Communications Manager I

Michigan State University College of Engineering; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU Culinary Services seeks a Communications Manager I to lead content creation across digital, print and social channels, while engaging students and the campus community. You will collaborate with the MarCom team to deliver consistent messaging and drive awareness of RHS programs.

You will manage a small student team, develop story content for national publications, and measure outcomes to improve campaigns.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in Journalism or Public Relations; 1–3 years in public/media relations.
• Proficiency with MS Office and Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality written, visual and multimedia content for digital, print and social media.
• Manage content development from concept to publication and performance tracking.
• Create monthly internal newsletters and articles for university and national publications.
• Maintain content calendars, project timelines, files and performance metrics.
• Mentor student content creators and provide direction and feedback.
• Serve as brand manager for Retail Dining, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and State Room Restaurant.
• Use performance data to improve future content and engagement.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Project management

Proofreading

Design

Photography/Videography

Community engagement

Outreach events

MS Office

Adobe CC

Education

Four-year degree in Journalism or Public Relations

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

MS Office

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Communications Manager I

Position Summary

Are you a foodie with a passion for marketing and communication projects, content creation and student engagement? Do you enjoy a fast-paced environment where new ideas, creative challenges and diverse projects are part of every day? MSU Culinary Services seeks an experienced communication manager with a results-driven attitude to produce materials for print and digital, support internal and external communications, seek out and develop story content for national publications, engage with students, spread awareness, drive customer advocacy, and oversee a team of student team members. This is a highly cross-functional role. You will work with other members of the MarCom team to implement best practices and identify opportunities to engage audiences leveraging social media channels. You are engaging and energetic with a drive for innovation and the ability to oversee and implement multiple projects simultaneously. The position reports to the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications and collaborates across Culinary Services and university partners.

Culinary Services proudly embodies the Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) mission and values:

Belonging | We support the well-being of the community, inclusively, with care and respect.

Partnership | We embrace teamwork and collaboration, supporting each other and the community.

Stewardship | We take pride in doing what is best for current and future Spartans as stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

Learning and Development | We stay curious by exploring opportunities to learn and innovate.

Safety | We prioritize the safety of Spartans, striving to create environments that foster security and trust.

Culinary Services website: https://eatatstate.msu.edu/

All positions in RHS are designated as critical status. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension of operations due to snow or other emergency condition, persons in this position are expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension.

Position Duties And Responsibilities

Supports Operational Excellence through Exceptional Content Creation and Implementation 30%

• Produces high-quality written, visual and multimedia content for digital, print, social media and internal communications.
• Manages content development from concept and production through review, publication and performance tracking.
• Creates monthly internal newsletters and articles for university and national publications.
• Maintains accurate content calendars, project timelines, files, reports and performance metrics.
• Ensures content is timely, accessible and consistent with university and departmental brand standards.
• Manages and mentors student content creators, providing assignments, creative direction and feedback.
• Serves as brand manager for Retail Dining, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and State Room Restaurant.
• Uses performance data and audience feedback to strengthen content and improve future results.

Strategic Communications Planning and Execution 30%

• Identifies key audiences and tailors messages, platforms and tactics to meet their needs.
• Creates integrated plans across social media, web, email and print.
• Establishes communication goals and evaluates results to inform future strategies.
• Manages campaign timelines, editorial calendars, stakeholder reviews and approval processes.
• Conducts audience research, social listening and trend analysis to identify opportunities and guide decisions.
• Develops communications for programs, events, organizational milestones and sensitive or time-sensitive topics.
• Prepares key messages, talking points, articles, presentations and promotional materials.

Collaboration with stakeholders, colleagues, and students 20%

• Builds collaborative relationships with leaders, subject-matter experts, university departments and external partners.
• Serves as a communications liaison to ensure projects and messaging remain coordinated and aligned.
• Consults with stakeholders to understand goals, audiences and communications needs.
• Translates complex operational information into clear, accessible and audience-focused content.
• Coordinates with artists, photographers, printers and other creative partners to deliver projects accurately and on schedule.
• Guides student content creators through assignments, production, review and professional development.
• Incorporates stakeholder and audience feedback while maintaining strategic and brand standards.
• Communicates project status, expectations, deadlines and results clearly across teams.

Engages the MSU Community Through Innovative Content, Methods and Channels 20%

• Develops creative campaigns that connect with students, team members, guests and the broader MSU community.
• Identifies emerging trends, platforms and content formats to keep communications relevant and engaging.
• Uses social listening and audience insights to create timely, authentic content.
• Incorporates student-generated content and peer-to-peer storytelling to strengthen trust and engagement.
• Produces compelling photography, video, graphics and written stories that showcase MSU programs, people and experiences.
• Tests new communications approaches and adjusts strategies based on performance data.
• Promotes programs, services, events and achievements through coordinated digital, print and public relations efforts.
• Strengthens community awareness and participation through accessible, inclusive and audience-centered communications.

Communications and Interpersonal Relationships

Interacts with students, faculty, staff, media representatives, student employees, supervisors, Culinary Services team members, and divisional partners to exchange information and support communication objectives.

Schedule and Remote Work (1 Day per week)

Standard schedule is Monday – Friday 8am -5pm, with occasional evenings and weekends for business needs, and special events.

Once the probationary period has ended, and with supervisor’s approval, candidate may be approved to work remotely, one day per week.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism or Public Relations; One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated experience and advanced proficiency with MS Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

Desired Qualifications

Proactive and strategic self-starter with strong interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Additional Desired Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Project management

Proofreading

Design

Photography/videography

Community engagement and outreach event planning

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
• Three Professional References (to include 1 current or former supervisor)
• Two Writing Samples

Work Hours

Standard schedule is Monday – Friday 8am -5pm, with occasional evenings and weekends for business needs, and special events.

Website

CAREERS.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 September 15, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.