How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached 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.
Summary
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History , is seeking a full-time Marketing & Communications Manager.
The Marketing & Communications Manager is an essential position within the museum tasked with developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies required to carry out the museum’s educational and public service mission. This position works in collaboration with staff from all across the museum supporting all key areas of the museum, including: public programs and exhibits; revenue generating activities; development; and the U-M Community.
This position will be supervised by the Associate Director for Operations & Revenue.
This is an exempt, regular, full-time position.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving, and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Who We Are
About the Museum
The spectacular new University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (UMMNH) opened in 2019 in the award-winning, state-of-the art Biological Sciences Building (BSB) after moving from its former home next door. The new museum puts the building’s science on display, highlights current U-M research, and welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds. With changing and interactive exhibits, a landmark Planetarium & Dome Theater, two public hands-on labs, and all-new programs, UMMNH is an exciting and important new STEM educational resource and a destination for
the public. Marketing and communications efforts support the new museum by driving attendance, sales, and awareness as well as membership and fundraising materials and initiatives.
Why Work at Michigan?
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care – that’s the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It’s adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Responsibilities*
Marketing & Communications (70%):
- Leadership and Management
- Develop and oversee the implementation of the annual strategic marketing & communications plan as aligned with the museum mission and vision.
- Serve as project manager for the marketing & communications plan
- Supervise a part-time employee assisting with content including web updates and MailChimp messaging
- Content Development
- Create and/or edit content for all museum activities (events, exhibits, development, revenue-generating activities) for multiple communication channels such as website, email, press releases, social media, digital signage, exhibit and event materials, newsletters, advertising, printed collateral, etc.
- Ensure that the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are represented in communications
- Ensure that the communications strategy is consistent and reflects the organization’s strategic vision and mission
- Assist in researching, developing, compiling, and editing materials in various formats (i.e. reports, presentations)
- Content and Brand Management
- Oversee the implementation of the museum’s brand guidelines in all materials
- Submit speciality design projects to shared services graphic designer
- Collaborate across the museum staff to meet their communications and marketing needs and to ensure accuracy and timeliness of efforts
- Consult with faculty and staff experts as needed to ensure accuracy of communications
- Manage and analyze the museum’s website with an emphasis on timely and accurate visitor information
- Manage the museum’s digital assets including extensive photography files, brand and digital graphics, video, and social media elements
- Maintain and grow the museum’s email databases (~18,000 contacts)
- Track digital marketing, website, email, and social media analytics; analyze the effectiveness of efforts, and make recommendations for improvement based on the analysis
- Update and order printed materials including general and membership brochures, event and planetarium rack cards, visitor maps, etc.
Social Media, Public Relations, and Engagement (20%)
- Plan strategy and oversee the creation and implementation of social media content for all museum channels
- Hire, supervise, and mentor a U-M student intern who executes the social media content
- Monitor posts to ensure accuracy
- Manage paid digital marketing initiatives, and make ongoing recommendations to increase effectiveness and optimize performance based on analytics
- Monitor and respond to online reviews
- Maintain an awareness of communications activities across the university and within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
- Establish networking relationships with peer communicators, and maintain awareness of related news and events across the university
- Build and maintain relationships with appropriate media outlets and other partners
- Prepare talking points, provide or arrange for media training for director and staff
Strategic Implementation (10%)
- Develop and monitor marketing and communications budget and resources
- Actively contribute to a positive team atmosphere, supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and access efforts, and ensuring an inclusive, welcoming, and professional environment that reflects museum, college, and university values
- Serve in the staff-in-charge rotation
- Oversee or collaborate on audience demographic and opinion surveys
- Proactively make suggestions for implementing best practices in departmental processes
- Keep up-to-date on marketing and communications trends and tools
- May perform other responsibilities as assigned
Required Qualifications*
The ideal candidate is an energetic, enthusiastic individual with the ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member on multiple time-sensitive tasks. The candidate should be a resourceful and creative problem solver, in addition to demonstrating self-reliance and excellent attention to detail. Must be flexible and able to prioritize projects with interruptions for time-sensitive tasks.
Technical skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field
- 5-7 years of professional experience in communications/marketing
- Excellent communications skills
- Significant professional experience developing and writing high quality original content for a wide variety of delivery channels as well as editing the communications work of others
- Significant professional experience developing and executing marketing and communications strategies for different stakeholders utilizing a full range of traditional, multimedia, and digital channels
- Professional experience with paid marketing channels and technologies (Google AdWords, social media and other advertising, etc.)
- Professional experience in social media and digital marketing management
- Experience in using web-based tools and technologies such as Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Sprout Social, etc.
- Strong experience in writing for the web and utilizing SEO optimization
- Professional working knowledge of brand development and standards, style guidelines, digital and print collateral requirements, and related processes
- Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
- Demonstrated ability and willingness to seek and incorporate feedback to ensure the highest quality, accuracy, and clarity of communications
General skills:
- Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, presentation, interpersonal, listening, and networking skills
- Excellent project management, organizational, analytical, creative, and critical thinking skills involving multi-faceted initiatives, with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and strategy goals
- Strong collaborative working style with the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
- Demonstrated awareness and implementation of best practices in fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and access principles
- Ability to occasionally work extended or flexible hours in support of museum needs and activities
Desired Qualifications*
- Background or education in science / natural history field
- Prior experience working in a natural history or other museum or travel industry
- General experience and skills in photography and videography
- Experience tagging metadata for multimedia (photo, video, etc.). Adobe Bridge or Photo Mechanic preferred
- Knowledgeable of Digital Asset Management and metadata standards required, experience with Acquia DAM (formerly Widen) a plus
Work Locations
Onsite work is required for this position with an opportunity to work remotely with supervisor’s approval
The annual pay rate for this position is $54,000 – $64,000. This is a full-time, exempt, 40 hour/week position.
Additional Information
As one of the world’s great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei .
To learn more about LSA’s Mission, Vision, and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision .
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
239702
Working Title
Marketing & Communications Manager
Job Title
Mktg Communications Specialist
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA UG: Museum of Nat History
Posting Begin/End Date
9/19/2023 – 10/17/2023
Salary
$54,000.00 – $64,000.00
Career Interest
Communications & Marketing