ITS empowers U-M faculty, researchers, staff, and students through innovative technology solutions that support teaching, learning, research, and work. We are committed to delivering cohesive digital experiences and enabling university-wide transformation by:

• Elevating the customer experience through proactive, responsive, and high-quality service
• Ensuring IT security and privacy while fostering innovation in an open academic environment
• Enabling data-informed decision-making across the institution
• Delivering intuitive and scalable research computing solutions
• Building a world-class, reliable, and forward-looking technology infrastructure

We value professionals who are proactive, adaptable, and collaborative individuals who can navigate ambiguity, move with urgency, and contribute to both team success and long-term strategic initiatives.

University of Michigan's Information and Technology Services (ITS) is seeking a Communications Team Manager to lead our team of marketing professionals. In this role, you will provide leadership for multiple complex marketing and communications initiatives that support both ITS and the Office of the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer (VPIT-CIO). This position will report to the ITS Director of Marketing and Communications. 

This position is designed for a leader who is equally committed to people management and strategic communications. You will lead, challenge, and align a highly skilled team of communications and multimedia professionals, bringing clear direction, thoughtful prioritization, and a strong sense of shared accountability to the work. Success in this role requires the ability to engage experienced contributors, build trust, and drive cohesion across diverse perspectives. At the same time, you will strengthen the operational foundation tools, processes, and planning rhythms that enables proactive, consistent, high-quality communications.

ITS Marketing and Communications is organized into two groups: the Communications team and the Digital User Experience (DUX) team. As the manager of the Communications team, you will work closely with the DUX team manager to align resources and coordinate initiatives to support a unified, customer-focused approach.

The Communications Team Manager will report to the Communications Director.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Staff Management: Direct day-to-day operations for a team of communication specialists, including work assignments, progress monitoring, and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of all deliverables.
• Professional Growth: Manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including hiring, mentoring, and providing specific feedback through the organization's performance management methodology.
• Team Cohesion: Work to break down internal silos to encourage a more collaborative atmosphere. You will partner with the DUX manager to identify joint opportunities and foster a strong, unified culture across both teams.
• Customer Service Focus: Guide the team in developing strong customer service skills, ensuring they remain responsive and attentive to the needs of the U-M and ITS communities.

Strategic Operations & Process Improvements

• Strategic Planning: Develop long-term communication strategies and proactive campaigns for major university and ITS milestones.
• Tool Development: Build and maintain essential communications infrastructure, including academic-year content calendars and tracking tools for events and email communications, to increase visibility for the team's work.
• Resource Management: Provide resource and time estimates for projects, managing team bandwidth to ensure consistent output and effective fiscal planning.
• Operational Excellence: Set high standards for communication methodologies and continually improve how ITS communicates about its services to students, faculty, and staff.

Strategic Engagement & Crisis Response

• Relationship Building: Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior leadership and diverse stakeholders across ITS and the university.
• Executive Communications: Assist in the development, writing, and editing of executive communications to ensure clear and impactful messaging.
• Major Initiative Strategy: Partner with the Director of Marketing & Communications to create high-level strategy for major projects and technology changes, effectively coordinating project tactics across cross-functional teams.
• Incident Response: Lead the approach for communications when major technology issues arise, including managing the response team members and working with them to refine and improve their response processes. This role will also participate in on-call rotations for after-hours crisis communications support, as needed.
• Adaptable: Drives team success in dynamic environments by managing ambiguity, adjusting to changing technologies and requirements, and maintaining forward momentum.
• Ambiguity Management: Adapt to unexpected changes in technology or project requirements, leading the team through shifting priorities with resilience.
• Confidentiality: Manage sensitive internal and external communications with a high degree of confidentiality, ensuring discretion in messaging related to personnel, leadership, and organizational strategy.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive professional experience in marketing and communications, including the implementation of large-scale strategic plans.
• At least 3-4 years of supervisory experience and managing direct reports, with a focus on people management, staff development, and performance reviews.
• Demonstrated experience with successful writing and editing skills, including the ability to articulate messages to a variety of audiences.
• Proven experience creating long-term strategies, organizational tools (like content calendars), and using change management principles and methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus and maintain professional relationships across a large organization.
• Excellent time management skills, characterized by the ability to prioritize complex tasks and remain highly accessible, underscored by a dedication to timely communication.
• Exceptional project management skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to think creatively, try new things, and experiment, while prioritizing customer needs.

• Advanced degree in a related field such as Marketing or Communications.
• Familiarity with the culture and structure of a large higher education institution.
• Experience with information technology and helping organizations with large-scale change management and/or technology implementation efforts.
• Previous experience in crisis communications or incident response management.

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.

Benefits at the University of 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
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Parental and Maternity Leave

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.