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 are directly related.

Michigan Medicine is a groundbreaking organization for many reasons, and much of the work that we do is made possible because of philanthropy. Annually, the MM Office of Development raises an average of $190 million which helps us to be a change agent of the world. 

The Office of Development supports a culture of flexibility, and a hybrid work arrangement is possible for this position. Additionally, while work arrangements are flexible with regard to work location, all new employees are expected to be in commutable distance to campus.

Summary

The communications specialist is responsible for developing and delivering high-quality events and technical donor communications that build positive awareness and foster philanthropic support for research, patient care, and medical student education at Michigan Medicine. This colleague partners with other fundraising colleagues in medical development, to achieve shared goals by providing editorial expertise and high-quality, compelling, templated, and customized writing. Works within a team of communications professionals to maximize philanthropic support for Michigan Medicine.

Responsibilities*

• Partner with Michigan Medicine Development events team to edit and develop content for signature, ceremonial, and third-party events, may include, but is not limited to, print and electronic invitation packages, professorship ceremony scripts, digital assets, website content, social media efforts, and other event collateral materials
• Liaise with the Michigan Medicine Development annual programs team and gift officers to create compelling donor appeals across departments
• Maintain contact with colleagues for the purposes of creating timelines for writing, editing, and producing development projects
• Write and/or edit technical content for development communications including promotional materials, newsletter articles, summaries of medical research and giving opportunities, donor stories, and other communications collateral
• Create engaging content for social media posts and ads
• Develop web content reflective of funding opportunities across the health system  
• Interview donors and faculty to create compelling biographies and stories for online and print communications
• Draft brochures and other useful tools to help advance development goals
• Research and translate scientific projects and programs into giving opportunities
• Provide extensive proofreading
• Apply a strong editorial and creative approach to generating high-quality content and materials in support of fundraising priorities
• Gather, analyze, and synthesize technical and medical information and data for proposals, reports, and presentations, and for emerging giving opportunities
• Collaborate with other members of the development team to create compelling materials designed to engage target audiences and achieve fundraising goals
• Occasionally interview faculty, administrators, and staff to develop familiarity with program priorities as they relate to fundraising priorities and needs
• Bring creative, critical, and analytical approaches to planning sessions with colleagues, being mindful of alternative forms of communication

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, or another relevant field
• 2+ years of professional experience in communications, media relations, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, ability to recognize need for and easily change writing styles to fit the audience and voice of the piece
• Multimedia writing experience: e.g., web, social media, event communications, appeals, newsletters, proposals, print articles
• Familiarity with media vehicles including print, web, and social media
• Interest in a wide variety of scientific topics and a passion for storytelling
• Familiarity with AP (Associated Press) style, social media platforms
• Some knowledge of or interest in a range of medical and scientific disciplines
• Ability to interpret information, interviews, and data, and apply comprehensive knowledge to the completion of complex assignments
• Ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to a diverse audience
• Strong project management skills and ability to collaborate to produce high-quality work on a deadline as part of a communications team
• Ability to organize information, conduct interviews, and discern key statistics
• Comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently and interact effectively with a wide variety of colleagues and stakeholders
• Commitment to the highest standards of customer service and professionalism
• An active commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Desired Qualifications*

• Experienced at persuasive writing and articulating a strong case
• Experience creating content for event communications
• Understanding of branding and positioning strategies
• Communications experience within a health system (or similar organization) that involves the writing of substantive pieces such as feature articles, press releases, white papers and/or professional presentations
• Graphic design experience/familiarity with InDesign a plus
• Experience interacting with faculty and executive leadership
• Understanding of the role philanthropy plays in advancing the mission and goals of an academic health system (or similar organization), as well as general knowledge of fundraising practices
• Familiarity or knowledge of the University of Michigan’s and Michigan Medicine’s mission, strengths, and reputation

Work Locations

• This position is hybrid/remote optional. Applicants should live within a reasonable commuting distance from Ann Arbor.
• The office location is located at 777 E. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

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.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.