Event and Communication Coordinator

Job Summary This position will primarily provide event planning and graphic design support to the departments of Asian Languages & Cultures, Middle East Studies, Romance Languages & Literatures, and Women and Gender Studies with minimal support to the Humanities Collaboratory as needed. The role is part of a team that supports the aforementioned units located in the Modern Languages Building (MLB), Lane Hall, and South Thayer Building (STB). Responsibilities include supervising and mentoring one to two work‑study students and reporting to three Chief Administrators. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required in support of events. Responsibilities During the academic year, percentages may vary depending on departmental needs. Event Planning and Support (60%) Organize and coordinate in‑person and virtual event logistics for departmental receptions, seminars, colloquia, and lectures, including catering, venues, audio/visual and IT needs, Zoom set up, travel, and honorarium payments. Utilize internal tracking mechanisms to ensure all team members are aware of the status of events. Provide in‑person coverage for events as needed and communicate with organizers and invited guests regarding event logistics and travel (including flights, ground transportation, lodging). Create and send detailed itineraries for all guests coming to campus in collaboration with faculty and staff organizers. Set up events and break down event spaces to reset areas. Communicate clearly and consistently with faculty and staff organizers, ensuring awareness of arrangements for events and consulting with CA as issues arise. Develop budgets in collaboration with CA/faculty organizers, request shortcodes, track event expenses, and maintain budget spreadsheets. Ensure photographs are taken at departmental events for historical purposes and use them in newsletters or websites. Communications (25%) Collaborate with staff and faculty to produce content for unit websites, newsletters, and social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook). Activities include new hire announcements, faculty and graduate student interviews, maintenance of faculty research profiles, announcement of faculty publications, and reporting on grants or awards. Develop and support a social media strategy through strategic messaging and creative solutions to increase engagement with undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and the broader community. Strategically evaluate unit websites to ensure they reach intended audiences, recommending updates or changes based on analysis. Proactively enhance and update websites regularly, improving layout and content for reach and accessibility. Analyze social media metrics quarterly, make recommendations for new strategies, and provide analysis of growth and impact. Lead event promotion, drive marketing efforts, and steward donor relationships through strategic communications and outreach. Graphic Design (15%) Partner with event sponsors (primarily faculty) to design posters, flyers, digital signage, event programs, itineraries, screen printing graphics, and other materials supporting events. Lay out departmental newsletters in collaboration with faculty, staff, and unit administrators; coordinate printing and mailing. Coordinate printing of all designed materials, ensure quality of final products, and pass them to departmental staff for distribution. Develop relationships with faculty, graduate students, and staff to enhance publicity materials by understanding departmental audiences. Serve as an active participant in publicity planning. Other Related Duties As Assigned Work across campus, moving carts of equipment, food, or other items needed for event setup. Physical requirements include moving a cart weighing up to 50 pounds and moving items weighing up to 25 pounds to a height of 3‑4 feet. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Communication or a closely related field. 2‑4 years of experience organizing and coordinating events. Experience using graphic design software and digital products for business/educational purposes. Knowledge of best practices for creative designs to enhance the work and missions of partner departments. Experience with Zoom, Google, and Microsoft Office suites. Experience with website maintenance. Experience using social media for community building and event promotion. Self‑starter able to work with limited direction. Extremely high attention to detail. Ability to work in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment with multiple and, sometimes, conflicting priorities. Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team, fostering positive relationships and communication. High level of oral and written communication skills with previous experience editing and proofreading copy for public dissemination. Ability to communicate with individuals for whom English is not the first language; ability to exchange accurate information in these situations. Proven ability and willingness to work with a variety of populations. Ability to navigate complex scenarios arising when working for multiple units and supervisors. Desired Qualifications Two or more years experience working in a higher education setting. Two or more years of experience planning events in a higher education or corporate setting. Formal training in graphic design with experience in the Adobe suite. Experience using various social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, along with content distribution platforms such as Sprout Social and MailChimp. Experience using AEM to support website design and management. Background Screening The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third‑party administrator to conduct those checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr