Communications Specialist

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for the position and should be attached as the first page of your resume (due to system limitations). The cover letters should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Human Health & Well-being (HHWB) Theme Year team is seeking a Marketing and Communications Specialist to drive our story forward across campus and beyond. Reporting to the Managing Director, you'll serve as the creative motor and strategic hub for the initiative writing vibrant content, maintaining our digital presence, and amplifying high-profile events. You'll partner closely with leaders, researchers, and campus communicators to translate complex health concepts into engaging stories that spark real-world change across our five focus areas: health culture, mental health, health equity, interprofessional education, and research translation.

This is a term-limited position ending in August 2028, subject to extension based on business needs, continued funding, and satisfactory performance. The posted range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000 annually; a higher salary may be available for exceptionally qualified candidates.

Responsibilities*

• Partner with leadership and university communicators to develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan across web, email, social media, and executive channels.
• Research, write, and produce high-impact stories, web content, and promotional materials that showcase multi-dimensional well-being programs, research, and community impact.
• Manage an inclusive, end-to-end storytelling pipeline from interviewing students, faculty, and clinicians through final approval and cross-platform distribution.
• Oversee website content, organization, and digital accessibility to maintain an engaging, functional front door for events, grants, and resources.
• Act as the primary communications liaison to academic departments, health centers, and campus organizations to build collaborative, co-created campaigns.
• Create and distribute event-related content, including invitations, speaker bios, promotional copy, presentation decks, and post-event highlight summaries.
• Build and manage a unified partner toolkit complete with ready-to-use social copy, visual assets, FAQs, and brand guidelines to streamline campus-wide messaging.
• Maintain visual identity and editorial standards across all channels while coordinating media inquiries with central communications offices.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, digital media, health communications, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years progressively responsible work experience in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or content development, including adapting content for multiple audiences and platforms, and familiarity with developing communications materials.
• Experience using website content management systems, email marketing, and newsletter platforms.
• Excellent written, verbal, editorial, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to communicate complex information in clear, engaging, and plain language for diverse audiences and leadership teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, partners, review processes, and deadlines.
• Technical proficiency using collaborative software tools, and learning/content management systems.

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.

Work Locations

Will require travel to multiple locations on & off campus. Flexible or hybrid work may be allowed; flexible work arrangements are reviewed annually and may be subject to change based on business needs.

Additional Information

Please see this link for more details on the position: Communications Specialist Job Description.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well and your family plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Paid time off, including family leave.
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions.
• Many choices for comprehensive health care.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for health-care and dependent-care expenses.

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.