How to Apply

A cover letter, resume, and writing samples are required for consideration for this position.
Cover Letter: In two pages or less (using a minimum 11pt font), please explain your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the position.
Writing Samples: Include two (2) professional writing samples (hyperlinks preferred) that illustrate your communication skills and strategic range.

Please submit all materials together in one combined PDF file due to system limitations. All submitted materials will be assessed as a demonstration of your written communication skills.

Job Summary

Research administration communications at U-M is a multi-faceted program spanning connected offices and functions. This position ensures the U-M research administration ecosystem is informed by and operates from a reliable, recognizable platform with a unified and consistent voice.

The Senior Communications Manager will serve as the day-to-day communications strategist for U-M's research administration ecosystem serving the offices and initiatives of the Associate Vice President for Research - Sponsored Projects. Supported offices and functions include the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, Sponsored Programs, and the Office of Research Administration Strategy, as well as platform communications for the Research Administration Advisory Council, Research Administration Information Technology, and Research Administration Compliance.

Reporting to the Director of Operations and Administration, this position is responsible for the following:

Core Responsibilities

Content Creation
Executive & Leadership Messaging: Support leadership positioning through tailored communication channels and messaging designed to engage all levels of staff.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with key stakeholders to positively impact staff engagement, organizational culture, and operational excellence.
Community Communications: Draft recurring and ad hoc communications on behalf of and in service to the university's research administration community.
Digital Channel Management: Maintain and optimize a variety of digital communication tools, including internal and external newsletters, websites, surveys, and electronic forms.
Metrics & Evaluation: Devise and implement methods to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts among key constituencies.

Strategic Planning
Campaign Strategy: Direct the creation and execution of strategic communications plans for ORSP, Sponsored Programs, Research Administration Strategy, Research Administration Committees, Research Administration ITS, and Research Administration Compliance; assist with strategic communications related to the Office of the Vice President for Research.
Policy & Presentation: Effectively communicate and present internal procedures and policies within research administration teams and externally to the broader university community.
Channel Optimization: Direct the strategy for communication modes and the strategic use of internal communication channels across associated departments.
Process Improvement: Identify, suggest, and develop continuous improvements for communication processes associated with research administration.

Outreach and Collaboration
Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert in communications and primary research administration conduit to key stakeholders (e.g., Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Conflict of Interest, Innovation and Technology, Corporate Engagement, Development, and Export Control) and a strategic collaborator for research administration staff.
Committee Representation: Represent Research Administration on university committees, providing critical input to optimize enterprise-level systems supporting research administration and actively participating in change management initiatives within the community.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five (5) or more years of experience in public relations, promotions, journalism, marketing, or a communication-related field in a professional setting.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder communication campaigns.

Desired Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a closely related field.
Familiarity with U-M policies and procedures related to research administration (including, but not limited to, accounting, purchasing, personnel, and regulatory compliance).

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 .

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

279249

Working Title

Senior Manager, Research Administration Communications

Job Title

Communications Manager

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Umor Sponsored Projs

Department

UMOR Off Rsrch&Spnsr Prjs-ORSP

Posting Begin/End Date

6/25/2026 - 7/09/2026

Salary

$90,000.00 - $110,000.00

Career Interest

Communications & Marketing