Communications Specialist – 224571 (Outreach Coordinator)
Salary Range: $46,500-$58,100
Location: Remote optional, with occasional on-site work
The Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity (RISE) Center at the University of Michigan seeks a full-time (40 hours/week) Outreach Coordinator. This person will oversee the communications arm of RISE, facilitating communication between the Center and Indigenous communities and stakeholders and disseminating information about ongoing research, activism, and initiatives at the Center. The ideal applicant will have communications experience and a record of successful partnerships with diverse communities and stakeholders, particularly Indigenous communities. The applicant should be passionate about racial justice and eager to work flexibly across disciplines and sectors to create societal change. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, especially those from Indigenous backgrounds and/or those with a strong record of community engagement involving Indigenous Peoples.
About RISE
RISE is a collaborative of academics, non-profit organizations, artists, and activists working together to produce research and educational tools that give voice to Indigenous experiences, uplift Indigenous well-being, and identify tangible and effective ways of creating equitable outcomes for Indigenous Peoples throughout society. For more information, visit our website: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/rise/
Additional Information: This role is term-limited to December 31, 2023, and may be renewed for subsequent years contingent on performance and the availability of funding. Based on equity and experience of the selected candidate, a higher offer may be made.
The Outreach Coordinator’s effort will be approximately 90% communications and promotions and 10% administrative. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Overseeing RISE communications, ensuring alignment with the Center’s strategic plan;
- Collaborating with RISE leadership and the Advisory Board to identify communications priorities and strategies;
- Collaborating with researchers, artists, and activists to effectively, clearly, and widely convey information about the Center’s work and initiatives to academic and lay audiences (e.g., through one-on-one meetings, community events, social media campaigns);
- Building strong relationships with Indigenous stakeholders and communities and with other research and social action organizations to facilitate engagement and collaboration;
- Drafting and disseminating internal and external communications about Center initiatives (e.g., memos, slide decks, reports, informational flyers, social media posts);
- Designing and implementing communications campaigns;
- Coordinating with the university communications team to promote the Center’s accomplishments and initiatives;
- Tracking and reporting on media engagement and campaign performance;
- Monitoring and tracking issues in the media related to the Center’s work;
- Assisting with communications needs for the leadership team, including presentation development, interview talking points, and stakeholder engagement;
- Ensuring the Center’s website is up-to-date;
- Training, supervising, and mentoring junior Center personnel on the communications team; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field; Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in communications, OR equivalent education/experience. Strong communication, analytic, and multidisciplinary collaboration skills, including:
- Persuasive, credible, and polished oral and written communication skills;
- In-depth understanding of best practices in communications, marketing, advertising, and branding;
- Record of successful communications initiatives;
- Exceptional interpersonal skills;
- Demonstrated ability to work across diverse communities, professional sectors, and disciplinary backgrounds;
- Integrity, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn;
- Willingness to take initiative and try new things;
- Excellent time management skills;
- Ability to meet high-priority short-term needs while also advancing long-term projects/goals;
- Desire to work collaboratively and contribute as a fully functioning team member;
- Ability to critically analyze problems and develop results-oriented solutions; and
- Willingness to be on-site for certain events/activities.
Desired Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in communications or related field or equivalent work experience;
- Deep knowledge of Indigenous cultures and/or experience working with Indigenous Peoples, preferably in the field of communications;
- 5+ years of experience, particularly agency experience;
- A commitment to racial justice, particularly as it pertains to Indigenous Peoples;
- Graphic design skills; and
- Effective use of social media to drive organizational engagement.