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How to Apply

A cover letter, resume and three professional writing samples are required for consideration for this position. In your cover letter, explain your interest in the role and how your skills and experience would make you a great fit. Submit all materials (cover letter, resume and writing samples or links to samples) together in a single file. System limitations do not allow for more than one attachment.

Job Summary

The Public Affairs Office serves as the central institutional voice for the University of Michigan. Within the Office of the Vice President for Communications (OVPC), the team manages reputational issues and crisis communications, responds to media inquiries involving institutional issues, and develops communication plans to advance major university initiatives.

The public relations representative will perform a wide range of internal and external communications tasks. These include collaborating with units across campus to develop news releases and write statements, support media relations, and assist with social media monitoring. The position calls for a strong writer and sharp thinker who can juggle multiple assignments at once, turn out clean copy on deadline, collaborate with partners across the university, and respond to media inquiries. Diplomacy, organization, attention to detail, and resourcefulness will be key.

The public relations representative will join a dynamic and results-oriented team that is often at the center of high-visibility, high-priority issues. The position offers the opportunity to work with partners across the university and to be part of conversations about some of the most important and complex issues facing the higher education industry.

You will report to the Director of Public Affairs and will work a hybrid schedule with at least three full days required in the office per week and flexibility to be onsite more as needed. Responsibilities often fall outside of traditional working hours, given the time-sensitive nature of the work.

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 offA retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vestingMany choices for comprehensive health insuranceLife insuranceLong-term disability coverageFlexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expensesResponsibilities*Write news stories, press releases, media statements and other communicationsCollaborate with campus administrators and communicatorsRespond to media inquiriesMonitor news for media coverage using platforms such as Meltwater and CisionAssist with social media using platforms such as Sprout or SprinklerManage public affairs review of requests to film on campusRequired Qualifications*Bachelor's degreeProficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google SuiteDemonstrated ability to write clearly, on deadline about complex issuesMinimum of 3 - 5 years experience working in communicationsDemonstrated understanding of media monitoring and social media platformsDesired Qualifications*Experience in journalismExperience developing communications strategy and plansExperience working in a fast-paced and confidential work environmentModes 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.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. The salary range for the lower classification (Public Relations Intermediate) is $65,000 - $75,000.

Additional Information

New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in the range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. A higher salary is possible for exceptionally qualified candidates.

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.