Communications Specialist

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration and should be included as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should:
1. Outline your specific interest in this position.
2. Highlight skills and experiences that directly relate to the responsibilities below.
3. Include three recent writing samples (or links) demonstrating your ability to communicate complex topics clearly and engagingly without the use of AI.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) ? home to 20 clinical and 9 basic science departments ? is seeking a creative, strategic, and scientifically literate communicator to support three departments: Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Microbiology and Immunology.

Reporting to the Research Communication Strategist in the Medical School Office of Communication and working closely with departmental leadership, this shared-resource position will develop and execute communications strategies that translate complex research into engaging, accessible content. The role is designed to focus on high-impact storytelling, digital presence, and strategic alignment ? balancing priorities across the three departments in partnership with the central Office of Communications.

We?re looking for a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, manages competing priorities with ease, and approaches challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. This position will be fully embedded in each department one day a week to best represent them as a subject matter expert and part of the team.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Responsibilities*

Strategic Content Development

• Plan, create, and edit content highlighting research, faculty achievements, and departmental culture.
• Translate complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging stories for diverse audiences.
• Coordinate and produce content for websites, newsletters, annual reports and select social media channels.

Digital & Web Management

• Maintain and update department websites, ensuring accuracy, usability, and compliance with branding and accessibility standards.
• Recommend and implement basic improvements to increase engagement; escalate large-scale redesigns to central communications.

Internal Communications

• Draft and distribute core internal messages (e.g., leadership updates, major announcements, key event promotions) using approved platforms such as SharePoint.
• Support consistent internal information flow across the three departments, prioritizing clarity, timeliness, and alignment with institutional best practices.

Collaboration & Amplification

• Serve as the primary liaison between the departments and the Medical School/Michigan Medicine communications teams.
• Identify stories and events for broader promotion through enterprise-wide channels.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3 - 5 years of professional communications experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and interviewing, with the ability to tailor content for multiple formats and audiences.
• Experience in web content strategy, creation, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of and experience managing social media platforms, with awareness of emerging trends.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a highly collaborative, matrixed environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to shifting priorities.

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.

Background Screening

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.

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.

270768

Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

Ann Arbor Campus

Hybrid

Full-Time

Regular

Exempt

Medical School

MM Medical Schl Communications

11/10/2025 - 11/24/2025

Communications & Marketing