Digital Communications Specialist
University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Job Summary
The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is seeking a talented web designer, web administrator, and AV technician to join our Marketing and Communications team. In this role, you'll be at the center of the Ford School's digital presence—designing, building, and managing websites for the Ford School and some of the nation's leading public policy research initiatives. You'll collaborate with research center staff, the communications team, and internal and external partners to deliver compelling digital experiences. Beyond the web, you'll also provide audiovisual support for the Ford School's premier events, from mic placement and audio mixing to coordinating AV student assistants. You will report to the Assistant Director of Digital Strategy and collaborate closely with research center staff and the communications team.
Responsibilities
Web Design & Development (~60%)
Conduct content updates, maintenance, and development of websites and web‑based tools.
Manage and develop research center websites built on Drupal and WordPress, including creating new sites and pages as needed.
Coordinate and manage web projects with internal and external developers.
Ensure compliance with security and accessibility requirements; maintain site and information backups.
Train users on websites, the tools needed to make web updates, email, and any solutions you develop; create documentation and tutorials as needed.
Stay current with web technologies and design best practices through professional development opportunities.
Develop graphics and any web assets as needed.
Email Marketing & Analytics (~25%)
Design, develop, and implement HTML email campaigns, including list management, template coding, testing, and deployment.
Produce analytics reports for web, email, and social media initiatives; apply insights to improve performance.
AV & Event Support (~15%)
Support webinars and in‑person events, including operating slides, prepping speakers and equipment, and adjusting audio levels during events. Training will be provided.
Coordinate AV student assistant assignments with the events team.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in web design/development, a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2+ years of professional experience developing, managing, and updating web content.
Experience building and managing sites in Drupal and/or WordPress.
Working knowledge of MySQL, Google Analytics, and web server environments.
Experience conducting usability and accessibility testing in alignment with WCAG standards.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Experience with AV equipment, live event production, or event support is a plus.
Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Emma, or similar).
Benefits
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two‑for‑one matching contributions
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long‑term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Paid parental leave
Modes of Work
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.
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.
U‑M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
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The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is seeking a talented web designer, web administrator, and AV technician to join our Marketing and Communications team. In this role, you'll be at the center of the Ford School's digital presence—designing, building, and managing websites for the Ford School and some of the nation's leading public policy research initiatives. You'll collaborate with research center staff, the communications team, and internal and external partners to deliver compelling digital experiences. Beyond the web, you'll also provide audiovisual support for the Ford School's premier events, from mic placement and audio mixing to coordinating AV student assistants. You will report to the Assistant Director of Digital Strategy and collaborate closely with research center staff and the communications team.
Responsibilities
Web Design & Development (~60%)
Conduct content updates, maintenance, and development of websites and web‑based tools.
Manage and develop research center websites built on Drupal and WordPress, including creating new sites and pages as needed.
Coordinate and manage web projects with internal and external developers.
Ensure compliance with security and accessibility requirements; maintain site and information backups.
Train users on websites, the tools needed to make web updates, email, and any solutions you develop; create documentation and tutorials as needed.
Stay current with web technologies and design best practices through professional development opportunities.
Develop graphics and any web assets as needed.
Email Marketing & Analytics (~25%)
Design, develop, and implement HTML email campaigns, including list management, template coding, testing, and deployment.
Produce analytics reports for web, email, and social media initiatives; apply insights to improve performance.
AV & Event Support (~15%)
Support webinars and in‑person events, including operating slides, prepping speakers and equipment, and adjusting audio levels during events. Training will be provided.
Coordinate AV student assistant assignments with the events team.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in web design/development, a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2+ years of professional experience developing, managing, and updating web content.
Experience building and managing sites in Drupal and/or WordPress.
Working knowledge of MySQL, Google Analytics, and web server environments.
Experience conducting usability and accessibility testing in alignment with WCAG standards.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Experience with AV equipment, live event production, or event support is a plus.
Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Emma, or similar).
Benefits
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two‑for‑one matching contributions
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long‑term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Paid parental leave
Modes of Work
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.
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.
U‑M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr