Marketing and Communications Specialist
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How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume and must specifically address the required qualifications of the position. Candidates that do not include a cover letter and indicate how they meet the required qualifications will not be considered for the position.
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.
Job Summary
The Departments of Germanic Languages and Literatures (GLL) and Slavic Languages and Literatures (SLL) at the University of Michigan seeks a qualified, collaborative, enthusiastic, and service-oriented Marketing and Communications Specialist. These departments emphasize language, literature and the arts in larger social, cultural and political processes. As the Marketing and Communications Specialist you will be a strategic partner in the development of digital and print marketing strategies and responsible for applying these strategies to each department's print and digital platforms. You will also plan and support a dynamic calendar of events to support the department's missions. Effectively communicating and working in partnership and consultation with departmental stakeholders are essential to success in this position.
This position will be hybrid in nature with the expectation of 3-4 days per week in person and 1-2 days per week working remotely depending on the time of year. Schedule flexibility is required in order to support events and may indicate the need to be in person 5 days a week at some points during the academic year. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Responsibilities*
Marketing and Communication - 25%
Develop marketing and social media strategies using experience and expertise to outline plans and present recommendations to Chair and Chief Administrator as needed including but not limited to: increasing awareness of units/courses and increasing enrollments in specific courses, boosting declared majors/minors through social media, website and other digital and print platforms. Implement plan(s) according to established deadlines.
Develop relationships with faculty, graduate students and staff in order to develop website content and enhance the content of publicity materials by understanding the cultures and needs of the Departments and their audiences.
Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of digital and other marketing tactics including the creation of user-friendly reports for colleagues and departmental leadership.
Strategically evaluate and proactively enhance units' websites on a regular basis. Identifying and implementing ways to improve its layout/visual presentation, enhance the content and engage the intended audiences (current and future graduate students, undergraduate students, alumni and faculty in similar fields across academia).
Ensure content on websites, publicity, and social media is consistent with the units' message and image, while adhering to University and LSA formats, styles, and logo standards. Review and update websites, publicity, and social media accordingly.
Develop an annual timeline for auditing each page of the website to ensure each page is reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the assigned stakeholder.
Digital/Social Media - 25%
Proactively utilize social media platforms to publicize departmental events, activities, and programs. Foster engagement with students, alumni and the broader public through social media platforms.
Develop and maintain a digital content calendar for the units. Utilize social media content scheduling, data summarization and social listening/monitoring tools.
Photograph, or arrange for the photography of events and individuals for departmental publicity. Maintain a digital archive of all images for each unit and its respective events/programming.
Create content for and manage the digital screen in MLB, 3rd floor.
Partner with units within LSA and other communities internal and external to UM to develop events, marketing materials, conduct outreach, etc.
Graphic Design - 25%
Design and create original flyers, posters, digital signage, event programs, and other required event and publicity materials in partnership and consultation with stakeholders as needed and requested, using DEI friendly communication and accommodation design techniques and guidelines. Collaborate with stakeholders on timeline requirements, meet agreed upon deadlines.
Design and layout departmental annual newsletters. SLL is sent by early July and early January; GLL is sent by the end of May and early December.
Follow all U-M, LSA and departmental brand guidelines in the development of print materials.
Design logos and other graphic identifiers as needed for specific events and programs.
Utilize U-M preferred vendors for printing, coordinate printing bids for all projects and ensure cost effectiveness.
Ensure all design files are formatted and compressed per vendor guidelines to ensure high quality printing and visual presentation.
Event Planning and Implementation -15%
Organize and coordinate in-person and virtual logistics in collaboration with faculty and staff stakeholders for a wide range of departmental events including but not limited to, catering, venues, flights, lodging, transportation, audio/visual and IT needs, and honorarium payments. Provide in-person coverage for events, as needed. Set up and break down all events.
Utilize internal tracking systems to ensure all stakeholders are consistently aware of the progress and status of events. Communicate consistently with stakeholders ensuring they are aware of progress and status of events.
Create and send detailed itineraries to invited guests in collaboration with faculty and staff stakeholders.
Provide primary staff support for GLL's Annual German Day (outreach event). Work directly with the faculty director on all aspects of planning and support for the event, which brings in 400+ middle and high school students in early April. Please see: https://lsa.umich.edu/german/germanday.html
Administrative/Other - 5%
Develop budgets ranging from $1,500 - $30,000 (~ $50K annually) for events and marketing projects, monitor expenses and ensure events stay within budget.
Retain a historical record of archived website pages and all marketing/social media content created.
Write/create and update best practice documents for all facets of this position.
Attend LSA Communicators group meetings.
Consult with and collaborate with LSA Marketing/Communications as needed.
Other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, graphic design or equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least three years of professional experience related to this position's outlined responsibilities.
Creative and innovative graphic design experience especially for social media and other digital platforms with expert-level skills in Adobe Creative Suite software.
A demonstrated commitment to the values of LSA with the ability to integrate these values in a marketing strategy.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills with proven editorial skills and experience enhancing content quality to meet unit goals.
Proven ability to excel in a team setting promoting a culture of respect and collaboration.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the capability to execute multiple projects simultaneously.
Self-starter who can work independently and with limited direction.
Creative problem-solving skills.
This position requires the ability to move materials weighing up to 25 pounds to a height of 3-4 feet and set them on tables, carts, or other surfaces. The chosen candidate must have the ability to physically set up and tear down events including moving and arranging tables, chairs, and mobile equipment.
Desired Qualifications*
Experience using a variety of tactics and strategies for enhancing the profile of a unit within higher education.
Demonstrated experience planning events including budget development and oversight
Experience evaluating marketing and social media campaigns/strategies.
A commitment to lifelong learning and staying current with digital technologies.
A commitment to the mission and goals of GLL and SLL.
Why Work at Michigan?
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care -that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .
Additional Information
The salary range for this position is $56,411 to $70,514, please note a higher salary may be offered to a highly qualified candidate.
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 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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
275988
Working Title
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Job Title
Creative Design Services Intm
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Germanic Languages & Lit.
Posting Begin/End Date
4/09/2026 - 4/23/2026
Salary
$56,411.00 - $70,514.00
Career Interest
Communications & Marketing
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