How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration and should be attached as the first page of your resume (only one file may be uploaded to the system). In your cover letter, please address your specific interest in the position, and your skills and experience that directly relate to the role.

Job Summary

HR Communications within University Human Resources is looking for a communicator to join our team. Reporting to the Director of Communications, you will collaborate with team members, subject matter experts, and university communications professionals to develop and deliver proactive communications plans for the many service areas of UHR. 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 communications strategies for labor relations and for general assignments within UHR. 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 Academic HR and Staff HR teams in order to develop and implement communication plans for with the university's organized labor groups and support communications throughout the collective bargaining process. Prior experience in labor communications is helpful but not required.
• Develop strategic communications plans for projects and special programs for UHR and HR Communications, as assigned by the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications and Director of Communications. This could include support for leadership messaging, policy changes, benefits and other departments of UHR. 
• Summarize technical and policy-related information and translate into easily understood, applicable communications. 
• Develop well-constructed communications plans.
• Write, edit and proofread content for multiple communication channels, including website, newsletters, internal communications and social media.
• Identify appropriate delivery methods including presentations, targeted email, printed documents, news articles, web content, video, social media and other means of communication.
• Identify audience segments and create customized content to maximize effectiveness.
• Create materials to brief leadership on new issues related to your projects.
• Participate on committees related to UHR projects.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field, or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a related role developing communication and marketing strategies to meet measurable goals. 
• 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.

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 modes.

Additional Information

To learn more about the position, please review the job description: Communications Specialist Job Description

If selected for an interview, candidates will be asked to provide writing samples.

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 and your family plan for a secure future.

Benefits include:

• Paid time off, including family leave.
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions.
• Many choices for comprehensive health care.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for health-care and dependent-care expenses.

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.