Communications Manager I

Communications Manager I

Are you a foodie with a passion for marketing and communication projects, content creation and student engagement? Do you enjoy a fast-paced environment where new ideas, creative challenges and diverse projects are part of every day? MSU Culinary Services seeks an experienced communication manager with a results-driven attitude to produce materials for print and digital, support internal and external communications, seek out and develop story content for national publications, engage with students, spread awareness, drive customer advocacy, and oversee a team of student team members. This is a highly cross-functional role. You will work with other members of the MarCom team to implement best practices and identify opportunities to engage audiences leveraging social media channels. You are engaging and energetic with a drive for innovation and the ability to oversee and implement multiple projects simultaneously. The position reports to the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications and collaborates across Culinary Services and university partners.

Culinary Services proudly embodies the Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) mission and values:

We empower all Spartans to succeed by creating holistic and engaging residential, culinary, recreational, and hospitality experiences that shape life outside the classroom and beyond graduation.

• Produces high-quality written, visual and multimedia content for digital, print, social media and internal communications.
• Manages content development from concept and production through review, publication and performance tracking.
• Creates monthly internal newsletters and articles for university and national publications.
• Maintains accurate content calendars, project timelines, files, reports and performance metrics. 
• Ensures content is timely, accessible and consistent with university and departmental brand standards.
• Manages and mentors student content creators, providing assignments, creative direction and feedback.
• Serves as brand manager for Retail Dining, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and State Room Restaurant.
• Uses performance data and audience feedback to strengthen content and improve future results.

• Identifies key audiences and tailors messages, platforms and tactics to meet their needs.
• Creates integrated plans across social media, web, email and print.
• Establishes communication goals and evaluates results to inform future strategies.
• Manages campaign timelines, editorial calendars, stakeholder reviews and approval processes.
• Conducts audience research, social listening and trend analysis to identify opportunities and guide decisions.
• Develops communications for programs, events, organizational milestones and sensitive or time-sensitive topics.
• Prepares key messages, talking points, articles, presentations and promotional materials.

• Builds collaborative relationships with leaders, subject-matter experts, university departments and external partners.
• Serves as a communications liaison to ensure projects and messaging remain coordinated and aligned.
• Consults with stakeholders to understand goals, audiences and communications needs.
• Translates complex operational information into clear, accessible and audience-focused content.
• Coordinates with artists, photographers, printers and other creative partners to deliver projects accurately and on schedule.
• Guides student content creators through assignments, production, review and professional development.
• Incorporates stakeholder and audience feedback while maintaining strategic and brand standards.
• Communicates project status, expectations, deadlines and results clearly across teams.

• Develops creative campaigns that connect with students, team members, guests and the broader MSU community.
• Identifies emerging trends, platforms and content formats to keep communications relevant and engaging.
• Uses social listening and audience insights to create timely, authentic content.
• Incorporates student-generated content and peer-to-peer storytelling to strengthen trust and engagement.
• Produces compelling photography, video, graphics and written stories that showcase MSU programs, people and experiences.
• Tests new communications approaches and adjusts strategies based on performance data.
• Promotes programs, services, events and achievements through coordinated digital, print and public relations efforts.
• Strengthens community awareness and participation through accessible, inclusive and audience-centered communications.

Interacts with students, faculty, staff, media representatives, student employees, supervisors, Culinary Services team members, and divisional partners to exchange information and support communication objectives.

Standard schedule is Monday – Friday 8am -5pm, with occasional evenings and weekends for business needs, and special events.

Once the probationary period has ended, and with supervisor’s approval, candidate may be approved to work remotely, one day per week.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Cover Letter

Resume

Three Professional References (to include 1 current or former supervisor)

Two Writing Samples

Standard schedule is Monday – Friday 8am -5pm, with occasional evenings and weekends for business needs, and special events.

CAREERS.MSU.EDU

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Advertised: Sep 9, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 15, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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