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.

This position may be filled at the level of Communication and Marketing Manager (Job Code 103042 - Communications Manager) with a salary range of $68,000 - $ 85,000, or Communications Specialist (Job Code 103287 - Communications Specialist) with a salary range of $55,000 - $67,000 depending upon the qualifications and relevant experience of the selected candidate.

The Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS) seeks a Communication and Marketing Manager to lead and manage our internal and external communications and the marketing of our programs and events. MIDAS is an organization under the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR). Our mission is to advance research in data science and artificial intelligence (AI), and enable their transformative use in a wide range of research disciplines to achieve lasting scientific and societal impact. We lead strategic thrusts in data science and AI research; enable collaborative grants, provide research training, and build research resources. Through these approaches, we facilitate the development of cutting-edge methods and the application of these methods to important problems in all research disciplines. We foster a world-class data science and AI research community at U-M. We also build coalitions with academia, industry, government and the community, and support the use of data and AI for positive social change.

The culture of the MIDAS core team is one that strives toward shared goals through collaboration, creativity, initiative, and excellence. The ideal candidate will be a team player who is creative and resourceful, takes initiative, and understands the essential role of communication and marketing in the success of the institute.

This person will report to the MIDAS Assistant Director. If needed, this person may also supervise one or more students as our communications and marketing assistants. This role will also be an integral member of the OVPR communications team acting as a liaison between OVPR overall strategy and best practices and MIDAS activities.

Lead our marketing effort to promote MIDAS programs and activities and ensure the visibility of MIDAS and the U-M data science and AI research community: 

Manage the MIDAS website, social media, and newsletters.

Lead email campaigns.

Design, improve, and update the MIDAS website.

Produce publicity materials, including flyers, emails, presentations, videos, and public-facing reports.

Communicate with internal and external audiences to increase the visibility of MIDAS and the U-M data science and AI research community:

Develop and edit articles, research highlights, email messages, presentations, and reports.

Translate complex scientific research to content for internal and external audiences with or without technical expertise.

Develop messaging that aligns with the strategic priorities of MIDAS.

Engage with the MIDAS community and external partners to collect stories and testimonials.

Develop and implement communication and marketing strategies:

Work with the MIDAS leadership to develop a communication and marketing strategy to promote MIDAS programs and activities and to highlight the achievements of the U-M data science and AI research community.

Identify internal and external channels to promote MIDAS and U-M data science and AI research.

Be an active member of the U-M communicators network and leverage and support this network.

Monitor, analyze, and report on communication and marketing effectiveness using key performance indicators. Use data-driven insights to refine communication and marketing strategies.

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field;

Required experience level for Communication and Marketing Manager title:  Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in communications and/or marketing, public relations, or related work;

Required experience level for Communication Specialist title:  Minimum of 3 years of experience in a communications or public relations role, preferably within academia or a research-focused environment;

Proven experience applying best practices in digital marketing, content strategy, and public relations;

Experience in engaging with a variety of stakeholders and collaborating with other communicators;

Demonstrated ability to create compelling content across multiple formats (written articles, social media, graphics, email campaigns, video);

The ability to write clear and concise news articles about a variety of topics, including scientific research;

Strong project management skills including the ability to set priorities, multi-task, and work under pressure to meet deadlines;

Attention to detail, being highly organized and thorough;

Technical proficiency with WordPress and MailChimp, common office software (MS Office, Google suite), and design software (Adobe, Canva).

Familiarity with social media channels (LinkedIn, X, BlueSky, and YouTube) and content management systems.

Graduate degree in communications, public relations, higher education, or a related field;

Experience working in a research or science-focused environment;

Familiarity with the U-M institutional environment;

Quick in learning new software and design tools;

Interest in science, technology, and innovation;

Basic knowledge about data science and AI.

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.

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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.