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.
As one of the nation's leading public research universities, discoveries and innovations led by the University of Michigan address emerging challenges, spur new technologies, improve quality of life, strengthen communities and create economic opportunities. The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) works closely with faculty, staff and students from across the three U-M campuses to catalyze, support and safeguard research and creative practice in ways that serve the public and advance the university's vital mission.
To support this mission, OVPR seeks a strategic and visionary communications leader who can collaborate with stakeholders in diverse disciplines, inside and outside the university, to promote the impact and importance of U-M's research enterprise. The senior director of research communications will oversee a team of individuals that develop, implement and evaluate communications strategies to support the needs and aspirations of more than 30 OVPR units.
This individual will serve as a key member of the OVPR Leadership Team.
Draft executive communications on behalf of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, including (but not limited to) speeches, presentations, position statements, video scripts, op-eds and quotes
Supervise a team of individuals that are dedicated to supporting and advancing the communications and marketing needs of more than 30 OVPR units
Develop and implement strategic communications plans that aim to generate increased awareness around critical matters involving the U-M research enterprise
Collaborate with faculty, staff and students across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses to ensure important research-related objectives and strategies are reflected in OVPR communications and marketing products
Partner with key U-M stakeholders to support the development and implementation of urgent communications strategies that impact university research operations
Liaison with media outlets to ensure timely and accurate responses to inquiries involving the Vice President for Research and Innovation and the Office of the Vice President for Research
Bachelor's degree
7-10 years of professional experience in communications and/or marketing
Demonstrated ability to manage strategic communications on behalf of executive leadership
Demonstrated experience in supervising a team of communications and marketing professionals
Outstanding writing skills with demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical topics to diverse audiences
Master's degree
Experience in a research environment, research-related government agency, research-related business or related academic setting is preferred
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.
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.
About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.
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