Communications Manager I
Michigan State University College of Engineering, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48823
Overview
Position Summary: The Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) at Michigan State University (MSU) provides cutting-edge training and exchange programs for international students, professionals and organizations by leveraging the academic excellence of a top global research university. Founded in 1991, VIPP has trained over 5,000 professionals from more than 50 countries. Reporting to the Director, this position leads VIPP’s outreach efforts through effective communication. Specifically, the communications manager leads VIPP’s engagement with stakeholders including funding agencies, international partners, Michigan-based community and industry partners, VIPP alumni, and participants through print, digital, and social media presence with clear and consistent messaging, including storytelling. The communications manager will also oversee the VIPP CRM system powered by Salesforce and work closely with all VIPP team members to generate targeted communications via Mailchimp and other channels. The communications manager represents VIPP at relevant MSU and ISP working groups and collaborates with other communicators in advancing VIPP and MSU’s global engagement. This position may be required to travel internationally for VIPP events as needed. Hybrid work statement:
The department is currently operating under a hybrid modality structure, with staff working three days in person and two days remotely. This structure is subject to change at any time.
Primary Position Responsibilities Brand Strategy and Storytelling (40%)
Research and analyze VIPP business and stakeholders’ needs and advise how the communication strategy can address these needs
Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of VIPP communications strategies, campaigns, publications, and other materials for VIPP and its programs
Collaborate with the Director to draft and review communication strategy, policy, and procedure
Supervise part-time student assistants on creative writing for storytelling, content generation, image and video production, and other communication-related activities
Manage the CRM system in collaboration with the MSU Salesforce team to make sure the system is up to date
Lead CRM data analysis and provide insights for potential new program development
Social Media and Marketing Management (40%)
Compose and edit press releases, articles, newsletters, social media posts, and/or related content.
Manage the department’s social media interactions on a number of platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Lead web page design, maintenance, and content management
Develop program materials such as flyers, surveys, handbooks, brochures, and certificates
Design and order promotional items and assist with maintaining inventory
Monitor various publications and electronic sources of news and commentary for potential relevance to unit activities
Assist in event organization and publicity. Represent VIPP at relevant events for program promotion.
Relationship Development and Collaboration (20%)
Collaborate with VIPP team in other language-based communication strategies, for example WeChat, to encourage alignment.
Support and expand community network to create home hospitality opportunities for VIPP participants.
Investigate vendor communications services and manage vendor relationships.
Represent VIPP in the MSU and ISP communicators groups to learn and share best practices. Collaborate with different MSU units to best promote VIPP programs and services.
Continue professional skills development by actively looking for opportunities; this may include taking training courses, attending relevant conferences, etc.
Minimum Requirements Knowledge equivalent to that normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in media, communication, advertising, marketing, creative writing, or related fields; one to three years of professional work experience in social media campaign design, coordination, and result evaluation; marketing research and data analysis; familiar with InDesign and/or other software for print and digital material design; valid US driver's license;
Desired Qualifications
Master's degree in media, marketing, communication, or related fields
Ability to take initiative to ensure work is completed at a high standard
An excellent communicator who can communicate effectively with all stakeholders and MSU campus partners
Excellent writing and editing skills
Experience working with international scholars and students in professional development
Experience with leading and supervising student assistants and being the point person with relevant designers and vendors for specific events or marketing and communication tasks
Well-organized individual with the ability to multitask and work under pressure
Experience in event planning and organization
Ability and willingness to learn new systems and technology
This position may be required to travel internationally for VIPP events 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 Resume and cover letter
Special Instructions Applicants are encouraged to provide example works such as marketing materials, campaigns, websites or social media channels they are responsible for.
Work Hours STANDARD 8-5
Website https://vipp.isp.msu.edu/
The Bidding Eligibility ends on 01/27/2026 at 11:55 PM
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Summary: The Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) at Michigan State University (MSU) provides cutting-edge training and exchange programs for international students, professionals and organizations by leveraging the academic excellence of a top global research university. Founded in 1991, VIPP has trained over 5,000 professionals from more than 50 countries. Reporting to the Director, this position leads VIPP’s outreach efforts through effective communication. Specifically, the communications manager leads VIPP’s engagement with stakeholders including funding agencies, international partners, Michigan-based community and industry partners, VIPP alumni, and participants through print, digital, and social media presence with clear and consistent messaging, including storytelling. The communications manager will also oversee the VIPP CRM system powered by Salesforce and work closely with all VIPP team members to generate targeted communications via Mailchimp and other channels. The communications manager represents VIPP at relevant MSU and ISP working groups and collaborates with other communicators in advancing VIPP and MSU’s global engagement. This position may be required to travel internationally for VIPP events as needed. Hybrid work statement:
The department is currently operating under a hybrid modality structure, with staff working three days in person and two days remotely. This structure is subject to change at any time.
Primary Position Responsibilities Brand Strategy and Storytelling (40%)
Research and analyze VIPP business and stakeholders’ needs and advise how the communication strategy can address these needs
Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of VIPP communications strategies, campaigns, publications, and other materials for VIPP and its programs
Collaborate with the Director to draft and review communication strategy, policy, and procedure
Supervise part-time student assistants on creative writing for storytelling, content generation, image and video production, and other communication-related activities
Manage the CRM system in collaboration with the MSU Salesforce team to make sure the system is up to date
Lead CRM data analysis and provide insights for potential new program development
Social Media and Marketing Management (40%)
Compose and edit press releases, articles, newsletters, social media posts, and/or related content.
Manage the department’s social media interactions on a number of platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Lead web page design, maintenance, and content management
Develop program materials such as flyers, surveys, handbooks, brochures, and certificates
Design and order promotional items and assist with maintaining inventory
Monitor various publications and electronic sources of news and commentary for potential relevance to unit activities
Assist in event organization and publicity. Represent VIPP at relevant events for program promotion.
Relationship Development and Collaboration (20%)
Collaborate with VIPP team in other language-based communication strategies, for example WeChat, to encourage alignment.
Support and expand community network to create home hospitality opportunities for VIPP participants.
Investigate vendor communications services and manage vendor relationships.
Represent VIPP in the MSU and ISP communicators groups to learn and share best practices. Collaborate with different MSU units to best promote VIPP programs and services.
Continue professional skills development by actively looking for opportunities; this may include taking training courses, attending relevant conferences, etc.
Minimum Requirements Knowledge equivalent to that normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in media, communication, advertising, marketing, creative writing, or related fields; one to three years of professional work experience in social media campaign design, coordination, and result evaluation; marketing research and data analysis; familiar with InDesign and/or other software for print and digital material design; valid US driver's license;
Desired Qualifications
Master's degree in media, marketing, communication, or related fields
Ability to take initiative to ensure work is completed at a high standard
An excellent communicator who can communicate effectively with all stakeholders and MSU campus partners
Excellent writing and editing skills
Experience working with international scholars and students in professional development
Experience with leading and supervising student assistants and being the point person with relevant designers and vendors for specific events or marketing and communication tasks
Well-organized individual with the ability to multitask and work under pressure
Experience in event planning and organization
Ability and willingness to learn new systems and technology
This position may be required to travel internationally for VIPP events 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 Resume and cover letter
Special Instructions Applicants are encouraged to provide example works such as marketing materials, campaigns, websites or social media channels they are responsible for.
Work Hours STANDARD 8-5
Website https://vipp.isp.msu.edu/
The Bidding Eligibility ends on 01/27/2026 at 11:55 PM
#J-18808-Ljbffr