How to Apply

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

A cover letter, attached as the first page of your resume, describing how your experience meets the job requirements of this posting, is required for consideration of this position. In addition, please include three writing samples as a part of your application attachment: 1) cover letter, 2) resume and 3) three writing samples – in one document.

The School of Nursing seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan that extends worldwide, to fulfill the School’s strategic plan, and to sustain the excellence of the School of Nursing.

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion visit: http://nursing.umich.edu/diversity/dei-faculty-and-staff.

Please visit http://www.nursing.umich.edu/ for more information about the School of Nursing.

Summary

The Director of Communications and Marketing for the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) will oversee the school’s communications and marketing activity by developing, implementing and maintaining the School’s presence on all public relations platforms. The director is responsible for the School’s messaging and engagement with internal and external constituents, utilizing communication vehicles such as the web, social media, email, print, video and others as appropriate; and will serve as liaison across campus and with external communications vendors. The director will oversee the design and implementation of marketing studies and the utilization of market data to inform messaging and activity. The director will work with the UMSN Chief Operating Officer, the UMSN leadership team, Office of Admissions and Records, the Development Office, UMSN faculty and other internal clients to assist in achieving their goals.

Responsibilities*

The Director of Communications and Marketing is directly accountable for leadership to achieve the following:

• Supervise office staff including a graphic designer, a writer, a web specialist, a digital marketing specialist and others. 
• Direct public relations efforts for the School of Nursing by promoting news, research and events based on the UMSN’s mission and goals on various digital and print platforms. 
• Oversee School of Nursing social media properties, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and others, representing the UMSN with key messages to incoming and current students, alumni, faculty, staff, external partners, and the public.
• Design and conduct marketing studies and analysis.
• Oversee the use of market data to inform and shape marketing materials.
• Assess analytics and prepare routine reports on web traffic and social media platforms.
• Develop content to post on various social platforms on a daily basis. Monitor platforms daily.
• Monitor trends in social media, digital content and emerging technologies. In addition to keeping up with changes in the fast-moving web world, this position will plan for the future.
• Manage digital signage and other internal communications on all static and interactive signs. Communicate with stakeholders, set policies, and keep up-to-date on the necessary complex software.
• Direct web content changes and webmaster requests by performing content and graphic changes and helping with multimedia updates. This includes daily work on the home page headlines, calendar of events, and various additional webpages.
• Act as a journalist to “get the story” by building a base of knowledge and familiarity with the distinctive and outstanding work of the School of Nursing faculty and students. Proactively pitch faculty expertise internally to U-M via Michigan News, Public Affairs, Global Michigan, UMHS, IHPI, and other PR vehicles. Assist in the promotion of stories, news, research and events outside the School.
• Oversee miscellaneous online modules, including opt-in email lists, faculty profiles, e-newsletters, student and blogs, etc.
• Assist the UMSN leadership team with projects such as producing the quarterly staff newsletter, research for op-ed pieces, tracking national health policy trends, market research and video projects with external vendors.
• Collaborate with the Office of Admissions and Records to develop and execute a comprehensive student recruiting campaign.
• Create marketing plans for events and academic programs as needed.
• Develop guidelines and best practices related to UMSN communications related activity and content.
• Assist with a wide range of editorial projects for external and internal audiences.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and are not an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from the Chief Operating Officer.

Required Qualifications*

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, public relations or related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.  
• A minimum of twelve (12) years of journalism/public relations experience. 
• Demonstrated supervisory experience. 
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Superb written, editorial and oral communication skills required; the ability to write and speak clearly and concisely for various mediums.
• Experience writing and editing web content; particularly for news articles or event promotional material. 
• Experience using video and social media as news channels.
• Must demonstrate creativity and familiarity with a variety of marketing concepts, practices and procedures.
• Excellent knowledge of graphic design principles and practices.
• Advanced skill level with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) are essential; as well as experience with Photoshop and Drupal. 
• Familiarity with university policies, higher education, and the changing health care landscape. 

Attributes:

• Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities.  
• Ability to work independently as well as effectively in teams. Must have the ability to work comfortably with individuals at all levels (faculty, staff, students, donors, alumni, etc.).
• Ability to adapt to a frequently revised landscape of academic offerings and organizational change.
• Ability to promote the School of Nursing’s Declaration of Values to Empower each other to interrupt or disrupt disrespect; Practice communication that is beneficial, kind and true; Inspire and be inspired by our members’ worth, significance and integrity; Cultivate respect for ourselves and others routinely, publicly and privately.

Additional Information

Shift/Hours/Days: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; some occasional weekend and evening hours may be required. Currently, this position has the option to be hybrid; and will be reviewed annually per the university and School of Nursing policy.

Salary Range:  The salary range for this position is $140,000 - 160,000 per year. The actual salary determined will be based on qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. We encourage all interested parties to apply.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.