Director of Public Affairs

2 months ago

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Health System Full time
How to Apply

A cover letter, resume, and writing samples are required for consideration for this position. In your cover letter, in two pages or less, please explain your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align. Please also include three professional writing samples, including at least one article or press release. Please submit all materials together in a single file due to system limitations. All materials will be assessed for written communication skills.

Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Communications (OVPC) is the central communications unit for the University of Michigan and works in collaboration with hundreds of communicators across our three campuses and academic medical center. For more information on our office, visit

Within our team, you will be a key leader - representing the university's position, being a spokesperson, and advising top leaders on a wide array of issues, and leading a team. You will often be called upon to quickly gather information from across a large, decentralized organization, validate facts, synthesize multiple perspectives, and turn out clean copy that captures the complexity and nuance of the many issues that cross your desk. The work is often fast-paced, deadline-driven, and high-volume, requiring strong diplomacy, organizational skills, and resourcefulness. The ability to identify reputational opportunities and risks, to triage and prioritize the work accordingly, and to write with precision and power will be key to success.

You will report to the Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs and work on site 4 days a week. Responsibilities may fall outside of traditional working hours given the time-sensitive nature of the work of the office. For questions or accommodation requests, please contact .

Why Work at Michigan?

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
Responsibilities*
  • Develop and execute communication plans related to key university initiatives as well as shorter-term activities and events.
  • Use positive organizational practices to lead and develop the Public Affairs team, which includes (1) Assistant Director, (2) Managers, and (1) Public Relations Rep.
  • Manage daily workflow and departmental projects to ensure effective and efficient operations.
  • Be a spokesperson for the university.
  • Represent the Assistant Vice President in meetings as needed.
  • Write, edit, and advise on written communications, including statements, press releases, and other messages.
  • Help lead crisis communications and issues management.
  • Develop and maintain long-standing relationships with members of the media.
  • Collaborate with a broad array of stakeholders, including the Department of Public Safety and Security, cross-functional teams, campus, and health-system communications directors, Athletics, and Student Life leadership.
Required Qualifications*
  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • 8+ years of applied expertise in public relations, journalism, and writing.
  • Previous experience formally supervising a team.
  • Interest or experience working in higher education or a decentralized, complex organization.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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.

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist

    2 weeks ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Full time

    Position OverviewThe Department of Veterans Affairs is in search of a dedicated Full-Time Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) for the Cardiology department within the Medicine Division.Key InformationSalary Range: $96,772 - $166,944 annuallyAppointment Type: PermanentWork Schedule: Full-timeTravel Requirements: Not requiredRelocation Expenses: Not reimbursedJob...

  • Chief Pharmacy Officer/Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs

    2 hours ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Full time

    Job SummaryThe University of Michigan seeks a visionary and experienced Chief Pharmacy Officer/Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs to lead the Department of Pharmacy Services and provide strategic direction, leadership, and management of pharmacy services across the statewide system of care.Key ResponsibilitiesDirect Health System Pharmacy Services: Oversee...

  • Professor of Public Policy, Racial Justice Approaches to Environmental Racism and Social Inequality

    1 month ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Full time

    The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan invites applications from well-qualified individuals for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position focused on teaching, research, and public engagement related to the relationships between environmental factors in physical, built, and/or social environments and environmental racism,...

  • Chief Pharmacy Officer/Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs

    2 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Full time

    Job SummaryThe University of Michigan seeks a visionary Chief Pharmacy Officer/Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs to lead the Department of Pharmacy Services. This senior pharmacy leader will provide strategic direction, leadership, and management of the department, ensuring the provision of contemporary pharmacy services to inpatients and outpatients...

  • Public Works Specialist I

    3 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States City of Ann Arbor Michigan Full time

    Job Summary:We are seeking a highly skilled Public Works Specialist I - Forestry Services to join our team at the City of Ann Arbor Michigan. As a key member of our public works department, you will be responsible for the care and management of the city's urban forest, ensuring the safe operation and upkeep of public spaces, parks, and outdoor recreational...

  • Executive Director of Pharmacy Services

    4 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Full time

    Position OverviewThe Chief Pharmacy Officer/Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs is a pivotal role that encompasses the strategic oversight and management of the Department of Pharmacy Services. This position is integral to the delivery of modern pharmacy services for both inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring the implementation of safe and efficient...

  • Director of Philanthropy, Department of Psychiatry

    2 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our team as an Associate Director of Development, Mental Health Programs at the University of Michigan. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health and contribute to the success of our department.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic...

  • Associate Director of Development, Mental Health Programs

    2 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our team as an Associate Director of Development, Mental Health Programs. This is a key leadership role that will play a critical part in advancing the philanthropic goals of the University of Michigan's Department of Psychiatry and the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research...

  • Marketing and Communications Director

    7 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Trinity Health - IHA Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled Marketing and Communications Director to join our team at Trinity Health - IHA. As a key member of our leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and executing marketing plans, communication, and public relations activities to achieve our strategic vision.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and...

  • Wheelchair Tennis Program Director

    7 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Full time

    Job SummaryThe University of Michigan seeks a highly skilled and experienced professional to serve as the Head Coach of its Wheelchair Tennis program. This is a 9-month seasonal position, from mid-August through mid-May each year.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Program Oversight (40%):Collaborate with the Associate Director and Assistant Director to...

  • Marketing and Communications Director

    7 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Trinity Health - IHA Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled Marketing and Communications Director to join our team at Trinity Health - IHA. As a key member of our leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and executing marketing plans, communication and public relations activities to achieve our strategic vision.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and...

  • Managing Director of the Weiser Center for Real Estate

    2 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Full time

    About the RoleThe University of Michigan seeks a highly skilled and experienced professional to serve as the Managing Director of the Weiser Center for Real Estate. This is a key leadership position that requires a strong understanding of the real estate industry, excellent management skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal...

  • Chair of the Department of Psychiatry

    1 month ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Medical School Full time

    Search for the Chair of the Department of Psychiatry University of Michigan Medical School, Michigan Medicine Ann Arbor, MI The University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) invites applications and nominations for a nationally recognized and visionary leader to become the next Chair of the Department of Psychiatry . This is an opportunity to build on a...

  • Strategic Operations Director

    5 hours ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Jewishsac Full time

    About the RoleThe Strategic Operations Director will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, providing executive-level support to streamline administrative and programmatic functions. This role requires a unique blend of organizational systems expertise, political acumen, attention to detail, exceptional communication, and project management skills.Key...

  • Strategic Director of Real Estate Initiatives

    3 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Full time

    Job SummaryThe University of Michigan seeks a highly skilled and experienced professional to serve as the Managing Director of the Weiser Center for Real Estate. This is a key leadership position that requires a strong understanding of the real estate industry, excellent management skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and...

  • Lead Manager for Student Organizations

    2 months ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Health System Full time

    How to ApplyA 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.Summary Center for Campus Involvement Overview The Center for Campus Involvement...

  • Assistant Director, Learning

    2 months ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Health System Full time

    SummaryAs the Assistant Director, you will facilitate the learning and professional growth needs of the U-M Development Community, and contribute to several programs that promote the engagement and retention of Office of University Development (OUD) staff. This is accomplished through the development of learning, performance and other resources in many...

  • Lead Manager for Student Programs

    2 months ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Health System Full time

    How to ApplyA 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.SummaryCenter for Campus Involvement OverviewThe Center for Campus Involvement (CCI)...

  • Philanthropy Relations Specialist

    5 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County Full time

    Position OverviewSalary: Competitive compensation package.The Philanthropy Relations Specialist plays a vital role in the Development program at Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County. This position is responsible for enhancing donor engagement through effective management of donor relationships, meticulous record-keeping, and the organization of...

  • Senior Executive for Pharmacy Services

    5 days ago

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States University of Michigan Full time

    Position OverviewThe Chief Pharmacy Officer/Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs will provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight for the Department of Pharmacy Services. This role is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of modern pharmacy services to both inpatient and outpatient populations through robust and effective medication management systems,...