Communications Manager II

MSU Careers Details•East Lansing, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Manager II is a strategic communications role in the Marketing and Communications Office of the Broad College of Business. The position translates the college’s strategic priorities into clear, consistent, high-impact communications and coordinates alignment across academic units, advancement, and university communications. Its work supports visibility, reputation, and engagement, including student engagement, enrollment positioning, research visibility, and donor impact. The role also supports and develops the college’s content management and communication platforms. Working collaboratively with communicators, leadership, faculty, and staff, the Communications Manager maintains vendor relationships, manages projects, helps establish processes and workflows, ensures compliance with university accessibility and branding standards, and provides platform documentation, training, and customer support. The position maintains connections and facilitates information sharing between campus partners and other MSU units. It reports to the Senior Communications and Marketing Director and supervises students. The position plans and writes content strategies and campaigns, translating keyword research, search intent analysis, and SEO insights into compelling, conversion-focused content. It directs public relations efforts, advises units on media and public relations issues, and develops and delivers workshops. The role also produces communications materials for media and publications, develops communications plans for other units, and serves as a liaison to MSU University Communications, University Advancement, and the MSU Alumni Office.

Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three to five years of related and progressively responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations; composing, editing, and publication production; news, broadcasting, and print media; marketing, advertising, and creative services; or a related field.
Experience in relevant areas may include graphic design, word processing, desktop publishing, web design, presentation, spreadsheet or database software, public presentation or radio production, or computer programming/technology.
Management and supervisory experience may be required.
May require a valid vehicle operator’s license where needed to perform the position’s duties.
Ability to use email and the Internet, and knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations; these are required before completion of the probationary period if not already possessed.
Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform the duties of the position.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience with social media channels such as Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Experience with social media management tools such as Sprinklr.
Experience with content management systems such as WordPress.
Copyediting and proofreading skills, with knowledge of AP style.
Experience with project management software such as Asana.
Commitment to ongoing learning about social media trends and current best practices, curiosity to try new things, and ability to bring fresh ideas.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with individuals and groups in a diverse environment.
Strong oral, written, and digital communication skills.
Attention to detail and ability to lead projects from idea to completion.

Responsibilities

Plan and write content strategies and campaigns from ideation through publication across college-owned, university-owned, earned, and paid channels.
Apply keyword research, search intent analysis, and SEO insights to create conversion-focused content that increases visibility across search channels.
Direct the college’s public relations efforts, including planning and implementing the public relations budget and establishing related policies and procedures.
Advise other units on media and public relations issues.
Design and present workshops on news writing, radio usage, newsletters, and marketing strategies.
Plan, create, produce, photograph, edit, record, or draft releases and feature materials for media and publications to inform the public and University about issues and events.
Develop specialized communications plans for other units as requested.
Serve as the college liaison to MSU University Communications, University Advancement, and the MSU Alumni Office on external media relations and university communications initiatives.
Foster relationships and partnerships that support collaboration and cross-promotion.
Supervise students.
Maintain vendor relationships and provide project management.
Help develop appropriate processes and workflows for communications platforms and work.
Ensure compliance with university accessibility and branding standards; provide platform documentation, training, and user support.
Maintain connections with campus partners and facilitate information sharing between them and other MSU units.