Communications Manager I

Position Summary

The Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) at Michigan State University (MSU) provides cutting-edge training and exchange programs for international students, professionals and organizations by leveraging the academic excellence of a top global research university. Founded in 1991, VIPP has trained over 5,000 professionals from more than 50 countries.

Reporting to the Director, this position leads VIPP’s outreach efforts through effective communication. Specifically, the communications manager leads VIPP’s engagement with stakeholders including funding agencies, international partners, Michigan-based community and industry partners, VIPP alumni, and participants through print, digital, and social media presence with clear and consistent messaging, including storytelling. The communications manager will also oversee the VIPP CRM system powered by Salesforce and work closely with all VIPP team members to generate targeted communications via Mailchimp and other channels. The communications manager represents VIPP at relevant MSU and ISP working groups and collaborates with other communicators in advancing VIPP and MSU’s global engagement. This position may be required to travel internationally for VIPP events as needed.

Hybrid work statement: The department is currently operating under a hybrid modality structure, with staff working three days in person and two days remotely. This structure is subject to change at any time.

Primary Position Responsibilities:

Brand Strategy and Storytelling (40%):

• Research and analyze VIPP business and stakeholders’ needs and advise how the communication strategy can address these needs
• Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of VIPP communications strategies, campaigns, publications, and other materials for VIPP and its programs
• Collaborate with the Director to draft and review communication strategy, policy, and procedure
• Supervise part-time student assistants on creative writing for storytelling, content generation, image and video production, and other communication-related activities
• Manage the CRM system in collaboration with the MSU Salesforce team to make sure the system is up to date
• Lead CRM data analysis and provide insights for potential new program development

 Social Media and Marketing Management (40%):

• Compose and edit press releases, articles, newsletters, social media posts, and/or related content.
• Manage the department’s social media interactions on a number of platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
• Lead web page design, maintenance, and content management
• Develop program materials such as flyers, surveys, handbooks, brochures, and certificates
• Design and order promotional items and assist with maintaining inventory
• Monitor various publications and electronic sources of news and commentary for potential relevance to unit activities
• Assist in event organization and publicity. Represent VIPP at relevant events for program promotion.

 Relationship Development and Collaboration (20%)

• Collaborate with VIPP team in other language-based communication strategies, for example WeChat, to encourage alignment.  
• Support and expand community network to create home hospitality opportunities for VIPP participants.
• Investigate vendor communications services and manage vendor relationships.
• Represent VIPP in the MSU and ISP communicators groups to learn and share best practices. Collaborate with different MSU units to best promote VIPP programs and services.  
• Continue professional skills development by actively looking for opportunities; this may include taking training courses, attending relevant conferences, etc.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in media, communication, advertising, marketing, creative writing, or related fields; one to three years of professional work experience in social media campaign design, coordination, and result evaluation; marketing research and data analysis; familiar with InDesign and/or other software for print and digital material design; valid US driver's license; 

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in media, marketing, communication, or related fields
• Ability to take initiative to ensure work is completed at a high standard 
• An excellent communicator who can communicate effectively with all stakeholders and MSU campus partners
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Experience working with international scholars and s