Working/Functional Title
Communications Manager I/II
Position Summary
The College of Engineering at Michigan State University seeks an experienced, detail-oriented, and strategic Communications Manager I/II to lead content development, public relations, and marketing initiatives that enhance the College’s reputation and visibility. This role shapes how the College shares its story—translating complex engineering and research achievements into compelling narratives for digital, print, and media audiences.
The Communications Manager II will guide editorial strategy, uphold brand and messaging consistency, and manage projects that align with MSU’s mission and strategic goals. Responsibilities include overseeing content creation and editing, managing media outreach, developing strategic communications campaigns, and collaborating with faculty, researchers, and university partners to highlight academic and research excellence and innovation. This position collaborates with college and university communications staff and supervises student employees, interprets analytics to inform strategy, and may serve as acting lead for the Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy as needed.
Working closely with researchers, leadership, and campus partners, this position translates complex scientific and engineering concepts into accessible, engaging narratives. The role develops and edits high-quality materials, manages media requests in coordination with University Communications, and identifies new storytelling opportunities that highlight innovation and impact.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong editorial judgment, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This position also mentors student employees, analyzes content performance to guide strategy, and supports the Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy on special projects.
This role requires exceptional editorial judgment, creative vision, and the ability to manage multiple high-impact projects in a fast-paced environment.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Communications Manager I will serve as the College’s primary content developer and editor. This position plays a key role in shaping and sharing the College’s story—creating compelling content across digital and print platforms, amplifying faculty expertise, and supporting communications that enhance visibility and reputation.
Working closely with researchers, leadership, and campus partners, the Communications Manager I translates complex scientific and engineering concepts into accessible, engaging narratives. The role develops and edits high-quality materials, manages media requests in coordination with University Communications, and identifies new storytelling opportunities that highlight innovation and impact.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong editorial judgment, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This position also mentors student employees, analyzes content performance to guide strategy, and supports the Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy on special projects.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or a related field.
To be hired at the Communications Manager II level, three to five years of related experience and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or computer programming/technology; experience managing content for social media channels; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
To be hired at the Communications Manager I level, one to three years of related experience and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or computer programming/technology; experience managing content for social media channels; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic communication expertise, strong leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Experience and Expertise
- Five or more years of professional experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex or technical topics into clear, engaging content.
- Proven success in developing and implementing communications strategies in large or complex organizations.
- Proven experience working with digital technologies and a strong interest in learning new ones, such as content management systems, e-newsletter platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.
Skills and Attributes
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across digital and print platforms.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and leadership skills to engage effectively with faculty, staff, and university administrators and represent the College in PR and media settings.
- Sound professional judgment aligned with the University’s mission, vision, and values.
- Commitment to established processes, continuous improvement, and adaptability to new tools and approaches.
- Ability to serve as acting lead for the Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy 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
Applicants must submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- The names and contact information for three professional references, at least two of whom must be current or former supervisors.
- Three technical/science writing samples (500+ words; original work only, no AI assistance)
- Three additional writing samples of choice (original work only, no AI assistance)
- Five examples of social media content
Special Instructions
Hybrid Work Arrangement
This position offers the potential for a hybrid work arrangement, determined collaboratively between the employee and supervisor based on unit needs. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend events as required. The successful candidate must be available to work on campus and represent the marketing and communications team at select events throughout the year.
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
https://engineering.msu.edu/
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends November 25, 2025, 11:55 PM
