communications, composing, editing and publication production; news, broadcasting and print media; executive communications; and/or marketing, advertising and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation or radio production; or computer programming/technology; and/or experience in a field related to area of employment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of AP writing style and editing, and Web writing
• Must demonstrate initiative, good judgement and the ability to own projects and manage multiple tasks/assignments
• Must be able to work effectively with team members and contacts
• Ability to set and meet goals while working both independently and as part of a team

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or government
• Experience advising senior leaders and/or elected officials
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and summarize complex information and communicate clearly and concisely
• Experience handling sensitive issues with care and discretion
• Knowledge of Freedom of Information Act
• This position requires, or will require prior to the completion of the probationary period: knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and the Internet
• Creating content (talking points, media briefings, announcement plans, etc.) with tight deadlines

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 Professional References
• Writing Sample

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://comms.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends on 3/14/2023 at 11:55 PM

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About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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