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Audience Development Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The marketing strategy should be developed in collaboration with our content and advancement teams ... these audiences. 7.7 Marketing Automations - Oversee the marketing automations within our ...

... development teams to define audience needs, tailor site content, deliver relevant user journeys ... Who you are: * Direct experience with Model Year Changeovers (MYCOs), complex digital retail ...

This role owns the strategic direction, technical standards, talent development, and operational ... Identify key issues and communicate them to the appropriate audience in a timely, effective manner

The best work happens when copy is informed by how audiences actually behave -- and this role gives ... Creative Concepting & Campaign Development: Lead copy concepting on integrated campaigns -- from ...

... development teams to define audience needs, tailor site content, deliver relevant user journeys ... Who you are: * Direct experience with Model Year Changeovers (MYCOs), complex digital retail ...

... development teams to define audience needs, tailor site content, deliver relevant user journeys ... Who you are: * Direct experience with Model Year Changeovers (MYCOs), complex digital retail ...

The best work happens when copy is informed by how audiences actually behave - and this role gives ... Creative Concepting & Campaign Development * Lead copy concepting on integrated campaigns - from ...

Marketing Director

Pleasant Ridge, MI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Develop marketing strategies based on each client's goals, audience, budget, and growth ... Work closely with account management, design, development, content, sales, and agency leadership ...

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Showing results 21-40

Audience Development Director information

See Michigan salary details

$13.9K

$83.4K

$155.1K

How much do audience development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for audience development director in Michigan is $83,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an audience development director do?

An Audience Development Director is responsible for growing and engaging a company's target audience, typically for media, publishing, or entertainment organizations. They develop strategies to attract new readers, viewers, or users while retaining existing ones, often using data-driven marketing, content distribution, and partnership tactics. This role collaborates with editorial, marketing, and product teams to optimize audience reach across digital and traditional platforms. Ultimately, their goal is to increase brand awareness, user loyalty, and revenue through audience engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an audience development director?

To thrive as an Audience Development Director, you need expertise in digital marketing, analytics, content strategy, and a background in communications or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, social media management platforms, SEO tools, and CRM systems is typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and strategic thinking are essential soft skills for identifying growth opportunities and guiding cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for expanding audience reach, maximizing engagement, and driving organizational growth in a competitive media landscape.

How does an audience development director typically collaborate with editorial, marketing, and analytics teams to drive growth?

An Audience Development Director works closely with editorial teams to align content strategies with audience interests and platform trends, ensuring that stories reach and engage target demographics. They partner with marketing to plan and execute campaigns that attract new readers and retain existing ones, often leveraging data-driven insights. Collaboration with analytics teams is essential for monitoring performance metrics, understanding audience behavior, and refining tactics based on real-time results. This cross-functional teamwork supports audience growth goals and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Audience Development Director vs Content Marketing Manager?

AspectAudience Development DirectorContent Marketing Manager
Primary FocusGrowing and engaging the audience across platformsCreating and distributing content to attract customers
Skills & CredentialsMarketing, analytics, audience segmentationContent creation, SEO, branding
Work EnvironmentMedia companies, publishers, digital platformsBrands, agencies, media firms
GoalsIncrease audience size and loyaltyDrive engagement and conversions through content

The Audience Development Director focuses on expanding and engaging the audience through strategic outreach and analytics, while the Content Marketing Manager concentrates on creating compelling content to attract and convert customers. Both roles require marketing skills but differ in their core objectives and daily activities.

What are popular job titles related to Audience Development Director jobs in Michigan?

For Audience Development Director jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Audience Development Director jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Audience Development Director jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Audience Development Director jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Audience Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Audience Development Director job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,419 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Unit X Communications Director (Part-time/ Temporary)

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


University Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Summary
Unit X is a new presidential initiative launched with a $250 million investment from the University of Michigan. Co-led by Dr. Arul Chinnaiyan (Michigan Medicine) and Dr. Joerg Lahann (Engineering), Unit X will accelerate biomedical innovation discovered at U-M by integrating health sciences, engineering, and advanced supercomputing.
Unit X is seeking a temporary part-time Communications Director for an initial engagement to lead the execution of our marketing and communications roadmap following our initial launch. Reporting to the Institute's Operations and Strategic Initiatives Manager, and working in close collaboration with university leadership and institutional partners, this position will play a pivotal role in establishing Unit X's global brand, driving audience engagement, and amplifying high-impact stories of bio-innovation, venture creation, and donor support.
The ideal candidate brings a senior executive-level communications mindset, exceptional storytelling ability, deep fluency across digital and social media, and the ability to translate complex scientific and technical concepts into compelling, audience-centered communications.
This is an initial one-year, temporary part-time position, approximately 20 hours/ week with the potential to extend based on unit needs.
About Unit X
Unit X is a presidential initiative designed to revolutionize the translation of academic research into real-world medical breakthroughs and start-up ventures. By uniting researchers, clinicians, computational scientists, and entrepreneurs across U-M, Unit X aims to position the University of Michigan as the premier global hub for bioinnovation.
Responsibilities*
Strategic narrative, media & integrated communications - 40%
  • Lead the execution of Unit X's master narrative and multi-channel communications strategy across digital, web, email, print, and video channels.
  • Translate complex biomedical discoveries, supercomputing applications, and venture creation milestones into clear, compelling stories for academic, industry, venture capital, donor, and public audiences.
  • Partner with senior leadership to support executive communications, thought leadership, presidential reporting, and high-stakes stakeholder messaging.
  • Pitch high-impact stories to university media partners (Michigan News, UMSocial) and national technical and tier-1 media outlets.
  • Connect and collaborate across U-M academic units to maintain a cohesive voice and foster cross-campus alignment.

Digital content strategy, brand, and web oversight - 35%
  • Serve as the primary editorial and content lead for the Unit X digital platform (Sanity Studio CMS), collaborating with web developers (Michigan Creative) and designers to publish fresh, engaging content.
  • Oversee content creation for digital newsletters, impact reports, donor engagement materials, and venture showcases in partnership with the Office of University Development (OUD).
  • Direct creative direction for short-form video, visual assets, and multimedia campaigns that elevate Unit X's initiatives and entrepreneurial talent.
  • Maintain brand messaging frameworks, ensuring alignment with U-M brand standards and accessibility guidelines (SPG 601.20)

Social media, community engagement, and influencer strategy - 15 %
  • Build, direct, and execute high-growth social media strategies across platforms (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) to cultivate an audience of researchers, venture partners, alumni, and donors.
  • Develop narrative-driven campaigns and high-profile stakeholder/ alumni collaborations to build cultural relevance and engagement around Michigan start-ups.
  • Monitor social analytics and listening data to evaluate campaign performance and adjust storytelling priorities.

Management & operational leadership - 10%
  • Manage digital marketing budget, campaign scopes, and agency/ vendor relationships.
  • Establish data-informed KPIs to track web traffic, audience growth, and engagement metrics.

Required Qualifications*
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategic communications, integrated marketing, or agency/ brand consulting.
  • Exceptional storytelling skills, with a proven track record of translating complex scientific, technical, or academic concepts into captivating multi-channel content.
  • Demonstrated expertise across digital and social platforms with experience using data analytics to optimize reach.
  • Proven ability to guide creative direction across web, video, email, and print media.
  • Experience managing CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, Sanity, etc) and executing email marketing platforms (Constant Contact, Mailchimp, Marketing Cloud).
  • Strong project management and collaborative skills suited for navigating complex, high-profile university ecosystems.

Desired Qualifications*
  • Master's degree in Communications Management, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience blending higher education engagement with corporate/ tech agency creative strategy.
  • Direct experience leading high-profile storytelling, executive thought leadership, or influencer/ alumni engagement campaigns.
  • Prior experience with the University of Michigan system or a major research university setting.

Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode 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 .
Additional Information
  • General business hours for Unit X are Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5PM. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required for Unit X's launch event or high-profile visits.
  • Work Location: Ann Arbor, MI (NCRC Complex).

U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
282086
Working Title
Unit X Communications Director (Part-time/ Temporary)
Job Title
PROF MISC (TEMP)
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Part-Time
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
President Office
Department
Unit X
Posting Begin/End Date
8/24/2026 - 9/01/2026
Career Interest
Temporary Job Opening

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About University of Michigan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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