Writer and Internal Communications Specialist, LSA Dean's Office

How to Apply

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Job Summary

The College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Writer and Internal Communications Specialist. A core liberal arts college in one of the nation's premier public research universities, the College offers a vast array of opportunities for learning and research both within the traditional disciplines and in interdisciplinary programs, along with a range of resources that perennially attract the strongest students and faculty. The College offers more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs.

This position functions as a key member of the LSA Dean's Office team. This individual is responsible for drafting, proofreading, and reviewing internal, written communications from the Dean and the Office of the Dean. This staff member will strategize with team members to provide proactive and timely outreach and communications to members of the LSA community. The writer will report to the Project and Communications Lead in the Dean's Office and will work closely with the Chief of Staff. This is a hybrid position that offers 2-3 days of remote work each week.

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

LSA is the largest and one of the oldest of the university's 19 schools and colleges, with more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. Learn more about LSA at https://lsa.umich.edu . We strive to employ a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, fulfill our mission, vision, and values, and sustain the excellence of LSA.

Responsibilities*

Writing & Communications (80%)

• Draft, edit, and proof-read a wide range of internal communications from the Dean and/or the Office of the Dean. Communications range broadly from college initiatives and activities to congratulation, condolence, welcome, and appreciation notes, as well as letters, invitations, gift agreements, and all manner of email updates, announcements, reports, and news.
• Draft talking points, remarks, and briefing notes for the Dean to support her preparation for meetings and events.
• Review and proofread letters and messages from other college or university offices to be sent by the Office of the Dean.
• Research and write nomination letters for faculty, staff, and/or student awards.

Administrative and Other Duties (20%)

• Support development of annual reports, regental requests, submissions to the provost's office, and other written materials for the Office of the Dean.
• Partner with the Chief of Staff and members of the marketing and communications team on internal crisis communications and responses to community concerns on sensitive issues.
• Develop and prepare template letters for partners across the college.
• Create and maintain template bank for annual and recurring communications.
• Work on special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Write and send monthly newsletters.

Supervision received from: Project and Communications Lead

Required Qualifications*

• A Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum 3-5 years experience in a communications-related role.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills including: demonstrated experience drafting a wide variety of communications materials; ability to adapt writing styles to fit different audiences and writing purposes.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide variety of colleagues and stakeholders, including ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with faculty, students and staff.
• Proficiency in comment- and edit-tracking functions in programs such as Google Docs, Word, and similar programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency through actions, interactions, and communications with others.
• High degree of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience working with highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple projects with tight deadlines, and to maintain accuracy through repeated interruptions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and to exercise initiative.
• Proven ability to strategically and creatively use technology to achieve objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to: maintain a professional manner under stress; learn quickly; identify opportunities for changes to processes, procedures and duties; and a willingness to assume additional responsibilities.
• Experience and comfort working simultaneously for multiple stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree in communications, English, marketing, or similar subject, and two to five or more years of direct and recent public relations, marketing writing, or related field experience
• Passion for the University of Michigan and the liberal arts.
• Familiarity with news and media related to higher education, and current events generally.
• Working knowledge of the University organizational policies, rules, regulations.
• Knowledge of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
• Success working with Adobe products, Google Suite, InDesign, and Photoshop.

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

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

254116

Working Title

Writer and Internal Communications Specialist, LSA Dean's Office

Job Title

Communications Specialist

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Of Lsa

Department

LSA Dean: Dean's Office

Posting Begin/End Date

9/05/2024 - 9/19/2024

Salary

$58,500.00 - $73,000.00

Career Interest

Communications & Marketing