Job Details  

Communications Assistant
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Job ID 75290
Job Funding Source Work-Study, Non-Work-Study, Remote
Employer Public Health, School of
Category Professional/Administrative
Job Description

Note: A cover letter, resume, and two writing samples are required to apply. All items are to be submitted as a single file. Applications that do not include the required information will not be considered.

 

The University of Michigan School of Public Health Marketing and Communications Team is hiring a Public Relations Assistant for the 2026-2027 academic year. We are seeking a positive, detail-oriented, and hardworking student with an interest in health communication and a desire to build hands-on experience across the full range of public relations practice — from writing and media relations to social media and graphic design.

 

Reporting to the PR and Communications Manager, the Public Relations Assistant will work closely with the Marketing and Communications Team on content creation, newsletter development, media relations, press coverage monitoring, social media, and related communications tactics aimed at increasing Michigan Public Health’s visibility and recognition as a top school of public health in the nation.

 

Applicants should possess strong writing and interpersonal skills with an interest in storytelling and content development. In this position, you’ll conduct interviews, interpret public health research for broad audiences, support our content strategy across PR and social media, and learn how to use media monitoring tools to inform PR strategies.

 

How to Apply:

A cover letter, resume, and two writing samples are required to apply. All items are to be submitted as a single file. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the role, outlining skills and experience that directly relate to the position.

 

This is a hybrid position. The majority of work can be completed remotely and on a flexible schedule ahead of specified deadlines. Some responsibilities — such as conducting interviews or attending meetings — will require availability during traditional business hours. A computer with consistent and reliable internet access is required.

  

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the development of PR and social media content, including press releases, feature stories, media pitches, video scripts, Q&As, social media copy, graphics, and more.

  • Support website content management for School of Public Health pages managed by the Marketing and Communications team.

  • Assist with press coverage monitoring and tracking using PR software and tools.

  • Support the creation and dissemination of the school’s weekly newsletter, Population Healthy, which reaches over 8,000 subscribers.

  • Contribute light graphic design work to support social media content and media coverage features.

  • Attend project-relevant meetings.

  • On occasion, attend in-person media interviews alongside the PR and Communications Manager.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Educational Value

The Public Relations Assistant will gain broad, practical experience across the full spectrum of public relations — writing, media relations, social media, graphic design, and content strategy — working alongside a collaborative marketing and communications team at a top-ranked school of public health. This position is especially well-suited for students looking to build a versatile skill set and portfolio that reflects the range of work PR professionals do every day.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Highly organized with the ability to meet deadlines

  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously

  • Detail-oriented

  • Ability to interpret scientific research and data and summarize findings for general audiences

  • Strong writing and interpersonal skills

  • Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and/or Canva

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Interest in health communication

  • Knowledge of AP Style

  • Experience using PR monitoring tools or software (e.g., Cision, Meltwater)

Hourly Rate $17.00/hour
Hours 10.0 hours per week
Time Frame Fall/Winter
Start Date Monday, August 31, 2026
End Date Friday, May 7, 2027
Primary Contact Destiny Cook
Primary Contact's Email descook@umich.edu
Supervisor N/A
Work Location In-person work will take place primarily at the U-M School of Public Health: 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
Phone N/A
Fax N/A