Job Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Communications (OVPC) seeks a proactive and detail-oriented project manager to support the Director of Project Management in advancing OVPC's work across strategic communications, marketing, and internal initiatives. OVPC is the only full-service strategic communications and marketing group exclusively dedicated to promoting the University of Michigan. From helping recruit the next generation of Wolverines to providing media coverage of our faculty's latest research discoveries to building our brand around the world, we partner with departments on all three U-M campuses to develop and share the Michigan story.

Reporting to the Director of Project Management, you will manage and implement a variety of projects that contribute to the success of OVPC and the university. In this role, you will develop project schedules, monitor progress against timelines, coordinate resources, and proactively resolve issues to keep projects on track across a variety of projects, from communications and marketing efforts to initiatives that strengthen OVPC's internal operations and organizational effectiveness. You will independently lead smaller-scale projects from start to finish while also providing essential support on larger, division-wide projects.

The ideal candidate will be resourceful, adaptable, and able to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role requires initiative, collaboration, attention to detail, strong documentation, and a sense of ownership to ensure deliverables are achieved on time and with quality.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

• Support the full project lifecycle by developing project plans, timelines, and resource allocations
• Manage day-to-day project execution ensuring tasks are completed on time and aligned with objectives
• Translate direction from leadership into actionable steps and deliverables
• Create and maintain clear project documentation (e.g., project briefs, plans, status reports) and ensure all materials are well-organized and accessible to stakeholders
• Coordinate with project stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and external partners, to support project success
• Organize and facilitate project meetings, track progress, document changes, and flag issues or risks
• Maintain detailed project schedules and related documentation using Monday.com project management software
• Share project updates, including schedule or scope changes, with Director of Project Management
• Gather, synthesize, and report data to support project planning, continuous improvement, and performance measurement
• Assist with analyses and evaluations of ongoing projects, providing input and recommendations where appropriate
• Assist in developing and implementing continuous process improvement strategies and initiatives, including designing streamlined processes, creating workflows, and incorporating new technologies.
• Oversee project budgets, manage resource allocation, and evaluate costs to ensure alignment with financial objectives.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree
• Strong proficiency in Google Suite
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely, including creating project briefs and documentation
• 3+ years of professional experience in project management
• Experience managing a wide variety of projects of different scope and complexity
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to present effectively to stakeholders
• Openness to continuous learning and professional growth
  

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience in higher education or a similar complex organizational environment
• Familiarity with project management frameworks or certifications (e.g., PMP)
• Experience presenting project updates or results to small groups or leadership
• Experience with both internal operations and communications/marketing projects
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize data for project planning and decision-making

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.