Communications Specialist

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How to Apply

Your application package must include all of the following in order to be considered. Due to system limitations, these must be submitted as a single PDF.

• A cover letter, not to exceed one page. Please describe your specific interest in the position, as well as your skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
• Your resume.
• Three writing samples that illustrate your skills and range.

Job Summary

The School of Kinesiology is seeking a Communications Specialist to join its collaborative Marketing & Communications (MarCom) team. This role develops engaging content that highlights the school's academic programs, research, people, and initiatives across digital, print, and other communications channels. Responsibilities include writing marketing copy, news items, feature stories, and other content that informs audiences, strengthens the school's brand, and communicates its impact.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with an on-site or hybrid work arrangement of up to two remote days per week.

Responsibilities*

Digital & Print Content (40%)

• Research, write, and edit content for websites, email campaigns, brochures, booklets, and other marketing materials.
• Publish news items, stories, and profiles on the school website and adapt content for other channels in partnership with the digital marketing specialist.
• Work with the web marketing specialist to review and improve website content.
• Maintain the school's editorial style guide and brand voice, advising faculty and staff on writing and editorial standards.
• Serve as the primary copy editor for internal and external MarCom content.

Movement Magazine (30%)

• Serve as editor and primary writer for Movement magazine, including the annual print issue and biannual e-newsletters.
• Work with the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications to plan content, format, and publication schedules.
• Coordinate with the multimedia designer on magazine and newsletter production.
• Partner with digital and web marketing specialists to repurpose magazine content for social media and the website.

Idea Generation & Development (15%)

• Identify story ideas and news opportunities by engaging with faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
• Interview faculty, students, alumni, donors, and staff to develop stories and profiles.
• Collaborate with the MarCom team and school stakeholders to identify content opportunities for different audiences.
• Work with the Michigan News liaison to pitch stories, develop faculty expert profiles, and coordinate news releases.
• Pitch stories and news items to the University Record.

Executive & Internal Communications (15%)

• Write, edit, and publish the weekly e-newsletter for faculty, staff, and PhD students.
• Prepare talking points and scripts for the dean at key events, including Homecoming and Commencement.
• Monitor faculty media mentions and research publications using Meltwater and Altmetric software.

These responsibilities describe the general nature of the work and are not an exhaustive list of all duties.

To view the complete job description, please visit this link!

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in communications, English, journalism, or a related field.
• 4 years of professional experience in communications, marketing writing, copywriting, journalism, publishing, or a related field.
• 4 years of professional writing experience developing marketing copy, articles, news content, or stories for diverse audiences and communications channels.
• Experience using office productivity, collaboration, or content management software.

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.

Additional Information

The salary range is $65,000-75,000, with benefits included. Offers may vary based on experience, skills, and internal equity. Flexible work arrangements are reviewed annually and may change based on departmental needs.

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

BENEFITS

The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and employee wellness resources. Learn more about U-M benefits.

Application Deadline

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

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.