Part-time writer and editor with some technical skills sought to coordinate content and enhance existing content for the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy (fordschool.umich.edu).

The Ford School is one of the nation’s foremost policy schools, housed at the University of Michigan, one of the world’s great public universities. The Ford School is a community dedicated to the public good. We inspire and prepare diverse leaders grounded in service, conduct transformational research, and collaborate on evidence-based policymaking to take on our communities' and our world's most pressing challenges.

The Ford School’s Public Affairs team prioritizes collaboration, creativity, and communication to contribute to being one of the leading events teams on campus. You’ll work closely with a senior public affairs lead as we host and benefit from some of the world’s most fascinating policy figures.

Schedule: This is a part-time, temporary position running from January through April 2025 with a possibility of renewal through summer and fall 2025. Work location is Weill Hall at 735 S. State Street, a partially-remote schedule is negotiable. 6-12 hours per week. Some work during events into the early evening will be requested.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Work closely with the public affairs team and others to create and share content that enhances and extends the reach of the Ford School’s best-in-class public event series: live, on-demand, and in media coverage. Responsibilities include writing summaries, gathering quotes, and even getting post-event reactions from participants. 

• Write summaries of events, including pulling quotes and/or audio and video clips
• Assisting with the Q&A process during events
• Gathering post-event reactions
• Assist with media relations and outreach, including updating media contacts
• Summarize and publish faculty media mentions
• Seek out new ways to promote Ford School events.

Please send an email to rivkind@umich.edu describing your policy interests and writing experience. Please attach two short writing samples. 

Please direct questions to Daniel Rivkin, senior public affairs manager, rivkind@umich.edu

• Excellent writing skills
• Basic audio and/or video editing
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Open and collaborative
• Dependable and capable of meeting deadlines
• Responds well to constructive feedback
• Independent and reliable, and will not hesitate to ask questions
• Undergraduate students with junior standing or above, or graduate students
• Work-study required

• DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Knowledge of public policy and political systems strongly preferred
• Experience in events, communications, and/or journalism preferred but not necessary
• Experience in public relations/media relations (outreach to media) preferred but not necessary
• Strong oral and visual communication skills