How to Apply

?      A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position.  The cover letter should be included in the same document as your resume and should specifically address your interest in this position and outline particular skills and experience directly related to this position.

?      This is a 6 month fellowship that includes communications training opportunities. 

?      This position will be hybrid, housed at the U-M Detroit Center with the option of working some days remote (within the U.S.).

Summary

Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan is seeking a communications fellow to assist in the development of communications that further understanding of the perspectives, needs, and visions of Detroit youth working to end homelessness and housing instability. This fellow will be an integral part of Poverty Solution’s housing stability agenda, which focuses on providing stakeholders with the data and information needed to improve systems and policies impacting individuals, families and children at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.

Poverty Solutions is an interdisciplinary university-wide initiative that seeks to foster research to identify and test strategies for the prevention and alleviation of poverty.  Its action-based research is focused on determining what is most effective and brings new discoveries to policy makers and community stakeholders.

The fellow will work directly under the supervision of the Director of Housing Stability Programs and Policy Initiatives with support from Poverty Solutions Senior Communications Specialist and the Detroit Phoenix Center to:

• Identify issues of concern to youth and young adults who have experienced homelessness;

• To conduct research, including interviews, on the identified topics; and

• To  create media products for dissemination that reflect both the concerns and vision for change of youth in the Detroit community.

Responsibilities*

Communications Networking:  Network with peers in Detroit to identify the priorities of youth with a focus on topics that have not yet been covered or have potential for policy impact. Networking and topic identification will be supported by the Detroit Phoenix Center.

Stakeholder interviews: Conduct interviews with stakeholders on identified topics, and work with the Director of Housing Stability Programs and Policy Initiatives to identify themes that are relevant to the story and strategies for reaching audiences of interest.

Content Creation: Work with the Senior Communications Specialist to identify the best communications medium (written, podcast, social media) and to draft and finalize the content. 

Dissemination: Share the content back with peers to identify how they would like to be involved in the final content distribution and dissemination. Work with Poverty Solutions communications team to reach out to media.

Required Qualifications*

?      2+ years of experience in youth advocacy and leadership with the Detroit Phoenix Center. 

?      Commitment to social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

?      Understanding of youth and young adult homelessness in Detroit as well as interest in public policy solutions.

?      Interest in the field of communications as well as a willingness to learn, try new things, and be creative.

?      Experience conducting interviews and creating podcasts, social media, or writing blog posts.

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.