"Communication Specialist"

Job Details

Department: Student Affairs

Summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Communication Specialist who plays a vital role in supporting the Division of Student Affairs' mission to be educators committed to the success of every student. This position develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies for parents and students, manages web content, and creates engaging promotional materials. The communication specialist prepares communications for leadership and collaborates across Student Affairs departments and with University Marketing and Communications to ensure consistent and effective messaging in support of student programs and services.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

Strategic Communications
• Provide communication support to Student Affairs leadership, including preparing talking points, assisting with presentations, and generating thought leadership opportunities.
• Working collaboratively with all Student Affairs departments, develop a comprehensive communication strategy for disseminating timely and appropriate communication to parents of current students.
• Work with all departments across Student Affairs and in collaboration with University Marketing and Communications to maintain current Student Affairs websites.
• Create content to be used by Student Affairs departments on their social media platforms, posters, and other promotional material to promote and increase attendance at events and services.
• Coordinate content for the monthly “Insights from Student Affairs” blog and CampusESP Parent platform.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate approved and assigned student employees.

General Responsibilities
• Collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to ensure that services delivered to students are audience-specific, timely, culturally-relevant, needs-based, aligned with leadership’s priorities and student learning outcomes, and can be evaluated.
• Develop and manage approved programming and/or service delivery budgets based on data and event requirements.
• Perform other mission-critical and position-specific duties as requested based on operational needs (e.g., all-hands-on-deck events such as orientation, welcome week, homecoming, commencement, and other university traditions). Participate and actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives and strategies and apply knowledge to everyday work.
• Actively engage in creating a welcoming and professional work environment for staff, students, and visitors.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, education, public relations, or related field, or the equivalent combination of military, education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.

Required Experience

• 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline
• Experience working in a higher education or agency environment
• Demonstrated experience managing or supporting internal and external communications
• Experience working with college-age students

Desirable Education and/or Experience

Experience leading or contributing to planning or organizing projects, programs, services, etc.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with groups of students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to collaborate on or design brochures, event flyers, and/or newsletters and develop and manage social media accounts.
• Ability to manage time effectively, learn, and contribute to overall departmental tasks and goals.
• Ability to use interpersonal skills to develop and maintain positive professional relationships and resolve conflict in a team environment and with individuals from various backgrounds and experiences.
• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software, preferably Microsoft Office or Google Suite.
• Ability to function effectively and make sound decisions in stressful and crisis situations.
• Ability to handle multiple projects, services, activities, etc. in a timely and professional manner in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently under limited supervision and in teams.
• Ability to make reasoned administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive and confidential issues.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours based on operational need.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

Knowledge of generational college students and the ability to design generation- and audience-specific programs/events/services.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Moving small- to medium-sized boxes of materials in and out office during special events
• Driving personal or university vehicles or golf-cart during special events to transport materials and supplies to events
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate
• Fast-paced
• Results-oriented
• Accountability-driven
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Personal Protective Equipment: None Required

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status
Exempt

Appointment Term
12 months

Pay Rate/Salary
The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000. However, the final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor
Vice President for Student Affairs

Posting Type
Internal & External

Dependent on Funding
No

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume.

Full consideration will be given to applicants who apply by January 2, 2026.