A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first  pages of your resume. The cover letter should: address your specific interest in the position,  outline skills and experience that directly relate to the position, and describe your approach and  experience creating a diverse and inclusive environment in the workplace. Please also include  2-4 examples of your work that you feel reflects your abilities to perform in this position. This could include writing, marketing, multimedia, video, and social media or other relevant platforms. 

The Office of the Vice President for Government Relations (OVPGR) directs the University's interactions with government and community at the local, state and federal levels. This includes planning and developing the institution's response to proposed legislation; analyzing and assessing legislative, administrative and regulatory activities as they pertain to University programs, activities and operations; and developing and maintaining effective relationships with governmental agencies and officials.

OVPGR seeks a Communications Director to create and launch a distinct communications strategy that successfully articulates the value of higher education, research, talent development and attraction, innovation, and the University of Michigan itself, to key stakeholders including external and internal partners, and alumni. This is a two year term-limited position that may require work in the evenings and on weekends. Towards the conclusion of the two year term, this position will be evaluated to determine whether it will be converted into a permanent role.

The Communications Director will lead OVPGR's projects related to communications and marketing, such as coordinating, developing, and maintaining a variety of communications and marketing platforms, including written and multimedia stories, websites, social media, presentations, events, digital and print marketing products. The position will also collaborate with Office of the Vice President for Communications (OVPC), as well as staff, faculty, and other communication and marketing professionals from relevant organizations within and outside the University to craft and disseminate OVPGRs strategic goals.

• Lead the creation of a broad portfolio of communications efforts for OVPGR across print, web, email, video, and social media to support OVPGRs goals such as the unique importance of the University of Michigan and the value of higher education, research, talent development and attraction, innovation, teaching and engagement with external stakeholders:
  • Identify strategic communication priorities based on OVPGR's goals, developing and implementing print, video and electronic products, including coordination and development of communications for large projects, multiple projects, and projects with high visibility
  • Creation, editing and posting of multiple types of marketing communications materials, including web stories, articles, social media posts, photos, videos and newsletters.
• Create, refine and execute a long-term strategic communications and marketing plan for OVPGR and create and coordinate both printed and digital assets with appropriate delivery methods such as presentations, targeted emails, printed documents, news releases, web pages, social media, etc.
  • Solicit and evaluate feedback regarding communications and make improvements continuously.
  • Build internal and external audiences and promote OVPGR messages through a dynamic set of multimedia channels.
  • Track and maintain relevant lists of constituents, audiences and targets for marketing efforts.
• Leverage stakeholder data to create:
  • Externally focused messaging (for a wide variety of key constituencies such as: local, state, federal, department, agency).
  • Internally focused messaging (for university leadership, Deans, key campus partners etc.)
• Develop marketing materials for internal and external communications
• Liaise with OVPC and other campus partners to coordinate communication objectives
• Develop one page summaries, white papers, marketing materials, video content, and curate social media presence and alignment with OVPC
• Develop high-quality internal and external materials that support UM's state and federal advocacy and outreach.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field and a minimum of five years of experience in a communications and marketing position or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including drafting original content for newsletters, written stories, web pages, social media posts, presentations, etc.
• Experience developing and executing on long-term strategic, integrated marketing communications plan.
• Demonstrated knowledge and use of current social media platforms and trends.
• Expert knowledge of technology and tools associated with communications, multimedia, digital collaboration, and productivity tools, including website content management systems, Google tools, Adobe tools, and Microsoft tools.
• Experience overseeing, developing, and implementing websites and managing/growing audiences for social media.
• Ability to work well under the pressure of deadlines and changing priorities.

• Experience working in higher education.
• Familiarity with U-M communications environment and brand standards.
• A proven record of relationship-building with external partners, researchers, and alumni to achieve strategic goals.
• Experience managing the work of freelancers, vendors or interns.

This is a two-year term appointment

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

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

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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