How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are required. The letter should: 1) specifically outline the reasons for your interest in the position; 2) describe your particular skills and experience directly related to the position; and 3) include your current or most recent salary. In addition, please provide examples of communication materials you have produced.

  • Apply here

Job Summary

Michigan Sea Grant (MSG) is searching for an outgoing and self-motivated individual to serve as communications editor working out of the office in Ann Arbor, MI. This position will enhance MSG’s outreach and education activities by providing writing and editing assistance and developing content and strategy for social media, web and video platforms. This position reports to the communications program leader.

Responsibilities

Purpose: The communications editor will work with the communications team, management, extension educators, researchers and partners to develop a variety of print and electronic outreach materials. These include factsheets, newsletters, feature articles, website content, social media posts, news releases and others. Social media outreach activities, including content creation and strategy development, are a large part of the position. Video and web production are also key components.

Responsibilities: Editing and writing: The ideal applicant is familiar with and comfortable using Associated Press style. He/she is able to be the “final set of eyes” providing copyediting to outreach materials prior to publication. The position will work with writers, researchers, extension staff and other members of the communications team to produce interesting, informative and accurate copy in a wide range of lengths and formats.

Social media and web development: Maintain and advance MSG’s presence on social media; conduct outreach campaigns around specific events and issues. Assist with the construction and maintenance of MSG’s websites. An ideal applicant would be familiar and comfortable with using WordPress as a content management system. Experience creating web applications also would be an asset.

Video production and editing: Identify and produce interesting video stories for use by MSG and partners.

Administrative duties: Assist with management of projects, including creating and publishing newsletter and magazine issues, factsheets and websites, and working with MSG partners on outreach for joint initiatives. Assist in researching and producing required reports on behalf of the program, including MSG’s annual report, project reports and reports to government and the university.

New opportunities: Actively seek new outlets and opportunities to communicate the quality and value of MSG to our key audiences. Actively pursue new creative technologies. Remain current with respect to developments within MSG and partners.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree — or knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program — in communications, journalism, English or related field.
  • Outstanding written communication skills.
  •  Excellent copy writer.
  •  Proficiency with Associated Press style.
  • Ability to interpret and utilize website analytics.
  • A working knowledge of social media, search engine optimization and web-based content strategies.
  • Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
  • Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
  • Prior experience with communications to support grants and contracts, including proposal development, preparing progress reports and performance metrics/measures, and writing  accomplishments, impacts and final reports.
  • Proven ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Excellent time-management and self-directed work style, including the ability to meet tight fixed deadlines. Quick turnaround on editing, writing and other duties.
  •  Ability to travel to off-campus locations (e.g., district extension offices, community events, Great Lakes regional events, etc.).
  • Physical abilities related to transporting educational/outreach materials (e.g., books, booklets, brochures, etc.) or communications products (e.g., computer, projectors, camera, etc.).

Desired Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a communications, journalism or related field.
  • Experience as a science writer or communicator.
  • Experience and/or knowledge of Great Lakes issues, communities and stakeholder groups.
  • Experience with video and audio production.
  • Deep knowledge of, and interest in, social media, including a curiosity about latest industry trends, technology and changes.
  • Knowledge of marketing concepts, including consumer behavior, planning, segmentation, demographics, public relations and social media marketing.

Additional Information

Salary commensurate with experience.

Mission Statement

About SNRE: The School of Natural Resources and Environment’s overarching mission is to contribute to the protection of the Earth’s resources and the achievement of a sustainable society.  Through research, education, and outreach, the faculty, staff, and students are devoted to generating knowledge and developing policies, techniques, and skills to help practitioners manage and conserve environmental resources to meet the full range of human needs on a sustainable basis.

About Michigan Sea Grant: NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program is a federal-university partnership that integrates research, education and outreach. Sea Grant consists of a network of 33 programs in all U.S. coastal and Great Lakes states, Puerto Rico and Guam. A collaborative effort of University of Michigan and Michigan State University, the Michigan Sea Grant College Program supports research, education and outreach efforts designed to foster science-based decisions about the use and conservation of Great Lakes resources. The program was established in 1969 at the University of Michigan.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

JOB DETAIL

Job Opening ID: 122137
Working Title: Editor Intermediate
Job Title: Editor Intermediate
Work Location: Ann Arbor Campus, Ann Arbor, MI
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Organizational Group: School Natural Resources and Environment (Department), SNRE Michigan Sea Grant
Posting Begin/End Date: 2/25/2016 – 3/10/2016
Career Interest: Communications & Marketing