Communications Specialist in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Communications Specialist

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be included as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. A portfolio of recent design/communication products from previous work will be required of all candidates selected for an interview.

Job Summary

The Marketing & Communications Specialist role supports the Animal Care & Use Program and the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM) in the maintenance of existing communication channels/tactics and the development of new resources/materials to enhance customer-centric communications.

This position will be funded by the U-M Office for the Vice President of Research and report to the Strategic Communications Manager (SCM) for the Animal Care & Use Program (dotted line reporting to the Director of Campus Animal Resources). The Communications Specialist will serve as the primary backup support for the SCM. They will assist with the maintenance of program websites, development and modification of graphics, the creation and updating of forms used for ULAM service areas, and other duties as assigned.

You will join a diverse workforce and an amazing team of administrative professionals who support the U-M research community (faculty, residents, staff, trainees, and customers) in achieving the highest animal welfare standards in the pursuit of impactful science to benefit both human and animal health.

ULAM pledges to sustain a community that encourages excellence by embracing professionalism, diversity, equity, inclusiveness, respectfulness, and ethical behavior. We also enjoy levity in the workplace; if you enjoy working hard while having fun, please apply!

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Responsibilities*

• Internal communications to support training opportunities and events such as Biomedical Research Awareness Day, Veterinary Mock Boards, ULAM Faculty Veterinarian Check-In meetings, and the Annual Science of Enrichment Symposium

• Maintain a variety of digital communication tools, including (but not limited to) the primary Animal Care & Use Program website, existing templates for internal e-bulletins and newsletters, surveys, and electronic forms

• In close partnership with the Strategic Communications Manager, support the development and maintenance of traditional marketing materials including flyers, posters, and PowerPoint presentations

• Assist in the execution of communication plans for ULAM service areas such as the Animal Surgery Operating Rooms, Germ-Free Mouse Facility, ULAM Pathology Core, Compassion Awareness Project, and the Behavioral Welfare Group

• Support ULAM husbandry supervisors and managers with templates for facility-specific messaging pertaining to operational changes and updates

• Creation and maintenance of Qualtrics forms/surveys to manage process flow as well as other communication functions

• In close consultation with the SCM and Director of Campus Animal Resources, create and maintain an annual content management schedule for ULAM operations and service areas

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in communications or marketing)

• Minimum of two years’ work experience in communications and/or marketing, with previous experience in technical writing, research compliance, or regulatory affairs a plus

• Fluency with computer software (spreadsheet, word processing, PowerPoint)

• Applied experience with updating and maintaining webpages on WordPress or other Content Management System

• Experience and familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud applications and electronic survey tools (Qualtrics, Survey Monkey, Google Forms, etc.)

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team

• Demonstrated ability to set and balance multiple priorities as well as strong attention to detail.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience in a research environment or academic setting is preferred

• Strong project management, organizational, verbal, and graphics skills

• Flexibility to meet changing priorities

• Familiarity with University of Michigan brand standards and guidelines

• Experience with video editing software (iMovie, Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, etc.)

• Experience with management and execution of livestreaming events/webinars

• Interest and/or experience in exploring emerging technologies to inspire smarter communications (both internal and customer-facing) and improve operating efficiencies

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 modeshere (https://dev.hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

252461

Working Title

Communications Specialist

Job Title

Communications Specialist

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Medical School

Department

MM Lab Animal Medicine Unit

Posting Begin/End Date

7/31/2024 – 8/14/2024

Career Interest

Communications & Marketing

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