Public Relations Coordinator

Public Relations Coordinator

The Public Relations Coordinator will play a critical role within the Office of the Vice President for Communications (OVPC) and will join a dynamic and results-oriented team working on some of the most important and complex issues facing higher education. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Public Affairs, this position supports and coordinates communications involving several key groups, including Public Affairs, which handles media requests and institutional issues, the University Record, which is the official U-M news source, the FOIA office, which processes requests for public information, and the Film Office, which works with individuals seeking to film on U-M's campus.

The position calls for an exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and dependable professional who can manage multiple assignments simultaneously and thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Strong follow-through, sound judgment, resourcefulness, diplomacy, and independence will be key. The successful candidate should also be able to communicate clearly, conduct research, and produce accurate, concise written materials.

Core responsibilities include tracking incoming media requests, leading the development of monthly reports, helping monitor information on social media, working with interns to produce a daily 8:30 am media report for university leaders, and producing background materials for various priorities, including Board of Regents meetings and interviews with journalists, and providing operational and administrative support to help keep projects, meetings and team priorities organized and on track. This position is expected to work on-site three or more days per week. Responsibilities often extend beyond traditional working hours due to the time-sensitive nature of the work.

Responsibilities

Public Affairs & University Record Support (40%)

• Triage email, inquiries, and correspondence
• Coordinate and track incoming requests from local and national media
• Produce monthly reports for office leadership
• Conduct research and write briefing documents for Board of Regents meetings, journalist interviews, and other priorities
• Lead the compilation and distribution of daily news clips
• Help monitor social media and other sources for issues, trends, and information relevant to the university
• Support University Record staff with background research and story development
• Assist with the maintenance, updating, and posting of content on the University Record and Public Affairs Key Issues websites
• Provide general operational support for Public Affairs and University Record activities, including scheduling and meeting coordination
• Collaborate across departments within a large, decentralized organization, fostering positive working relationships with various groups
• Backup support for the Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Communications. Schedule meetings and conference rooms, coordinate events and lunches, prepare materials for meetings, and prepare documentation for departmental purchases.

FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Office Support (30%)

• Provide operational support to the FOIA team, with a primary focus on data entry, routine communications, and workflow management
• Assist with records management processes, including organizing, tracking, and maintaining documentation related to FOIA requests
• Coordinate closely with the Public Affairs team on FOIA matters that involve media inquiries, public interest issues, or heightened visibility

Project Management (30%)

• Provide project management support on high-priority, high-impact initiatives
• Track project timelines, deliverables, and milestones to ensure work stays on schedule and aligned with leadership expectations
• Coordinate across internal teams and campus partners to facilitate information flow, task completion, and follow-through
• Prepare meeting materials, summaries, and action items to support decision-making and accountability
• Assist in developing project plans, status reports, and briefing materials for senior leadership
• Support implementation of new processes, tools, or workflows related to Public Affairs and FOIA operations
• Handle sensitive information with discretion and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced, issues-driven environment
• Perform other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of communications experience or an interest in communications
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple, simultaneous projects and activities
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to work appropriately with confidential information
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Good judgment

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a related field
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite
• Understanding of news media and current affairs
• Demonstrated understanding of social media platforms
• Experience working in a fast-paced and confidential work environment

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

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 the work modes.

Work Schedule

The position will be primarily on-site in Ann Arbor with the opportunity for a hybrid schedule in accordance with operational needs.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. The salary range for the lower classification (Public Relations Representative Associate-100495) is $45,000 - $50,000.

Additional Information

NOTE: Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available 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 these 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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

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.