How to Apply
A cover letter and 2-3 writing samples are required for consideration. The cover letter should be attached as the first page of your resume and should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills that directly relate to this position. The writing samples could be links to items published online or attached as follow-on pages to your resume and should demonstrate the ability to write about science and engineering for a non-expert audience.
Summary
Join an award-winning team of storytellers, web developers, marketers and designers who work together to support the research, education and community of the world-renowned University of Michigan College of Engineering and further its goal of service to society. At Michigan Engineering’s Office of Communications & Marketing (C&M), we take the educational mission of a public university beyond its walls, producing and sharing class-leading stories, photography and videos that inform and inspire.
As News & Feature Writer, you’ll meaningfully contribute on this creative, collaborative team. You will cover roughly four of the College’s 14 departments and divisions, serving as an in-house reporter, science writer and public relations representative. You’ll report to the Director of Communications & Public Engagement, and you’ll work closely with the Research News Editor and the Strategic Content & Magazine Editor, as well as colleagues from across the office.
What You’ll Do
Write and report: Your primary contributions include a consistent flow of quicker turn-around stories and news releases and, on an annual basis, 2-3 in-depth long-form pieces for our alumni magazine, the Michigan Engineer. You will:
- Find and write engaging, informative stories about what’s happening in our labs, classrooms and communities.
- Bring to light the people who make the College one of the nation’s leading engineering institutions.
- Distill new research to its essence, and clarify why it matters.
- Unravel the complexity of the problems we face as a society and the ways Michigan Engineers are working to address them.
Media relations: You will assist with public relations, at times acting as a liaison to journalists. You will:
- Apply an understanding of the news media landscape to identify research and education coverage opportunities.
- Identify and facilitate opportunities for faculty members to contribute to national dialogues.
- Stay informed of forthcoming papers, grants and educational initiatives and identify newsworthy items.
Collaboration and stewardship: You’ll be part of a collaborative, decentralized team working to achieve College communications goals. You will:
- Steward the mission and communication goals of the College and its departments and units.
- Work closely with other communicators, editors, project managers, photographers, videographers, designers, production managers, marketers and web developers.
- Welcome and incorporate input and feedback from colleagues and subject matter experts.
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of the nation’s number one public research institution, Michigan Engineering’s mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. 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). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/
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
- Maternity and Parental Leave
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or other appropriate field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum four years experience in a related position such as journalism, web communications, public relations or media relations.
- Can distill complex science and engineering concepts into language that achieves the appropriate level of rigor and relevance for the audience.
- Experience successfully managing multiple projects as well as determining and meeting tight deadlines.
- Ability to give and receive thoughtful feedback without being afraid to change your mind.
- A history of building productive, cooperative relationships with story sources and colleagues.
- A curious nature and an interest in science and technology.
Work Locations
The Michigan Engineering Office of Communications & Marketing operates in a hybrid work environment consisting of both in-person and remote work. You will be classified as a Flex position within the Michigan Engineering STARR classification matrix which means working on campus 1-2 days per week and working remotely the rest of the week. You can find more information here: https://rpm.engin.umich.edu/human-resources/telecommuting/
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
234371
Working Title
News & Feature Writer
Job Title
Public Relations Rep Senior
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
CoE Communications & Marketing
Posting Begin/End Date
5/11/2023 – 5/25/2023
Salary
$55,000.00 – $75,000.00
Career Interest
Communications & Marketing