The Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX office (ECRT) is looking for a highly skilled communicator to join our team. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will collaborate with team members, subject matter experts, and university communications professionals to develop and deliver proactive, strategic communications plans for the many service areas of ECRT.
You will also supervise ECRT's Digital Communications Specialist. You will advise on strategic direction and develop communications approaches and detailed plans while observing organizational formats, style and branding requirements.
You will help develop proactive communications strategies for ECRT. General assignment work will involve creating and delivering well developed communications plans that address new issues and engage and inform staff and faculty.
Responsibilities
Collaborate closely with ECRT teams to develop and implement strategic communication plans to support communications throughout the broader university.
Develop and execute strategic communications plans for projects and special programs for ECRT. This could include support for leadership messaging, policy changes, benefits and other departments of ECRT.
Design and implement comprehensive communication strategies that align with organizational goals and effectively reach target audiences.
Summarize technical and policy-related information and translate into easily understood, applicable communications.
Write, edit and proofread content for multiple communication channels, including website, newsletters, internal communications and social media.
Identify the most effective communication channels (email, presentations, social media, etc.), and tailor content to different audience segments for maximum impact.
Identify audience segments and create customized content to maximize effectiveness.
Create materials to brief leadership on new issues related to projects and initiatives.
Supervise the Digital Communications Specialist, and other staff as assigned.
Develop communication protocols for responding to crises and sensitive situations with clarity, empathy, and transparency.
Assist in promoting training sessions, workshops, and ECRT events would help highlight the role's engagement in outreach.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications or related field, or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a related role developing communication and marketing strategies to meet measurable goals.
Experience with communications and marketing in higher education.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies for continuous improvement.
Ability to translate complex information into easy-to-understand communications.
Experience working with leadership to develop and refine communications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to handle sensitive topics with professionalism, discretion, and a trauma-informed approach.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience creating accessible communications such as: PDF, PowerPoints and other documents/modalities.
Experience in civil rights, Title VI/IX communications, marketing and PR.
Master's degree in communications or related field, or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.
