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Brand & Product Engagement Lead

Job Summary

Merit Network, a non-profit, member-owned organization that has provided high-performance networking and related services to Michigan's research, education, and public service communities for nearly 60 years, is dedicated to advancing innovation and collaboration throughout the region and beyond. The Brand & Product Lead plays a pivotal role in elevating Merit's brand and supporting strategic marketing initiatives through innovative campaigns, engaging storytelling, and impactful events.

This position is responsible for planning and executing marketing strategies that promote Merit's products, services, and mission to both internal and external audiences. The role also includes supporting communication efforts, event logistics, and community engagement, as well as managing vendors and freelancers, implementing social media campaigns, designing proposals, tracking analytics, and handling sponsorship programs. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree, at least three years of creative leadership experience, and strong project or people management skills, with the ability to make significant independent decisions in support of department operations.

To learn more about Merit Network, please visit our website: https://www.merit.edu/

Have questions about the role or want to learn more before applying?

Join our informal, open-forum Zoom sessions to connect with the hiring team! Drop in at any time during the hour and stay as long as you'd like - whether you have specific questions or just want to listen in.

Monday, September 15 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST | Click Here to Join Monday's Zoom Meeting (https://umich.zoom.us/j/6534514715?omn=95355741794&jst=2)

*During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit's office location in Ann Arbor, MI. Following, you will be expected to work on-site for at least 2 days per week going forward.

Responsibilities*

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

As the Brand & Product Lead, your main responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Product Marketing & Storytelling - 40%

+ Plan, execute, and evaluate multi-channel marketing campaigns to drive awareness, engagement, and participation for Merit programs and services. (E)

+ Identify and develop compelling storytelling from across the Merit community, highlighting member impact and organizational achievements through various forms of digital media and presentations. (E)

+ Develop and oversee content for product promotions, newsletters, press releases, website, presentations, initiatives, social media, and member communications, ensuring consistency and cohesion in messaging and tone. (E)

+ Collaborate with internal teams to generate product materials, original content, case studies, and thought leadership pieces, supporting both strategic goals and day-to-day communications. (E)

+ Track and analyze data and analytics against KPIs relating to campaign performance and audience engagement to inform strategies and improve future outcomes.

Administration, Project, and Vendor Management - 30%

+ Manage relationships with external marketing vendors, freelancers, and contractors to ensure projects align with organizational goals and have timely deliverables. (E)

+ Negotiate contracts and monitor budgets for marketing and communications initiatives.

+ Continued commitment to professional development to ensure awareness and adoption of new marketing tools and technologies. (E)

+ Develop and maintain project budgets, timelines, and reporting processes. (E)

+ Ensure compliance with brand guidelines and organizational policies in all marketing and communications work.

+ Support internal program initiatives and provide logistical support as needed.

Community Engagement/Events - 30%

+ Foster relationships with Merit members and key stakeholders to promote services, initiatives and to support member spotlights and success stories. (E)

+ Represent Merit via digital channels, events, and partnership opportunities.

+ Gather feedback and insights from members to inform marketing strategies and improve engagement. (E)

+ Lead the planning, promotion, and execution of both virtual and in-person events, workshops, and training sessions. (E)

+ Coordinate event sponsorships and logistics, including budget tracking, scheduling, registration, communications, and post-event follow-up. (E)

+ Collaborate with team members and partners to develop engaging event programming.

+ Track and report on event attendance, engagement, and outcomes to inform future initiatives.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of you for this job. Responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

You have no supervisory responsibilities, however at times will direct the work of others within the scope of project management activities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. You will routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud-based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software & equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Employees must frequently work at computer stations, answer telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client communication. Employees may on occasion be required to move items of various sizes and weights throughout the office or building.

Required Qualifications*

+ Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

+ Minimum three years of relevant experience in marketing, communications, or a related field

+ Demonstrated experience leading projects, campaigns, or teams with successful, measurable outcomes

+ Experience identifying, developing, and sharing compelling stories across digital media channels

+ Strong organizational and time-management skills with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

+ Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

+ Experience planning, promoting, and managing events, including coordination of logistics, sponsorships, and key stakeholders

+ Experience developing and implementing strategic social media campaigns that support both organizational and product-focused objectives

+ Experience coordinating with creative contractors and freelancers

+ Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment

Desired Qualifications*

+ Experience with digital marketing tools, content management systems, and social media platforms

+ Experience in digital storytelling, including video production, multimedia content creation, or similar initiatives

+ Experience with product marketing

+ Familiarity with analytics platforms and ability to translate data into actionable insights

+ Creative problem-solving skills and adaptability in fast-paced or changing environments

+ Experience working with organizations in the education, government, libraries, healthcare, or nonprofit sectors

+ Understanding of competition across the telecommunications, security, and networking industries, including communications, product positioning, advertising, and other related areas of marketing

Modes of Work

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, hybrid position. Though the typical work schedule is 8am -5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff, your work schedule will be determined with your supervisor and may change if necessary.

During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merits office location:

880 Technology Dr., Suite B

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week determined in partnership with your supervisor. In addition, ad-hoc on-site meetings and events may be needed with adequate notice provided.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or remote work modes are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.Learn more about the work modes. (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work)

There may be some occasional work required outside of the established schedule, which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Travel

Some travel within and outside of Michigan will be required.

Additional Information

Starting salary range is $65,000 - $75,000, depending on experience and credentials.

Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support your health, well-being, and future, including:

+ Full access to medical and dental insurance for you and your eligible dependents

+ Generous 2:1 retirement matching to help you plan for your long-term goals

+ Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and additional paid time off to support work-life balance

+ Access to a variety of well-being programs, resources, and campus perks

+ Professional development opportunities and educational assistance to further your career

And more discover the complete benefits package at careers.umich.edu/benefits

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

268376

Working Title

Brand & Product Engagement Lead

Job Title

Mktg Communications Specialist

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Affiliated It Orgs

Department

Merit Network

Posting Begin/End Date

9/08/2025 - 9/19/2025

Salary

$65,000.00 - $75,000.00

Career Interest

Communications & Marketing