Apply Now

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. This is a 100% FTE position.

Job Summary

This position will provide primary communications, design, meeting and event support to the Department of Linguistics and the Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science, located in North Quad and Weiser Hall respectively.  This position will be the primary web editor, content editor and graphic designer for both organizations.  This position will report to the Chief Administrator for both the department and the institute. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required in support of events and meetings. The individual selected for this position must exercise sound judgment, have a welcoming and professional demeanor and have the demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals and groups. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated person that is flexible with changing assignments and priorities, highly organized, reliable and comfortable managing multiple projects, and possesses great attention to detail.

The Department of Linguistics and the Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science are both vibrant academic units within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. The Communications, Events and Design Coordinator is an important member of a dynamic team of staff that supports faculty and students. To learn more about the units, please visit https://lsa.umich.edu/linguistics and  https://lsa.umich.edu/weinberginstitute.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.  The University of Michigan is committed to foster learning, creativity and productivity, and to support the vigorous exchange of ideas and information, not only in the classroom but in the workplace by:  -Creating a work environment in which people treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of roles, responsibilities or differences.  -Providing support, direction and resources enabling us to accomplish the responsibilities of our jobs and to reach the goals that are set for professional and personal growth.

Responsibilities*

Communications Content Creator and Web Editor -- 50%
Writing, proofreading and editing a variety of documents and correspondence, such as electronic newsletters, memorandum, department news and events communications, communications to donors / alumni, and other document creation and editing as needed.  Management of web page content for both departments, including general website updates, content creation, maintaining department event calendar and alumni development projects.  Develop relationships with faculty, graduate students and staff in order to develop and enhance the content of publicity materials by understanding the department and institutes respective audiences.  Partner with Academic Services team on maintaining department social media presence (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), serving as an active member of the social media team.  

Event Planning and Meeting Support -- 30%
Work directly with event sponsors to coordinate all logistics for events including flights, ground transportation, lodging, venues, A/V and tech, catering, and other event-specific needs.  Organize and coordinate virtual event logistics including Zoom meeting set-up and primary host support.  Coordinate with Zoom participants, panelists, CART services, etc., to ensure overall meeting needs.  Be present at beginning and end of events to ensure execution. Promote events and take pictures for use in newsletters or on websites. Prepare materials related to the events including but not limited to itineraries, programs, and other print / on-line materials.  Communicate with organizers and invited guests regarding event logistics.  Understand and interpret UM, LSA, and other relevant policies and procedures related to hosting, and events. Assist with processing of honorarium and reimbursement payments. Assist with the creation and tracking of event budgets. Ensure events and publicity are within outlined budgets; discuss anomalies with appropriate supervisor.

Graphic Design and Faculty Web Support -- 20%
Design posters, flyers, digital signage, event programs, itineraries and other required materials in support of events organized and sponsored by the Department of Linguistics and the Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science.  Design graphics for events and department use.  Work with the Academic Services Team to design and plan layout of department newsletters, including coordinating of mailings (MailChimp).  Creating and maintaining public intranet space whereby faculty and students interested in joint research projects can connect and collaborate.  Partner with faculty and affiliates on assisting with research project websites.

Required Qualifications*1-2 years of experience with event planning, preferably in an academic setting.  Extremely high attention to detail and accuracy of work. Experience working with virtual meetings and Zoom hosting support, or equivalent experience in other on-line platforms1-2 years of experience and skill in writing, editing, proofreading or other content review in a team environment.  Experience in web content editing, preferably AEM, or equivalent experience in other web editing software.The ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines. A high level of interest in and ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of constituents (faculty, upper level administration, staff, etc.).  Proven ability and willingness to work with diverse populations. Associates degree in graphic and/or web design, or at least 2 years experience using Adobe Creative Cloud to design visual and digital products for business / educational purposes.  A high proficiency in InDesign and Photoshop.  Portfolio or examples of work will need to be provided at request if interviewed.Prior experience with Google Mail, Google Docs/Microsoft Word, Google Sheets/Microsoft Excel, Adobe Experience Manager and Illustrator.  Prior experience creating and managing event budgets. This position requires someone who is motivated to work for multiple units and appreciates the complexities of such.  This position requires a candidate who is driven to create efficiencies and share ideas between units in order to enhance the support provided to all units.The person in this position must have the ability to easily move across campus carrying or pushing a cart of equipment, food, or other items needed for event set up. Ability to move a cart weighing up to 40 pounds is required as well as the ability to move 10-15 pounds of such items if needed. Chosen candidate must have the ability to physically set up and tear down for events including moving and arranging tables, chairs, and mobile equipment. This position requires the ability to move materials weighing up to 25 pounds to a height of 3-4 feet and set them on tables, carts, or other surfaces.  The person in this position needs to have schedule flexibility to work after hours or on weekends on occasion, depending on necessary event or meeting support.Desired Qualifications*2+ years of experience providing event support at the University of Michigan.  Experience with Microsoft Office and Google tools.  1 year of experience in Zoom meetings and Zoom webinar hosting support is desired.Bachelors degree in graphic design or at least 3 years of experience designing visual and digital products for business and/or educational purposes utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud products is desired.Experience using AEM website content management is desired.  The demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.  Familiarity with the University of Michigan structure, the College of LSA and humanities units within LSA and their resources and policies as well as experience adhering to UM's style guides.
 Work Schedule

This position is 100% (40 hours per week) throughout the year.  Flexibility is required in order to be present on campus as needed to complete job responsibilities. Remote work is available two days per week, though, there may be times when additional in-person work is necessary due to needs of the position.  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:

Many choices for comprehensive health insuranceDental and vision insuranceLife insuranceFlexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expensesMaternity and paternity leave
 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.

Additional Information

As one of the worlds great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSAs Mission, Vision and Values, please visit https://lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

The salary range for this position is $41,500-$51,500. Please note that a higher salary may be offered for highly qualified candidates. 

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 background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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 background checks.  Background checks will be 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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.