How to Apply
A cover letter and 2-3 samples of writing about technical topics are required for consideration. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline relevant skills and experience. To upload your application, all materials (cover letter followed by resume and samples) must be formatted as one multi-page document or pdf.
Summary
Join an award-winning team of communicators, writers, web developers, marketers and designers who work together to support the research, education and community of the world-renowned University of Michigan College of Engineering and further its goal of service to society.
As Research Communication Specialist, you’ll play an important role in our efforts to expand and increase content and awareness about Michigan Engineering’s research enterprise. You will collaborate with faculty members to edit and write a variety of different types of content. You’ll report to the Director of Communications and Public Engagement and be part of a strong communications and marketing community of practice across the College.
What You’ll Do
Editing and writing
- Produce a consistent flow of quick turn-around articles about newly published research findings for an academic audience
- Field article requests and work with researchers to craft articles from provided materials and interviews
- Write clear, engaging copy for communications and marketing platforms including social media
- Provide focused communication support and content production to several College of Engineering facilities such as the Lurie Nanofabrication Facility and the Michigan Center for Materials Characterization
Promotion and outreach
- Submit articles for consideration at niche external news outlets
- Share and post articles across appropriate College and University platforms
Collaboration and stewardship
- Be part of a collaborative, decentralized team working to achieve College communications goals
- Develop productive relationships with stakeholders
- Work closely with other communicators, editors, project managers, photographers, videographers, designers, production managers, marketers and web developers
- Welcome and incorporate input and feedback from colleagues and subject matter experts
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of one of the nation’s top public research institutions, Michigan Engineering’s mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our endeavors. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/ .
The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/
Why Work at 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 after one year of service
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor’s degree in communication, professional writing, engineering, science or other appropriate field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Three years of experience in communications, writing, editing, or a science or engineering field
- Can write and edit complex science and engineering materials for an academic audience
- Experience using social media platforms including LinkedIn
- Can write clear, engaging content that’s appropriate for the platform and audience
- Knowledge of technology and tools associated with communications, digital collaboration and productivity, including website content management systems, Google, Microsoft or Adobe tools
- Ability to give and receive thoughtful feedback without being afraid to change your mind
- A history of building productive, cooperative relationships with stakeholders and colleagues
Desired Qualifications*
Interest in exploring opportunities to collaborate with Generative AI
Work Locations
The Michigan Engineering Office of Communications & Marketing operates in a hybrid environment consisting of both in-person and remote work. This is classified as a Flex position within our STARR matrix, which means working on campus 1-2 days per week and remotely the rest. More information is here: https://rpm.engin.umich.edu/human-resources/telecommuting/
Background Screening
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.
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.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
239651
Working Title
Research Communications Specialist
Job Title
Communications Specialist
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
CoE Communications & Marketing
Posting Begin/End Date
9/18/2023 – 10/02/2023
Salary
$62,000.00 – $70,000.00
Career Interest
Communications & Marketing