Communications & Outreach 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. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is an engaged and diverse community committed to excellence through research and teaching about the causes and consequences of biodiversity. Ecology and evolution are central to essential issues facing our planet today, such as global climate change, sustainable agriculture, infectious diseases, conservation, biodiversity loss, and much more.

We are home to some 50 faculty, 35 administrative and lab staff, 300 undergraduate majors, and 85 graduate students. We seek to educate the next generation of scientists who will go forth to make the world a better place. We welcome all who are curious about EEB, and we strive to create an environment that is accessible and supportive to all.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Administrator, the communications specialist will help to execute the Department's internal and external communications strategy. The successful candidate will be curious about science and a skilled storyteller with the ability to craft written and graphic content that engages audiences around the EEB mission and values, advances the department's reputation, increases student enrollment and donor engagement, and amplifies the impact of our students, faculty and alumni. Responsibilities include identifying and writing stories, overseeing our webpage content and social media platform communications and developing our fundraising program.

What You'll Do

Websites and Outreach

• Write and curate news articles on EEB website and blogs
• Lead the strategic vision for our web presence to best represent EEB's mission
• Proactively maintain department websites using Adobe Experience Manager
• Promote events (seminars, dissertations, defenses and other big department happenings) in a clear and catchy way on all relevant platforms
• Liaise with Michigan News/media relations and build relationships within the department to develop content for websites
• Work with unit leadership to develop visional themes and ensure department cultures are consistent and reflected throughout the websites
• Research, evaluate and learn new tools to support communication needs
• Collaborate with other U-M departments to share content and ideas

Newsletters and other written materials

• Write and edit the annual Natural Selections and the ecology and evolution e-newsletters as well as a monthly digital newsletter
• Provide support for internal communications from the Chair's Office
• Coordinate printing and distribution of newsletters
• Develop brochures and other useful tools to help advance the department

Advancement and alumni development

• Work with department leadership to create a strategy to optimize fundraising efforts for EEB by understanding the department's needs and how they relate to donor interests
• Partner with LSA Advancement to develop prospective donors
• Administer donor appreciation notes and events
• Prepare periodic department letters to alumni
• Manage data related to donor activity
• Ensure web presence is in line with fundraising strategies
• Create a program for building alumni relations

Additional responsibilities

• Actively participate in department events and engage with the EEB community to build relationships and an understanding of the science
• Provide technical and planning support for all large seminar events
• Provide administrative support and organization of communications materials
• Support staff appreciation events
• Oversee work study students, as needed
• Other duties as needed

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree. A minimum of three years of work experience in communications or media. Outstanding writing and editing skills. Experience in developing strategic communication plans, website design and maintenance. Expert with Zoom and other virtual meeting platforms and tools. Demonstrated ability to set and balance multiple priorities.

Desired Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in a biology-related field or journalism is strongly preferred. Experience with fundraising efforts and graphic design. Familiarity with science writing, AP (Associated Press) style, MailChimp, WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

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 the work modes.

Additional Information

A higher salary may be considered for candidates with extensive experience or qualifications.

As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences 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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.