Writer

Job Summary The Writer is an integral part of the university’s Communications Team, finding and telling the stories of our students, faculty, staff, leadership and alumni for Reporter (our twice-weekly faculty/staff e-news) and our News site, as well as for specific departments and units. Our approach is journalistic and story-centered. The Writer will report to the Director of Communications and be part of a team of committed and creative professionals: a Senior Writer/Managing Editor, a Digital Media Manager and a Photographer. The Communications Team is part of the Office of External Relations, which also includes the Marketing, Web Services and Government Relations teams. All teams collaborate closely with one another. Responsibilities Regularly identify, pitch and write stories about the work of UM‑Dearborn faculty, staff, students, leadership and alumni, including faculty and student research, academic projects, university programs and initiatives, student support programs and profile pieces Shepherd the story approval process: review the story with sources to ensure accuracy, clarify information as needed, secure any necessary additional approvals and respond to edits from the Reporter editor (Director of Communications), while meeting deadlines Carefully proof stories, ensuring clean copy and adherence to AP and UM‑Dearborn style before submission Coordinate with the staff Photographer and story sources to schedule, review and select images Regularly contribute to Reporter standing sections: Events, Good News, Good to Know (brief campus updates) Post stories and images to the News website Assist the Marketing Communications Coordinator (a member of the Marketing Team) in preparing the twice-weekly e-news and serve as backup for this duty when needed Along with other team members, carefully proof the e-news before publication Brainstorm and coordinate social media content with the Digital Media Manager Support special projects with units across campus, including Institutional Advancement, Marketing and Office of Research Other duties as assigned Required Qualifications A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years professional writing experience, ideally as a journalist and/or university communicator. Candidates who do not meet the education and experience requirements will not be considered Outstanding writing, proofreading and editing skills with a proven ability to create content that engages a variety of audiences Ability to analyze and synthesize information quickly and accurately and to communicate complex and nuanced information in a straightforward, compelling way Ability to build productive, collaborative relationships with staff, students, faculty, university leadership and alumni Ability to work efficiently and meet deadlines, while balancing competing priorities and tackling multiple assignments Knowledge of grammar usage and editorial style guidelines (AP style preferred) Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Proficiency with website content management systems and e-newsletter platforms Comfort with digital platforms and self-motivation in learning new tools/techniques and troubleshooting Openness to constructive edits and feedback, and willingness/ability to provide constructive edits and feedback to others Ability and willingness to use discretion and diplomacy when dealing with confidential or sensitive information or situations Must be self‑motivated, curious, flexible, versatile, highly collaborative, deadline‑ and detail‑oriented, and an excellent time manager Desired Qualifications A demonstrated ability to write about faculty research or other technical topics in a clear and compelling manner for a lay audience Familiarity with Canva and/or basic photo editing software Basic understanding of photo composition principles Ability to recognize media outreach opportunities Ability to work with a videographer to produce video stories Ability to script short videos and/or contribute to collaborative scriptwriting and brainstorming on short video content Benefits Generous time off A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months of eligible service Many choices for comprehensive health insurance, along with prescription drug plan Life insurance Long-term disability coverage Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses Additional UM‑Dearborn Benefits Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement Eligible UM‑Dearborn dependents may receive a 50% tuition and fees scholarship towards undergraduate courses No charge for all faculty and staff parking permits Work Schedule This position is a 50% appointment (20 hours per week) and is benefits‑eligible. A 4 or 5 day per week schedule is desirable but a 3‑day schedule will be considered. This position is hybrid and will require some dedicated time on campus. Only local candidates and those willing and able to work a hybrid schedule (not fully remote) will be considered for this position. 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. U-M EEO Statement The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Nashville Public Radio