Position Summary

The Communications Manager will work within the MSU IT Communications team on ongoing communication campaigns and projects. This position focuses on developing/writing/editing content for distribution through a variety of communication channels. They will coordinate creative and production processes in collaboration with MSU IT team members to help conceptualize, create, and manage communications projects. One of the main responsibilities of this position is to oversee and manage MSU IT’s event production.  

The ideal candidate is a team player, able to work in a fast-paced environment, and has experience producing events. This position requires writing ability, time management skills, attention to detail, and proofreading skills.

Responsibilities include: 

• Accountable for the management, planning, and production of MSU IT events. Coordinates with vendors, MSU IT leadership, and campus partners as needed on events for MSU IT or in support of MSU IT sponsorship.
• Supports communications for specific MSU IT departments as defined by team manager.
• Coordinates, assembles, and distributes IT information to inform internal MSU IT staff; the university’s students, academic staff, and support staff; and the public.
• Develops and executes internal and external engagement campaigns, content plans and projects that increase awareness and visibility of the services and value MSU IT provides.
• Strategizes, develops, writes, edits, and adapts content for multiple communication channels including emails, websites, social, print, articles, and events. 
• Engages in strategic storytelling through feature writing and article development.
• Responsible for managing content and updates to the public facing MSU IT website via a content management system.
• Works with stakeholders to define, plan, and execute projects.
• Identifies information sources and conducts interviews to obtain information.
• Supports the team in goal setting, execution, tracking, and reporting per project, campaign, department, etc.
• Helps plan, create promotional assets, generate buzz, and active events and activities for key audiences.
• Coordinates multimedia components for integrated communication efforts by working closely with the team’s graphic artist and video production.
• Supports internal and external special projects as needed.

Michigan State University (MSU) is a top 100 global university located in East Lansing, three miles east of the state’s capital. The MSU community includes more than 12,000 faculty, academic and support staff, approximately 50,000 students. MSU offers an extensive benefits package to its employees including health care, prescription, and dental coverage, and a base retirement program with a university matching contribution, as well as basic life insurance. In addition, MSU offers educational benefits including a course fee courtesy program and educational assistance.

MSU Information Technology provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial, and policy initiatives affecting information technology (IT) across MSU. MSU IT offers technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, and advancing engagement.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are essential elements, vital to the culture MSU Information Technology endeavors to cultivate. This includes providing opportunities and access for all people which incorporate differences of race, age, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, migratory status, disability/abilities, political affiliation, veteran status and socioeconomic background.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, or Public Relations; 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

Effective organizational, time management, and project management skills. Event planning and production experience desired. Acute attention to detail and accuracy. Experience with interpreting and clarifying complex information for mass audiences. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prioritize multiple important tasks under tight deadlines. Experience writing and managing content for customer-facing websites and reporting in digital spaces.

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. 

Special Instructions

Please submit the following:

1. A professional work/writing sample, or link to your portfolio, which may include reports, news articles, etc.
2. Three professional references knowledgeable of your work.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://tech.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 October 31, 2023 at 11:55 P.M.