Writer

Job Summary
The Writer is an integral part of the university’s Communications Team, finding and telling the stories of our students, faculty, staff, leadership and alumni for Reporter (our twice-weekly faculty/staff e-news) and our News site, as well as for specific departments and units. Our approach is journalistic and story-centered. The Writer will report to the Director of Communications and be part of a team of committed and creative professionals: a Senior Writer/Managing Editor, a Digital Media Manager and a Photographer. The Communications Team is part of the Office of External Relations, which also includes the Marketing, Web Services and Government Relations teams. All teams collaborate closely with one another.

Responsibilities

Regularly identify, pitch and write stories about the work of UM‑Dearborn faculty, staff, students, leadership and alumni, including faculty and student research, academic projects, university programs and initiatives, student support programs and profile pieces

Shepherd the story approval process: review the story with sources to ensure accuracy, clarify information as needed, secure any necessary additional approvals and respond to edits from the Reporter editor (Director of Communications), while meeting deadlines

Carefully proof stories, ensuring clean copy and adherence to AP and UM‑Dearborn style before submission

Coordinate with the staff Photographer and story sources to schedule, review and select images

Regularly contribute to Reporter standing sections: Events, Good News, Good to Know (brief campus updates)

Post stories and images to the News website

Assist the Marketing Communications Coordinator (a member of the Marketing Team) in preparing the twice-weekly e-news and serve as backup for this duty when needed

Along with other team members, carefully proof the e-news before publication

Brainstorm and coordinate social media content with the Digital Media Manager

Support special projects with units across campus, including Institutional Advancement, Marketing and Office of Research

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years professional writing experience, ideally as a journalist and/or university communicator. Candidates who do not meet the education and experience requirements will not be considered

Outstanding writing, proofreading and editing skills with a proven ability to create content that engages a variety of audiences

Ability to analyze and synthesize information quickly and accurately and to communicate complex and nuanced information in a straightforward, compelling way

Ability to build productive, collaborative relationships with staff, students, faculty, university leadership and alumni

Ability to work efficiently and meet deadlines, while balancing competing priorities and tackling multiple assignments

Knowledge of grammar usage and editorial style guidelines (AP style preferred)

Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Proficiency with website content management systems and e-newsletter platforms

Comfort with digital platforms and self-motivation in learning new tools/techniques and troubleshooting

Openness to constructive edits and feedback, and willingness/ability to provide constructive edits and feedback to others

Ability and willingness to use discretion and diplomacy when dealing with confidential or sensitive information or situations

Must be self‑motivated, curious, flexible, versatile, highly collaborative, deadline‑ and detail‑oriented, and an excellent time manager

Desired Qualifications

A demonstrated ability to write about faculty research or other technical topics in a clear and compelling manner for a lay audience

Familiarity with Canva and/or basic photo editing software

Basic understanding of photo composition principles

Ability to recognize media outreach opportunities

Ability to work with a videographer to produce video stories

Ability to script short videos and/or contribute to collaborative scriptwriting and brainstorming on short video content

Benefits

Generous time off

A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months of eligible service

Many choices for comprehensive health insurance, along with prescription drug plan

Life insurance

Long-term disability coverage

Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Additional UM‑Dearborn Benefits

Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement

Eligible UM‑Dearborn dependents may receive a 50% tuition and fees scholarship towards undergraduate courses

No charge for all faculty and staff parking permits

Work Schedule
This position is a 50% appointment (20 hours per week) and is benefits‑eligible. A 4 or 5 day per week schedule is desirable but a 3‑day schedule will be considered. This position is hybrid and will require some dedicated time on campus. Only local candidates and those willing and able to work a hybrid schedule (not fully remote) will be considered for this position.

Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third‑party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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