A cover letter, resume, and three writing samples are required for consideration 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, resume and writing samples or links to samples) together in a single file. System limitations do not allow for more than one attachment.
 

The communications 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. The position provides support to the Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs 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 a strong writer and sharp thinker who can juggle multiple assignments at once, write with clarity and precision, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Diplomacy, organization, attention to detail, resourcefulness, and independence will be key. 

Core responsibilities include tracking incoming media requests, leading the development of weekly and monthly reports, helping share and monitor information on social media, working with interns to produce a daily 8:30am media report for university leaders, and producing background materials for various priorities, including for Board of Regents meetings and interviews with journalists. This individual will also handle limited administrative responsibilities.

You will work a hybrid schedule with at least three full days in the office per week and flexibility to be onsite more as needed defined in-person days. Responsibilities often fall outside of traditional working hours, given the time-sensitive nature of the work.

Public Relations (80%)

• Triage email, inquiries, and correspondence
• Coordinate and track incoming requests from local and national media
• Lead the production of weekly and monthly reports for office leadership
• Write briefing documents for Board of Regents meetings and journalist interviews
• Lead the compilation and distribution of the daily news clips 
• Monitor public affairs email and direct matters to appropriate individuals 
• Initiate and assist with projects, events, data gathering, and records maintenance
• Collaborate across departments within a large, decentralized organization, fostering positive working relationships with various groups

Administrative (20%)

• Assist in reviewing and approving requests to film on campus
• Manage payroll controls and time-off requests
• Calendar and meeting coordination
• Prepare p-card and hosting documentation for reconciliation
• Process travel reimbursements and expense reports
• Perform other duties as needed
• Provide backup coverage for other administrators as needed

• Bachelor's degree in communications or journalism
• Strong writing skills and experience or interest in journalism or communications
• Strong written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills
• 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
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Good judgment

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, 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

The position will be primarily on-site in Ann Arbor with the opportunity for a hybrid schedule in accordance with operational needs. Some work on evenings and weekends may occasionally be required to accommodate the office schedule and events. 

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.

New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in the range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. A higher salary is possible for exceptionally qualified candidates. 

The 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 background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.