Communications Manager I

Position Summary

The Communications Manager will assist in the development and execution of marketing and communication functions for the College of Human Medicine. This role supports the college brand through internal and external communication tactics, including content generation, website updates, special event marketing support and other marketing duties. This role also collaborates with other units and departments on college initiatives. The Communications Manager reports to the Senior Communications & Marketing Officer and works closely with the Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager, Web Project Administrator and Senior Public Relations Manager. Primary work location is either Grand Rapids or the university’s main campus in East Lansing. Hybrid work may also be considered.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

45% Event Marketing

• Execute promotional campaigns for college and community-based events.
• Develop flyers, social media posts, web content, promotional pieces and eblasts to reach target audiences.
• Collaborate with community partners and sponsors to promote college events.
• Publish community events on local event calendars and identify other outreach opportunities to promote events.
• Support social media manager with digital advertising.
• Assist with on-site coordination during events including photo/videography, social media content or media relations.

35% Digital Content

• Design invitations and newsletters using Mailchimp or other email marketing platforms.
• Assist with website content management, including updates to the web calendar and leadership directory, other highly visited landing pages.
• Publish monthly recaps on research grants and publications in college newsletter.
• Disseminate and cross-post feature stories on other college web properties.
• Review and edit digital content to meet brand standards, web usability guidelines and AP style.
• Design infographics, Powerpoint slides and website graphics.

20% Unit Support

• Support the unit in planning and executing marketing and communications strategies in support the college strategic plan.
• Assist with the management of communications resources, templates, logo files and other brand assets.
• Maintain the inventory of college banners, signage and other event materials.
• Support unit with licensing requests and approval of merchandise and apparel.
• Compile analytical reports, graphics and documents.
• Assist with Secchia Center kiosk signage and flyer approvals.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, health communications or advertising; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or computer programming/technology; experience managing content for social media channels; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Desired Qualifications

Three to five years of related work experience in marketing, communications, public and media relations. Experience in copy writing and editing; email marketing platforms; social media; web content management; Microsoft Office and presentation software. 

• Exceptional written communication, editing and proofreading skills.
• Intermediate skills with digital marketing tools (web content management systems, Photoshop, Canva, Mailchimp, etc.).
• Innovative, forward thinking, committed, dependable, highly organized and adaptable.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build effective working relationships.
• Adept at managing multiple, complex tasks in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Can work both independently with minimal supervision, and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://humanmedicine.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends May 6, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.