Manager, Research Administration Communications
University of Michigan
Manager, Research Administration Communications
Apply Now
**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 (using not lower than 11pt font), explain your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align. Include two (2) professional writing samples, that illustrate your skills and range, links to the samples would be ideal. Please submit all materials together in a single file due to system limitations. All materials will be assessed for written communication skills.
**Job Summary**
The University of Michigan, renowned for its commitment to research excellence and innovation, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Communications Manager to join our esteemed Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP). In fulfilling our mission to safeguard and advance U-M's research enterprise, you will be a key player in shaping a unified and consistent voice for the research administration ecosystem. We are looking for a visionary communicator with a passion for engaging diverse audiences and creating impactful change through strategic planning and collaboration. This is an opportunity to influence the research landscape by enhancing the communication capabilities of U-M's research administration, fostering a culture of operational excellence and engagement. If you are interested in supporting groundbreaking research and are ready to take on a transformative role, we invite you to apply and contribute to a world-class institution recognized for its innovative spirit and excellence.
ORSP safeguards and advances U-M's research enterprise by providing its partners with efficient pre-award and non-financial post-award services for the compliant administration of externally sponsored grants, contracts, and ancillary agreements. ORSP aspires to be recognized across the globe as the leading provider of innovative, and high value guidance on the conduct of sponsored research and other funded activities.
Research administration communications for the University of Michigan is a multi-faceted program for connected offices and functions, located in and managed by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) that ensures the U-M research administration ecosystem is informed by and operates from a reliable, recognizable platform with a unified and consistent voice.
The Communications Manager will be the day-to-day communications strategist for U-M's research administration ecosystem. The offices and functions supported include the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, Sponsored Programs, and the Office of Research Administration Strategy, as well as platform communications for the Research Administration Advisory Council, Research Administration Information Technology, and Research Administration Compliance.
Reporting to the Director, Operations and Administration, this position is responsible for the following:
**Content Creation**
Support leadership positioning through communication channels and messaging designed to engage all levels of staff. Collaborate with other key stakeholders to positively impact engagement, culture and operational excellence.
Drafting recurring and ad hoc communications on behalf of and in service to the research administration community within the university.
Maintain a variety of digital communication tools, including (but not limited to) internal and external newsletters, websites, surveys, and electronic forms.
Devise and implement ways to monitor the effectiveness of communications efforts among key constituencies.
**Strategic Planning**
Direct the creation and execution of strategic communications plans for the ORSP, Sponsored Programs, Research Administration Strategy, Research Administration Committees, Research Administration ITS, and Research Administration Compliance, and assist with strategic communications as they relate to the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.
Communicate and present procedures and policy within ORSP and externally to the university community.
Direct the strategy for modes of communication and the use of internal communication channels within the associated departments.
Suggest and develop improvements in the communications processes associated with research administration.
**Outreach and Collaboration**
Serve as a subject matter expert and conduit to key stakeholders (e.g., Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Conflict of Interest, Innovation and Technology, Corporate Engagement, Development and Export Control) and collaborator for office staff.
Serve as a representative on relevant university committees - provide input to optimize enterprise-level systems supporting research administration and participate in managing change within the research administration community.
**Required Qualifications***
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five (5) or more years of experience in public relations, promotions, journalism, marketing or communication-related field in a professional setting.
The above requirements can be achieved through a combination of a bachelor's degree and five years of relevant work experience, or without a Bachelor's and with seven years of relevant work experience.
**Desired Qualifications***
Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
Familiarity with U-M policies and procedures related to research administration (including, but not limited to, accounting, purchasing, personnel, and regulatory compliance).
**Modes 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 thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .
**Additional Information**
The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan and to maintain the excellence of the University. We welcome applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research mission, including women, members of minority groups, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, like the University of Michigan as a whole, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons and will not discriminate against any individual because of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.
**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**
260628
**Working Title**
Manager, Research Administration Communications
**Job Title**
Communications Manager
**Work Location**
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
**Modes of Work**
Hybrid
**Full/Part Time**
Full-Time
**Regular/Temporary**
Regular
**FLSA Status**
Exempt
**Organizational Group**
Umor Sponsored Projs
**Department**
UMOR Off Rsrch&Spnsr Prjs-ORSP
**Posting Begin/End Date**
2/21/2025 - 3/07/2025
**Salary**
$80,000.00 - $95,000.00
**Career Interest**
Communications & Marketing
Apply Now
Confirm your E-mail: Send Email
All Jobs from University of Michigan