Communications Manager I

Position Summary

The Communications & Software Engagement Specialist plays a key role in supporting student and family engagement through strategic communications, software integration, and cross-unit collaboration. This position supports New Student Orientation (NSO), Family & Supporter Orientation, Transfer Student Success, and community engaged programs Detroit M.A.D.E. Scholars and Lansing Spartan Scholars. The role includes content creation, software evaluation, data-informed communication strategies, and collaborative project management.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications & Engagement (30%)

• Develop and distribute newsletters (e.g., NSO, Family & Supporter Orientation) using platforms like Mailchimp and CampusESP.

• Craft and coordinate text message communications in collaboration with Admissions.

• Support social media strategy and analytics across ATSS units.

• Collaborate with student leaders and coordinators to enhance programming visibility.

Software & Technology Integration (30%)

• Build and maintain D2L courses for NSO and Family & Supporter Orientation.

• Collaborate with Institutional Research (IR) and Automation teams to ensure accurate student data integration.

• Evaluate and recommend communication technologies (e.g., CampusESP, Modern Campus Message).

• Utilize tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Genially, and Snagit for multimedia content.

• • Cross-Unit Collaboration (20%)

Partner with Family & Supporter Orientation Coordinator and other unit leads to align messaging and engagement strategies.

• Support Detroit Made and Lansing Spartan Scholars with graphics, website updates, and promotional materials.

• Participate in onboarding and training for new platforms and systems.

Assessment & Reporting (10%)

• Conduct formative and summative assessments of communication strategies.

• Use tools like Qualtrics and Tableau to analyze engagement and inform future programming.

Leadership & Support (10%)

• Serve as a communications liaison across ATSS units.

• Provide guidance and informal mentorship to student communications teams.

• Participate in strategic planning for transitions and unit integration.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, or Public Relations; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or computer programming/technology; experience managing content for social media channels; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with higher education communications and student engagement.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Mailchimp, CampusESP, D2L, and Tableau.

• Strong project management and collaboration skills.

• Interest in social media analytics and digital storytelling.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter/ Resume submitted to the attention of Committee Chair

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Bidding Eligibility ends August 11, 2026 at 11:55 PM