Communications Specialist

Communications SpecialistThe Demography of Aging, Disability and Care Program (DADC) in the Survey Research Center at the Institute for Social Research conducts research focused on the consequences of population aging. The program provides leadership for several research projects including the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the Michigan Center on the Demography of Aging (MiCDA).We are seeking a full-time Communications Specialist who will support the NHATS and MiCDA project teams by planning, crafting and coordinating outreach communications, event planning and coordination, and educational communications.This is a two-year term limited position with the possibility of extension. An extension will be based on available funding and performance. This position reports to the NHATS Director of Educational Outreach.Responsibilities include:Develop and implement plans for building audiences for outreach activities, including adherence to branding and style conventionsDevelop, post, and remediate as needed accessible website content in both Drupal and WordPress and track analyticsCraft and manage distribution of newsletter(s) and other outreach communications tasks as assignedBuild social media audiences and track analyticsPlan and execute communications for external research conferences. Responsibilities include working with vendors to design and request quotes for exhibit materials and developing lists of presentations to share via social media channels and project websites.Plan, organize, and manage communications-related logistics for in-house research events, including webinars, workshops and conferences. Responsibilities include crafting invitations and sign ups, calendar holds, and pre- and post-event communications/evaluations; editing/posting and promoting videos; tracking event feedback.Develop and implement plans for building audiences for NHATS educational activitiesCoordinate with faculty, record and edit clips and videosPrepare research summaries and other educational material as assigned for websiteTrack educational website/video analyticsRequired qualifications include:Bachelor's degree in communications or social science fieldMinimum of 2-3 years of communications experienceExperience managing social media and website content, preferably using Wordpress and/or DrupalExperience with preparing reports using website and/or social media analyticsExcellent skills in planning, prioritization and project management, including handling multiple, complex projects with varying deadlinesEvidence of strong communication skills, including interpersonal communicationsAbility to work independently and as an effective team memberSubstantial experience with Microsoft Office, Google Suite and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom)Desired qualifications include:Experience with video editing softwareExperience with creating and managing newslettersDemonstrated strength in communicating effectively with and building research audiencesPositions 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. Work location is expected to be onsite in Ann Arbor with flexibility for hybrid work within our overall Center guidelines.The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M 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; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.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.Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.