Event and Communication Coordinator

Job Overview The University of Michigan seeks an events and graphic design professional to provide event planning and graphic design support for the departments of Asian Languages & Cultures, Middle East Studies, Romance Languages & Literatures, and Women and Gender Studies, with limited support to the Humanities Collaboratory as needed. The role will be part of a team that supports units located in the Modern Languages Building (MLB), Lane Hall, and South Thayer Building (STB). The position includes supervising and mentoring one to two work-study students and reports to three Chief Administrators. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required to support events. Responsibilities Event Planning and Support – 60% Organize and coordinate in-person and virtual event logistics for departmental receptions, seminars, colloquia, and lectures (catering, venues, A/V and IT needs, Zoom setup, travel, honorarium payments). Use internal tracking to keep team members informed and provide in-person coverage as needed. Communicate with organizers and guests regarding event logistics and travel. Create and send detailed itineraries for campus visits in collaboration with faculty and staff organizers. Set up and break down events, resetting spaces as required. Maintain clear communication with faculty and staff organizers; develop a communication plan with faculty organizers as issues arise. Develop budgets with CA/faculty organizers, request shortcodes, track expenses, and maintain budget spreadsheets. Ensure photos are taken at events for historical purposes and use in newsletters or websites. Communications – 25% Collaborate with unit staff and faculty to create content for websites, newsletters, and social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook), including announcements, faculty interviews, research profiles, publications, and grant/award reporting. Support social media strategy to increase engagement among undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and the broader community. Evaluate unit websites and implement updates based on strategic analysis. Enhance and update websites regularly for layout and content accessibility. Analyze social media metrics quarterly and recommend new strategies; report on growth and impact. Lead event promotion, drive marketing efforts, and steward donor relationships through strategic communications and outreach. Graphic Design – 15% Collaborate with event sponsors to design posters, flyers, digital signage, programs, itineraries, and other materials for events. Layout departmental newsletters with faculty, staff, and unit administrators; coordinate printing and mailing. Coordinate printing of materials and ensure final product quality for distribution. Engage with faculty, graduate students, and staff to improve publicity content and understand department audiences. Participate in publicity planning as an active team member. Other Related Duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Communications or a closely related field 2–4 years of experience organizing and coordinating events Experience using graphic design software and digital tools for business/education Knowledge of best practices for creative design to support partner departments Experience with Zoom, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office Website maintenance experience Experience using social media for community building and event promotion Self-starter with the ability to work with limited direction Extremely high attention to detail Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple and conflicting priorities Strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills Excellent oral and written communication; experience editing and proofreading for public dissemination Ability to communicate with individuals for whom English is not their first language Proven ability to work with a variety of populations Ability to navigate multiple units and supervisors Physical ability to move equipment and materials (e.g., up to 50 pounds); set up and tear down events and move furniture as needed; lift up to 25 pounds to 3–4 feet Desired Qualifications Two or more years in a higher education setting Two or more years planning events in higher education or corporate settings Formal training in graphic design with Adobe Creative Suite Experience with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) and distribution tools (e.g., Sprout Social, MailChimp) Experience using AEM for website design and management Work Arrangements Positions may offer hybrid or remote work at the department’s discretion. Work agreements are reviewed annually and may change. Work Schedule This position is 100% (40 hours per week), with 80% (32 hours per week) for eight weeks per year (June and July). Compensation and Other Information The full-time salary range is $44,000 to $55,000. Higher offers may be made based on equity and experience. Short-listed candidates may be asked to provide samples of their work. This position may allow up to one remote day per week. About the University As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the University of Michigan is committed to a workplace that respects all individuals and provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr