Communications Manager I

This position plays a key role in supporting student and family engagement through strategic communications, software integration, and cross-unit collaboration. The role 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.

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 M.A.D.E. 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.

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; experience managing content for social media channels; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.

Schedule

Standard 8-5