Communications Specialist

TalentAlly; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

University of Michigan is seeking a Communications Specialist to join the Marketing & Communications team in Ann Arbor. The role develops engaging content across digital and print media and oversees Movement magazine, newsletters, and faculty profiles.

The position reports to the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications and supports content across channels, with a focus on editorial standards, storytelling, and stakeholder collaboration. Hybrid work options are available.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Produce digital and print content for websites, campaigns, brochures and booklets.
• Publish news items and profiles on the school website and adapt content for other channels.
• Maintain editorial style guide and brand voice; advise faculty and staff.
• Edit and copy edit internal and external MarCom content.
• Lead Movement magazine as editor and primary writer; plan content and publication schedules.
• Coordinate with designers to produce magazines and newsletters.
• Pitch stories to University Record and manage executive communications.
• Write weekly newsletter and prepare talking points for the dean.

Skills

Content writing

Copy editing

Editorial standards

Interviews

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Meltwater

Altmetric

Job description

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.

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.

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.