Communications Manager III — Communications Manager II

Working/Functional Title

Communications Manager I/II

Position Summary

The College of Engineering at Michigan State University seeks an experienced detail-oriented and strategic Communications Manager I/II to lead content development public relations and marketing initiatives that enhance the Colleges reputation and visibility. This role shapes how the College shares its storytranslating complex engineering and research achievements into compelling narratives for digital print and media audiences.

The Communications Manager II will guide editorial strategy uphold brand and messaging consistency and manage projects that align with MSUs mission and strategic goals. Responsibilities include overseeing content creation and editing managing media outreach developing strategic communications campaigns and collaborating with faculty researchers and university partners to highlight academic and research excellence and innovation. This position collaborates with college and university communications staff and supervises student employees interprets analytics to inform strategy and may serve as acting lead for the Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy as needed.

Working closely with researchers leadership and campus partners this position translates complex scientific and engineering concepts into accessible engaging narratives. The role develops and edits high-quality materials manages media requests in coordination with University Communications and identifies new storytelling opportunities that highlight innovation and impact.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong editorial judgment adaptability and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced collaborative environment. This position also mentors student employees analyzes content performance to guide strategy and supports the Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy on special projects.

This role requires exceptional editorial judgment creative vision and the ability to manage multiple high-impact projects in a fast-paced environment.

The Communications Manager I will serve as the Colleges primary content developer and editor. This position plays a key role in shaping and sharing the Colleges storycreating compelling content across digital and print platforms amplifying faculty expertise and supporting communications that enhance visibility and reputation.

Working closely with researchers leadership and campus partners the Communications Manager I translates complex scientific and engineering concepts into accessible engaging narratives. The role develops and edits high-quality materials manages media requests in coordination with University Communications and identifies new storytelling opportunities that highlight innovation and impact.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong editorial judgment adaptability and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced collaborative environment. This position also mentors student employees analyzes content performance to guide strategy and supports the Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy on special projects.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism Communications Marketing Advertising Public Relations or a related field.

To be hired at the Communications Manager II level three to five years of related experience 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.

To be hired at the Communications Manager I level one to three years of related experience 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

The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic communication expertise strong leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Experience and Expertise

• Five or more years of professional experience in communications marketing journalism or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex or technical topics into clear engaging content.
• Proven success in developing and implementing communications strategies in large or complex organizations.
• Proven experience working with digital technologies and a strong interest in learning new ones such as content management systems e-newsletter platforms and Microsoft Office applications.

Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional writing editing and storytelling skills across digital and print platforms.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal collaboration and leadership skills to engage effectively with faculty staff and university administrators and represent the College in PR and media settings.
• Sound professional judgment aligned with the Universitys mission vision and values.
• Commitment to established processes continuous improvement and adaptability to new tools and approaches.
• Ability to serve as acting lead for the Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy as needed.

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

Applicants must submit:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. The names and contact information for three professional references at least two of whom must be current or former supervisors.
4. Three technical/science writing samples (500 words; original work only no AI assistance)
5. Three additional writing samples of choice (original work only no AI assistance)
6. Five examples of social media content

Special Instructions

Hybrid Work Arrangement

This position offers the potential for a hybrid work arrangement determined collaboratively between the employee and supervisor based on unit needs. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 5:00 p.m. with occasional evening or weekend events as required. The successful candidate must be available to work on campus and represent the marketing and communications team at select events throughout the year.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends November:55 PM

Required Experience:

Manager