Communications Specialist - Military Veterans

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. Please also include three recent writing samples (or links to them online).

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is seeking a talented and energetic individual to help shape and communicate stories around our compelling research, education, people and culture to internal and external stakeholders. This position will report directly to the department of PM&R and be matrixed to the department of medical school communications.

This position will be part of the U-M Medical School Neuroscience Communication Community of Practice and will act as primary liaison with the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication following policies and guidelines set by the institution and coordinating communication efforts ensuring alignment with institutional strategies.

We are looking for someone who is a skilled, creative, and versatile communicator and enjoys building relationships and sparking dialog with a broad and diverse set of collaborators. This role will have to manage multiple projects at a time within a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience writing to translate scientific research for a lay audience and in developing and implementing communication and outreach strategies using a variety of methods.

50%: Provide communication support for the University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness (CDHW). Reporting to the U-M Center for Disability Health and Wellness Lead and working with the Director of the CDHW.

• Translate research information into research briefs as well as website and social media content for consumers using plain language principles
• Set up and provide technical support for webinars and other events
• Manage social media platforms
• Develop infographics and graphic designs for communication products
• Facilitate the development and dissemination of videos
• In partnership with the Department of Communications, evaluate the website and coordinate approved changes regarding layout, content, usability, and relevance
• Follow accepted standards and practices to ensure the accessibility of all materials for individuals with disabilities
• Collaborate with the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication to generate publishable content

30%: Provide communication support with research stakeholders in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Assist in tracking communication priorities, developing strategies and being responsible for the day-to-day communication needs of the department related to our research initiatives.

• In coordination with the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication, manage and execute a strategy for updating PM&R external websites.
• Utilize automation to better develop communication and work with our communication partners.
• Manage content rich projects to steward relationships with stakeholders including alumni and donors, such as annual reports.
• In partnership with the Department of Communications, identify new opportunities to reach and engage students, faculty, and staff.
• Establish and maintain relationships with Michigan Medicine and main campus communications departments, U-M departments, centers and institutes, strategic partners, and peer institutions.
• Assist with event planning, promotional support and staffing, as needed.
• Coordinate special projects with varied stakeholders.

20% Provide communication support for leadership in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

• Work with the U-M Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Chelsea Hospital communications leads
• Manage an internal communication strategy that includes coordination and content creation for internal announcements, department initiatives, event communications and newsletters.
• Work with department leadership for strategic development of communication needs.

• Bachelor's degree in related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 3-5 years of relevant work experience in communications
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including drafting original content for newsletters, news releases, web pages, social media posts, presentations, speeches, etc.
• Experience in web strategy, content creation, analysis and maintenance
• Demonstrated knowledge and use of current social media platforms and trends.
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize and manage time to meet deadlines
• Creative thinker with proven ability to use data to inform decisions and monitor trends.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a complex team environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills including a positive, responsive customer service attitude.
• Willingness to be flexible, adaptable and collaborative

• Familiarity with U-M communications environment and brand standards.
• Familiarity with communications around academic environments, learners, researchers and clinical staff.
• Experience using Google suite and Microsoft 365 for information sharing and collaboration.
• Experience using Drupal, SharePoint or similar tools for website development and maintenance.
• Experience with social media software, such as Sprout.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite.

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.

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.

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