ChE Marketing and Communications Manager

A cover letter and work samples are required in order to be considered for this position. Links to relevant samples of work must be included with your resume and cover letter. Samples are of the candidate’s choosing and should represent excellent work that the candidate believes is relevant to this position.

The Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) at the University of Michigan College of Engineering is at the forefront of research in sustainability, energy, nanotechnology and biotechnology for health care. Their world-class faculty and students are working in areas such as targeted drug delivery for cancer patients, catalysis to support sustainable energy, and new materials for nanotechnology.

The ChE Marketing and Communications Manager leads all facets of the department's marketing and communications operations. Reporting directly to the Department Chair, the Manager will develop a marketing and communications strategy that positions U-M ChE as a national and global leader in both chemical engineering research and education to our peers, prospective students and faculty, our passionate alumni, industry partners, the media, and the general public.

As the lead of the ChE Marketing and Communications team, the Manager will assist the Department Chair, Unit Administrator and College Communications & Marketing team in identifying and closing existing gaps in marketing and promotional resources. Working with the Department Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Manager will help shape the implementation and communication of key department initiatives. The Manager will use the resources and communications channels available within Michigan Engineering and across U-M to strengthen ChE's reputation among key audiences. Working in collaboration with department and College staff, the Manager will craft and disseminate department research news and accolades using a range of print and digital platforms, including newsletters, websites and social media.

Strategic Marketing and Communications (35%)

• Develop a strategic marketing and communications plan that positions U-M ChE as a preeminent chemical engineering department for research and education
• Oversee production and distribution of print publications (i.e., newsletters, brochures) and electronic products (website articles, e-newsletters, websites, social media posts).
• Coordinate and develop communications for large projects, multiple projects and projects with high visibility, such as recruiting materials, student group information and the department website.
• Ensure that publications, newsletters, and other marketing materials, are accurate, consistent in branding with the College of Engineering, and issued on a timely basis. Solicit and evaluate feedback regarding communications and make improvements.
• Maintain active and regular collaboration and consultation with Michigan Engineering Communications & Marketing team to maximize the impact and work of Chemical Engineering, obtain feedback and support from colleagues, and ensure brand standards

Management and Administrative: (25%)

• Lead ChE marketing and communications team, including hiring, developing, evaluating and delegation of work.
• Provide communications support to the department's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
• Refine and manage marketing and communication budget
• As a key member of the ChE department staff leadership team, participate in developing and implementing strategic goals, plans, policies, and procedures for the unit

Content Creation and Event/Outreach Support (20%)

• Manage social media outlets with updates regarding department news and events, alumni connections, video links
• Develop new and adapt existing templates for use across print and digital platforms, such as social media
• Build our audiences and promote department messages through a dynamic set of multimedia channels, especially social media and video.

Executive Communications (20%)

• Working with the Director of Strategic Initiatives, help build and edit slide decks for the Department Chair's use in presentations to our audiences
• Draft communications, talking points, PPT slides and other content

• A Bachelor's degree in communications, digital media, web design, journalism or other appropriate field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of related experience working with marketing and communications, graphic design, video creation and web design.
• Experience developing strategic marketing and communication plans including goals to support the organization.
• Experience evaluating existing communications, using tools including benchmarking, market analysis, and digital analytics tools.
• Excellent communication, grammar, spelling, and editing skills. Must have knowledge of and familiarity with the AP style and the conventions of print production and web publishing.
• Experience in recording, editing and producing video.
• Demonstrated ability working in a positive manner with diverse populations of students, staff, faculty and alumni.
• Experience creating content for a variety of channels including print, online, email, social media, and in-person presentations.
• Experience communicating across social media platforms and evaluating the success of social media strategies.
• Demonstrated interest in leading and empowering staff and creating a positive culture that supports personal and professional growth.
• Demonstrated experience with information technology applications including Google applications, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and web management tools (CMS products and HTML).
• Be able to apply broad knowledge of principles and practices of web communications, public relations, media relations, social media to achieve communication goals of the department.
• Be interested in learning about departmental research and working with faculty and students to translate the technical research to the audiences with different levels of engineering knowledge.

Michigan Engineering’s vision is to be the world’s preeminent college of engineering serving the common good. This global outlook, leadership focus and service commitment permeate our culture. Our vision is supported by a mission and values that, together, provide the framework for all that we do.  Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/ 

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The Michigan Engineering  component of the University’s comprehensive, five-year, DEI strategic plan—along with updates on our programs and resources dedicated to ensuring a welcoming, fair and inclusive environment—can be found at: http://www.engin.umich.edu/college/about/diversity 

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.