University of Michigan

Medical Development Science Writer

Office of Medical Development and Alumni Relations, University of Michigan Health System

Working Title

: 

Technical Writer Lead/Senior

Posting Number

: 

67007

Job Category

: 

Marketing and Communications

Experience Range

: 

5 to 7 Years

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site.

If you are unable to apply via the U-M Jobs site, please submit your cover letter and resume to dev.careers@umich.edu. In the subject line, please type in the Job ID# for which you are applying.

For questions about the U-M application process, please refer to the FAQ page

Position Description

The medical development writer serves as a communications translator, conveying the complexities of UMHS medical research and science to a diverse audience in lay terms, to promote the work of Health System researchers and clinicians to development and institutional constituencies in a way that both engages and persuades. Plans, researches, conducts interviews and writes biomedical science copy for Medicine at Michigan, development case statements, proposals, donor stewardship reports, correspondence, brochures, presentations and related materials. Fifty percent of the writer?s time is dedicated to writing and editing scientific copy for Medicine at Michigan.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Plan stories; research and analyze scientific information and data; interview subjects and write medical science copy for each issue of Medicine at Michigan, including feature articles and the Inside Scope department of the magazine. Edit existing copy. Secure story subject approvals and revisions. Help prepare annual list of feature article topics for Dean and Executive Committee feedback. [50%]

Contribute medical science components of proposals to private donors and foundations, or review existing copy for accuracy. Write medical science copy or review existing copy for fundraising case statements, stewardship reports, correspondence, and presentations. Work with development staff and members of the Communications Team to ensure accurate medical science-related copy and references in brochures, annual reports and related materials. [50%]

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Lead level:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of science.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in medical communications, journalism or public relations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable knowledge of a range of medical and scientific disciplines.
• Ability to interpret and apply comprehensive knowledge to the completion of complex assignments.

Senior level:

• 5-8 years of professional experience in medical communications, journalism or public relations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable knowledge of a range of medical and scientific disciplines.
• Ability to interpret and apply comprehensive knowledge to the completion of difficult assignments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field of science.
• Knowledge of the structure of the University and the U-M Health System as well as policies and procedures.
• Communications experience within the Health System that involves the writing of substantive pieces such as feature articles, press releases and/or professional presentations.
• Familiarity with the philanthropic mission and goals of the Health System, as well as basic fundraising practices.
• Ability to interact diplomatically with a wide range of physicians, administrators and staff, and to build constructive relationships that facilitate completion of assignments and contribute to a sustained network of contacts.
• Familiarity with the fundamental principles and practices of publishing and fundraising.
• Commitment to confidentiality regarding patient and donor records and information.

Additional Information

Underfill Statement: This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Mission Statement

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan through high-quality collaboration with the development programs of schools, colleges, and units. We also provide fundraising leadership through the stimulation and facilitation of healthy, productive and life-long relationships with our colleagues, alumni, friends, foundations and corporations.

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.