📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Development Communications Specialist Intermediate
🔹 Company: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow
🔹 Location: Lansing, MI
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Healthcare
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing strategic marketing and communication plans for fundraising initiatives.
- Creating compelling materials to engage donors and achieve fundraising goals.
- Managing event communications and overseeing project timelines.
- Collaborating with regional development teams and managing resources for projects.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, project management skills, and the ability to work effectively with various teams to achieve fundraising objectives.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and implementing marketing and communication strategies for UM Health-Sparrow Foundation and UM Health-West Foundation.
✅ Creating compelling materials such as proposals, case statements, and event communications to engage donors and achieve fundraising goals.
✅ Managing event communications, including design concepts, invitations, at-event materials, and script development.
✅ Overseeing project timelines, meeting deadlines, and remaining flexible for unplanned opportunities.
✅ Building and managing relationships with freelance writers and designers.
✅ Managing multiple projects and priorities, and interacting effectively with a wide variety of people.
✅ Applying a strong editorial and creative approach to generating high-quality content and materials.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, as well as the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to a diverse audience.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of communications
Experience: Minimum of five years of professional experience in communications, media relations, or journalism in an academic health system or similar organization or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Skills:
- Familiarity with media vehicles including print, web, and social media
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to a diverse audience
- Strong project management skills
- Understanding of branding and positioning strategies
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
- Commitment to the highest standards of customer service and professionalism
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in healthcare or nonprofit sector
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in healthcare or nonprofit communications may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 (Based on industry standards for a mid-level communications specialist in the healthcare sector in Lansing, MI)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with some flexibility for event-related work
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Hospitals and Health Care
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1896
Company Description:
- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is a groundbreaking organization that provides quality care to hundreds of thousands of people each year.
- As Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and the region’s largest private employer, Sparrow provides critical care to rural communities and offers a wide range of services, including primary care, cancer treatment, heart care, and emergency services.
- The organization is committed to providing the best possible care to every patient, every time, and supports the health of the Mid-Michigan community.
Company Specialties:
- Healthcare
- Hospital
- Home medical equipment
- Retail pharmacy
- Retail development
Company Website: https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org
ASSUMPTION: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is a large, well-established healthcare organization with a strong commitment to the Mid-Michigan community.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Intermediate
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Managing Director Core Services & Operations for Michigan Medicine
Work Arrangement: On-site, with some flexibility for event-related work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a senior-level position within the communications department
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and events
- Professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and professional development within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with multiple locations across Mid-Michigan
Office Location(s): Lansing, MI
Geographic Context:
- Lansing is the capital of Michigan and the sixth-largest city in the state, with a population of approximately 115,000.
- The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its numerous parks and recreational opportunities.
- Lansing is home to several major employers, including the state government, two major universities, and several healthcare systems.
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with some flexibility for event-related work
ASSUMPTION: Lansing offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a reasonable cost of living and a strong sense of community.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with the director of communications
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Project management skills
- Creativity and strategic thinking
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide examples of your writing and editing work, as well as any relevant project management experience
- Demonstrate your understanding of the healthcare industry and the organization's mission and values
ATS Keywords: Communications, Media Relations, Journalism, Project Management, Writing, Editing, Healthcare, Nonprofit, Fundraising, Event Planning
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, and candidates should be prepared to provide examples of their work and participate in multiple interviews.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
- Content management systems (CMS)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred but not required for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Compassion
- Innovation
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Supportive and inclusive work culture
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to excellence and high-quality work?
- Are you able to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Do you have a passion for the healthcare industry and a commitment to supporting the health of the Mid-Michigan community?
ASSUMPTION: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow values employees who are committed to excellence, integrity, and compassion, and who are able to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Working with a wide variety of people, including donors, vendors, and internal stakeholders
- Meeting tight deadlines and remaining flexible for unplanned opportunities
- Navigating a large, complex organization with multiple departments and locations
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong project management skills, excellent communication, and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Communications Manager or Marketing Manager in a nonprofit or healthcare organization, but with a focus on fundraising and event communications.
- Unlike other communications roles, this position requires a strong understanding of fundraising strategies and tactics.
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to a senior-level position within the communications department or transition to a role in fundraising or development.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in both communications and fundraising, with potential for career growth in either field.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive marketing and communications plan for a capital campaign to raise $50 million for a new hospital wing
- Creating a series of donor newsletters highlighting the impact of philanthropic support on patient care and medical research
- Managing event communications for a gala fundraising event, including invitations, at-event materials, and script development
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of creativity and strategic thinking required for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the communications department?
- How does this role fit into the organization's overall fundraising strategy?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the department and the organization?
- How does the organization support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the organization, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role and the organization, and help you better understand the work environment and career growth opportunities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your writing and editing work, as well as any relevant project management experience
- Demonstrate your understanding of the healthcare industry and the organization's mission and values
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
