Public Relations Coordinator

PR Girl Manifesto; Ann Arbor, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan Public Affairs is seeking a Public Relations Coordinator to support the Office of the Vice President for Communications. This role will manage media requests, coordinate information flow, and prepare briefing materials for Board of Regents meetings and journalist interviews.

You will work closely with Public Affairs, University Record, FOIA, and other teams on campus. The position requires on-site work in Ann Arbor, with opportunities for hybrid arrangements.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of communications experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• Experience handling confidential information.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong judgment.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Responsibilities

• Triage email, inquiries, and correspondence from local and national media.
• Coordinate and track media requests and prepare briefing materials.
• Produce monthly reports for office leadership and support Board of Regents meetings.
• Assist with research, background materials, and story development for various priorities.
• Provide operational support to Public Affairs and University Record activities, including scheduling and meetings.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Judgment

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Google Suite

Job description

# Public Relations CoordinatorUniversity of MichiganAnn Arbor, MIFull-TimeSep 19, 2026Marketing## Job Description## How to ApplyA cover letter and resume are required to be considered for this position. In your letter, explain your interest in the role and how your skills and experience would make you a great fit. Submit all materials (cover letter and resume) together in a single file. System limitations do not allow for more than one attachment.## Job SummaryThe Public Relations Coordinator will play a critical role within the Office of the Vice President for Communications (OVPC) and will join a dynamic and results-oriented team working on some of the most important and complex issues facing higher education. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Public Affairs, this position supports and coordinates communications involving several key groups, including Public Affairs, which handles media requests and institutional issues, the University Record, which is the official U-M news source, the FOIA office, which processes requests for public information, and the Film Office, which works with individuals seeking to film on U-M's campus.The position calls for an exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and dependable professional who can manage multiple assignments simultaneously and thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Strong follow-through, sound judgment, resourcefulness, diplomacy, and independence will be key. The successful candidate should also be able to communicate clearly, conduct research, and produce accurate, concise written materials.Core responsibilities include tracking incoming media requests, leading the development of monthly reports, helping monitor information on social media, working with interns to produce a daily 8:30 am media report for university leaders, and producing background materials for various priorities, including Board of Regents meetings and interviews with journalists, and providing operational and administrative support to help keep projects, meetings and team priorities organized and on track. This position is expected to work on-site three or more days per week. Responsibilities often extend beyond traditional working hours due to the time-sensitive nature of the work.## Responsibilities\\*Public Affairs & University Record Support (40%)* Triage email, inquiries, and correspondence* Coordinate and track incoming requests from local and national media* Produce monthly reports for office leadership* Conduct research and write briefing documents for Board of Regents meetings, journalist interviews, and other priorities* Lead the compilation and distribution of daily news clips* Help monitor social media and other sources for issues, trends, and information relevant to the university* Support University Record staff with background research and story development* Assist with the maintenance, updating, and posting of content on the University Record and Public Affairs Key Issues websites* Provide general operational support for Public Affairs and University Record activities, including scheduling and meeting coordination* Collaborate across departments within a large, decentralized organization, fostering positive working relationships with various groups* Backup support for the Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Communications. Schedule meetings and conference rooms, coordinate events and lunches, prepare materials for meetings, and prepare documentation for departmental purchases.FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Office Support (30%)* Provide operational support to the FOIA team, with a primary focus on data entry, routine communications, and workflow management* Assist with records management processes, including organizing, tracking, and maintaining documentation related to FOIA requests* Coordinate closely with the Public Affairs team on FOIA matters that involve media inquiries, public interest issues, or heightened visibilityProject Management (30%)* Provide project management support on high-priority, high-impact initiatives* Track project timelines, deliverables, and milestones to ensure work stays on schedule and aligned with leadership expectations* Coordinate across internal teams and campus partners to facilitate information flow, task completion, and follow-through* Prepare meeting materials, summaries, and action items to support decision-making and accountability* Assist in developing project plans, status reports, and briefing materials for senior leadership* Support implementation of new processes, tools, or workflows related to Public Affairs and FOIA operations* Handle sensitive information with discretion and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced, issues-driven environment* Perform other duties as needed## Required Qualifications\\** A minimum of two years of communications experience or an interest in communications* Ability to prioritize and manage multiple, simultaneous projects and activities* Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team* Demonstrated ability to work appropriately with confidential information* Strong attention to detail* Strong oral communication skills* Excellent interpersonal skills* Good judgment## Desired Qualifications\\** Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a related field* Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite* Understanding of news media and current affairs* Demonstrated understanding of social media platforms* Experience working in a fast-paced and confidential work environment## Why Work at 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, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:* Generous time off* A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting* Many choices for comprehensive health insurance* Life insurance* Long-term disability coverage* Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses## Modes of WorkPositions 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 ScheduleThe position will be primarily on-site in Ann Arbor with the opportunity for a hybrid schedule in accordance with operational needs.## Underfill StatementThis position may be underfilled at a lower classification, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. The salary range for the lower classification (Public Relations Representative Associate-100495) is $45,000 - $50,000.## Additional InformationNOTE: Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.## Background ScreeningThe University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct these checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.## Application DeadlineJob 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 StatementThe 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.