Communications Specialist/Content Producer

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position. It should be the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in our position and outline experience that directly relates to this position.

If selected, you will be asked to submit a video presentation answering pre-screening questions through a third-party vendor (at no cost to the applicant).

This position requires you to pass a background investigation and drug screening. This position requires driving a university vehicle, so you need a valid driver's license and a driving record of fewer than six points.

This is a two year, limited-term appointment

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Strategic Communications Director and supervision of the Associate Director, the Senior Communication Specialist is responsible for digital, print, and social media storytelling planning and execution that enhances the relationship between community stakeholders and DPSS.

If you are passionate about leveraging storytelling to enhance safety and community engagement and possess the required experience, we invite you to apply to this exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact at DPSS.

HYBRID

This position comes with the flexibility of working remotely twice weekly.

Who We Are

The Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) leads all public safety functions within the university, including police, security, and emergency management, and offers an integrated approach to safety and security, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. DPSS combines Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint operations to provide students, visitors, faculty, and staff with a safe and secure environment. Through our partnerships across the university and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, we use a blended service model to meet the needs of our community and exceed expectations.

We employ those who embrace and uphold our values of respecting differences, promoting equitable practices, and fostering intentional inclusion. This means creating an environment where everyone in our community feels valued, welcomed, and safe. We prize proactive engagement with our community and provide compassionate and professional service to enhance the quality of life for all.

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care, that is the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this outstanding institution. It is adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

• Opportunity to help shape communication strategies for a vital division within the university community.
• A collaborative work environment that values diversity, creativity, and new ideas.
• Professional development opportunities.

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, including:

• Generous time off, including parental leave
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance, including "Other Qualified Adult" coverage
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Tuition Support Program

Responsibilities*

• Support and promote the mission, vision, and priorities of the division
  
• Assist in engaging all stakeholders in DPSS news and events through the division's website, print-based initiatives, and other digital communications as assigned
  
• Create compelling stories and content that informs, educates, and inspires DPSS audiences
  
• Write and post stories to Digest (the division's newsletter) and the DPSS website, and provide back-up support for Daily Headlines, an internal publication
  
• Solicit and evaluate feedback regarding communications to make improvements
  
• Write and edit in the Associated Press style and ability to follow university and DPSS editorial and brand guidelines
  
• Create visual content, including video, photography, and multimedia slideshows for DPSS digital and other communication channels as assigned
  
• Support social media listening on behalf of DPSS when trending topics arise within the broader social sphere, and provide summaries of themes/conversations
  
• Help maintain the Strategic Communications departmental editorial calendar
  
• Manage social media accounts, including facilitating platform posting and campaign reporting as well as public safety trends within the space, to ensure best-in-class reputation and brand management
  
• Be present for events on campus, such as football games, to help facilitate real-time listening and content creation
  
• Facilitate the approval process for editorial content, ensuring quality control, including accuracy, relevancy, and zero to low error margin
  
• Conduct research in support of editorial planning and storytelling, including benchmarking practices among peer institutions and law enforcement agencies
  
• Work with division staff to inform and educate community members about life-safety measures, physical security and safety services, and the diverse staff who provide support
  
• Perform other tasks within scope of responsibilities detailed above
  

Required Qualifications*

• A Bachelors degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  
• Minimum of two years of experience as writer, editor, content producer, or related position, in higher education, media, and/or safety and security setting
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proficient in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style necessary
  
• Demonstrated editorial success in storytelling for websites, social media, newsletters, and print media.
  
• Capacity for brainstorming and contributing to creative story ideas across a variety of mediums
  
• Success at handling multiple assignments and deadlines with flexibility
  
• Experience with Google Apps for work and web content management systems required
  
• Availability outside normal business hours, particularly in emergencies or crises
  
• Ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple priorities
  

Additional Information

All members of the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. As such, you are required to report Clery reportable offenses that come to your attention. DPSS employees are required to complete Clery Compliance Training within the first 14 days of employment and annually thereafter.

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/AA Statement

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

252895

Communications Specialist/Content Producer

Communications Specialist

Ann Arbor Campus

Hybrid

Full-Time

Regular

Exempt

Division Pub Saf Sec

DPSS STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

8/13/2024 - 8/27/2024

Communications & Marketing