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 Center for RNA Biomedicine is seeking an experienced and dynamic Public Relations Specialist with a commitment to contributing to a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all members of our community.

This position will manage and be responsible for all communications for the Center that includes a diverse research faculty that spans the medical, north, and central campuses. This position will also oversee efforts to promote the Center’s mission and engage in communications with key stakeholders. This position will also assist in the development and growth of the RNA research community of faculty, students and researchers and develop deeper relationships with existing members.

Learn more about the Center for RNA Biomedicine at: rna.umich.edu.

We are actively looking for a candidate that is a strong writer, communicator, and experienced interviewer. Experience translating complex information for a general audience is especially important. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds who share our passion for developing innovative solutions.

This is a term-limited position through June 30, 2025. Position may be extended based on performance and availability of additional funding for the RNA Center.

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.

Responsibilities*

Your Responsibilities Include: To produce original written content, including – but not limited to – news announcements, profiles, feature stories and other content for distribution via a variety of channels, including digital, print, video, audio, and social media. Conduct research on and interview experts regarding a range of biomedical and scientific research topics. Independently serve as an interviewer/producer for video interviews, planning, prepare questions for experts, and conduct interviews. As needed, assist Michigan News liaison(s) with faculty and student media training, identifying experts for media interviews and coordinating media interviews.

Create, schedule, and analyze social media campaigns (via Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn). Manage multiple email marketing campaigns (via MailChimp and U-M internal email platform) including independently writing/reviewing messages, scheduling delivery, and managing distribution lists.

Lead the content development and dissemination of an annual RNA Translated Magazine weekly email newsletters (“The Transcript”), coordinating with other team members to ensure accurate content and timely distribution. Monitor media clips daily and identify clips that merit amplification via the website, social media, newsletters, and other channels. Track, measure and analyze media and newsletter metrics and other relevant metrics and to make data-informed recommendations and enhancements.

Provide light graphic design, typically utilizing existing Adobe Creative Cloud templates. Generate and edit content in collaboration with students, alumni, faculty and others for the Center’s website and other channels. Establish and maintain relationships with partners across the University community and externally to amplify content through a broad network; together with team members, contribute topic ideas for the Center’s podcast, conduct expert interviews, and assist with episode and asset development; manage communications around faculty, staff, student, and alumni awards, ensuring that members of the Michigan RNA community are recognized for significant achievements.

Required Qualifications*

Experience we’d like you to bring: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field, with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant experience. Outstanding organizational, communication, writing, editing and people skills. Experience developing communications for distribution across multiple platforms. Experience preparing for and conducting interviews with experts and individuals at multiple levels of an organization, with an ability to make interview subjects feel comfortable and confident in the final communication output. Ability to understand complex information and translate it for a general audience in a way that is both digestible and engaging. Proven ability to learn quickly, work efficiently and manage multiple projects and priorities at once, while working in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to both work independently with minimal supervision and work with others within a collaborative, team-based, positive work environment.

Desired Qualifications*

Background in the natural sciences.

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.

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.