Summary

The Communications Manager will manage the day-to-day communications for Michigan Medicine’s Labor Relations Department and relevant U-M People initiatives. This position will report to the Director, Internal & Executive Communication in the Department of Communication with a matrixed relationship to the Director, Labor Relations in Human Resources. This role will be charged with developing and executing strategic communications plans for key initiatives that are critical to the success of our organization, including:

• Raising awareness of Michigan Medicine People strategies for all stakeholders
• Preparing labor relations updates for University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine leadership and community
• Providing education about new and existing labor contract requirements
• Aligning with Michigan Medicine and Campus HR communication to support staff engagement, particularly for represented staff
• Supporting the Vital Voices Employee Engagement Survey communications plan and the Vital Actions follow-up communications
• Aligning with Michigan Medicine’s Department of Communication for public relations and marketing external strategies and internal communication strategies
• Supporting communication needs of the Director, Labor Relations and team
• Providing employee facing communication as needed
• Other initiatives as requested

This position will be responsible for continually seeking feedback from internal staff to ensure strategies and messaging are compelling, relevant and timely. Individual must be adept at utilizing multiple channels to ensure communications is effective and targeted. Innovative thinking on best-in-class communication solutions is a requirement.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Who We Are

The mission of Michigan Medicine is to improve the health of patients, populations, and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally, and internationally.  With annual revenues of approximately $3 billion, Michigan Medicine ranks as one of the top academic health centers in the country, and is committed to providing exceptional patient care, facilitating groundbreaking research, and developing the next generation of physicians and scientists.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

• Provide strategic counsel to Director, Labor Relations and other leaders on most effective and compelling approaches to support people strategy, department priorities, and initiatives.
• Support Labor Relations positioning by determining effective ways to educate, communicate with and inspire all levels of staff. Collaborate with other key stakeholders to positively impact overall engagement, culture, and organizational effectiveness.
• Develop communication strategies and create communication plans designed to positively impact people strategies.
• Translate technical or strategic topics into easily consumed, appropriate communication tailored to various internal audiences.
• Position and reinforce Michigan Medicine as an employer of choice through content reflecting our workplace, work environment and working relationships with colleagues.
• Leverage technology and social media to optimize and increase innovative communication approaches to effectively reach all levels of staff.
• Partner with other members of Labor Relations, HR and the Department of Communication and other key stakeholders as appropriate on individual projects or initiatives.
• Develop, track and monitor communication measurements that are strategic, measurable, timely and realistic.

Self-development/education

• Maintains professional and technical knowledge and skills
• Actively pursues learning opportunities and ways to broaden experience and knowledge base
• Seeks continuous improvement for self, team, and department

Professional values

• Collaboration and teamwork
• Integrity and accountability
• Transparency
• Rational decision-making and ethical judgment
• Creativity and forward thinking
• Solution-oriented

Required Qualifications*

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree in communication-related field; journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seven to ten years of professional experience in public relations, promotion, marketing or communication in a professional setting.
• Must be comfortable in a multi-layered organization with complex relationship and executive reporting.
• Proven experience generating client satisfaction and developing solutions in complex matrixed organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with solid understanding of digital media.
• Experience maintaining electronic communication vehicles, websites, blogs, social media.

Desired Qualifications*

• Direct experience in a health care and/or academic medical center OR direct experience in labor relations
• Graduate degree in communication or related field

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Vaccine Requirements

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all students, faculty and staff working in the following areas: Michigan Medicine including the Medical School, Dental School, University Health Service or the Mary A. Rackham Institute.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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