University of Michigan social media director hired at $100K per year
When Global Communications Director Lisa Rudgers announced the University of Michigan was hiring its first social media director, dozens of applications began pouring in.
Jordan Miller
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Five months and a lot of hype later, Blackwell did get a job she's "thrilled with." Just not the U-M job.
Who hooked that one?
Jordan Miller, a 31-year-old former advertising copywriter, social media strategist, journalist with the Ann Arbor News and contributor for AnnArbor.com.
Miller was hired at a $100,000 yearly salary.
"I saw this position and I thought, 'Oh my gosh. This is an opportunity to do (social media) on an even bigger scale,'" Miller said in an interview. "It's going to be an amazing challenge and it's going to be a lot of work.
"It’s just such a ground-breaking role."
Miller starts March 1. Among her top priorities, she said, are creating a unique "voice and personality" for the Michigan brand on social media, putting together a seminar on social media strategies for university leaders and making the school's various Twitter and Facebook handles more cohesive.
Miller also hopes to create a "conversation" on social media outlets where followers comment to U-M postings and U-M circles back with a response. That's different than the "loudspeaker" approach the university, for the most part, currently uses, Miller said.
"Giving people information on what’s going on is a good thing," Miller offered. "But right now the conversation is very one way and frankly that’s been a resource issue."
Resources won't be a problem for long, Miller predicts. She'll begin her post at U-M as a one-woman show but hopes to eventually have a team of people working on U-M's social media message and community engagement.
What did Miller have to say of fellow applicant Lindsay Blackwell and her social media campaign?
"It showed a lot of moxie," she said.
Another opportunity
So, exactly what job did Blackwell get?
The former U-M student recently updated her website —which is pushing 20,000 unique visitors, she said— to let her followers know.
"After my interview with Lisa Rudgers I never heard back," she wrote in a video. "But an even better opportunity came my way."
Blackwell did receive an e-mail Friday , Feb. 24, letting her know she wasn't chosen for the U-M job.
On Wednesday, Blackwell began as the social media director for Ingenex Digital Marketing Agency, located on downtown Ann Arbor's Main Street.
"I was disappointed. It was a dream of mine to work at U-M but when I encountered (Ingenex) I think U-M completely disappeared into the backspace of my mind," she said in an interview. "I’m having the time of my life so far. It's so fun being in the agency landscape."
Since creating the website in October, Blackwell said the buzz around her campaign has been thrilling. She's conducted more than 20 interviews with media outlets and spoken at a handful of U-M classes about her application experience and social media strategies.
"It's been a wild ride," she said.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
King Numa
Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 5:42 p.m.
Your tax dollars at work! Making the world shallower and trendier! Nice to know the U of M stands for something, because, darn it, being a world class university means nothing compared to a ridiculously expensive helping of baloney!
Artsadmind
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
1) For 100k per year, I would suggest that this young woman dress-the-part. This exorbitant salary can afford business suits. As a seasoned professional and longtime donor, I find it offensive that an esteemed institution like the University of Michigan would pay such a sum even to the most promising YOUNG professional. 2) Congratulations to Ms. Blackwell for gaining attention USING SOCIAL MEDIA. This certainly seems fitting for a position like this and her story was enchanting. So enchanting that even this article covering Ms. Miller's hire spent more time discussing Blackwell's ingenious application. 3) I wish UM and Ms. Miller the best of luck. However, as many other comments have stated, social media is free. And absolutely no 31 year-old has worked for the right to make 100k from a PUBLIC university. I will no longer support the University of Michigan with financial gifts. 4) For the record, the "unique voice and personality" of U-M has long existed on all social media platforms - - FROM ITS STUDENTS. And again, they do it for free!
MorningGirl
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.
Thank you, Superior Mother, for some facts. Odd that annarbor.com reported so few of those.
say it plain
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
I think @YpsiVeteran is spot on in his or her comments and replies through this thread.. The position of social media director makes sense for a business trying to sell things...I still don't get what the U is trying to sell, but I would love to hear why they feel they need to worry about their 'brand' as though it is attached to jeans or cars or what have you. Actually, the only reason I can think of is a rather sinister one--to deflect where need be, and to develop a 'brand' that makes the UM even more appealing to those who can pay the full fare. NOW I get it, maybe, why they need to worry about their brand, d'oh! Maybe Ms. Miller will be working toward making sure *the right* young people find UM particularly worth their application money! Records high out-of-state applications this year, woohoo, totally worth twice Miller's salary if they can "optimize" further on that trend via social media plays!
YpsiVeteran
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11 p.m.
It makes you wonder how this poor, unheard-of university, which has been around in one form or another since around 1817, ever attracted students before Facebook and Twitter, doesn't it? How ever will they survive without one more $100K-plus functionary? Social media is now "critical" to their very survival. It's not like anyone has every heard of the place, or they have a world-wide reputation or anything. It's not like the quality of the education is a factor, either, right? I'd like to see them give back all of the almost $400 mil they will get from Michigan taxpayers this year -- as several posters have pointed out, it's "only" around 8% of their total budget anyway, so they surely won't miss it -- and then they can waste money in whatever way they see fit and no one will care.
Robert Granville
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
This position should be a given... its existence taken for granted. It's 2012 people and students graduating high school are 17 and 18. I'm sorry if social media seems irrelevant to you... but it's more relevant to us than print and televised media combined.
glacialerratic
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:45 p.m.
This is specious. Social media has been part of the fabric of UM for years. Many units, faculty and students are deeply involved in using and developing social media. This position is not needed--it is misguided to seek to create and impose standards and guidelines. The university does not need "marketing" of this kind. The most significant challenge is to find ways to allow faculty and students to collaborate more effectively--social media that enables this is far more sophisticated that blogging and tweeting. By education and experience, the person is unqualified for a central position in a research university. And the salary is too high.
YpsiVeteran
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:19 p.m.
Do you think the University of Michigan, perceived by most to be one of the top schools in the country, public or private, needs to advertise? Seriously? And on "social media"? Do you think the major donors to the university are in the 18 to 25 demographic?
Usual Suspect
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:53 a.m.
This is a slap in the face for people who actually work for a living.
Frustrated in A2
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:45 a.m.
And to think I do twitter and facebook for free, boy am I a fool.
Channing Huntington
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
I'm amazed by the number of people criticizing this woman's salary and job experience while all they know about the position is its title. Please do your homework and research what a Social Media Director actually does (then apply it to the scale of the University) before adding your two cents.
glacialerratic
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
I've done my homework. This is outrageous.
BhavanaJagat
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
"To be or Not to be?" : That is not the right question. "To tweet or Not to tweet?" would be the right thing to contemplate. Congratulations to Ms. Jordan Miller who has the right answer for a job that lets her tweet or not to tweet.
SuperiorMother
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:58 p.m.
I wonder why AnnArbor.com didn't include more details about Ms. Miller's background. This information was distributed on U-M channels earlier this week: "Jordan comes to U-M from Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in Detroit, where she worked on the creative team for the Chevrolet account, including writing the Rainn Wilson Super Bowl 2012 commercial and Camaro ZL1 campaign. She also served as a communication strategist for Chevrolet, overseeing social media strategy and creative development for the company's re-branding campaign. She worked for Organic Inc. in Bloomfield Hills as a conversation manager, and as a senior communication strategist for U by Kotex (Kimberly-Clark). At Kimberly-Clark, Jordan developed the social/community strategy for the new feminine care product launch, directed a team of 15 writers and managed all social conversation on branded properties. For her work with U by Kotex, she was honored with the Forrester Groundswell Award for Listening and WOMMY Word of Mouth Campaign Grand Prize. Jordan also previously served as a consultant at Nonprofit Enterprise at Work in Ann Arbor, coordinating with a variety of Southeast Michigan nonprofit groups to develop strategic and realistic social media plans, and at Intersect Digital in Ann Arbor, where she was a senior copywriter for Ford.com. Additional work experience includes AnnArbor.com, as a lead youth/culture blogger; The Ann Arbor News, as staff reporter, columnist and blogger; and FOUND Magazine in Ann Arbor, associate editor and assistant to the editor-in-chief. Jordan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism, emphasis radio, in 2004 from Columbia College in Chicago, where she was winner of the John Fischetti Award for Outstanding Service in Journalism. She also studied creative fiction and nonfiction at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt.; and art history and French at The American University of Paris."
Sallyxyz
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.
Obviously didn't stay in any of these positions very long.......lots of jobs in a short period of time (2004-2012) = 8 years. Don't think she will last at UM very long either. Anyone coming from these kinds of fast-paced jobs, mostly in the private sector, will hit a wall when they try to do things at UM with its glacial, bloated bureaucracy.
Kyle
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
they probablly didnt include that since if you google "John Fischetti Award for Outstanding Service in Journalism" there is only one hit: Jordan Miller - LinkedIn. maybe she meant the marginal scholarship they give to plenty of students each and every year? speaking of linkedin, how come there are no years attached to her education? because thats what people do on linkedin, leave out details. and those awards for U by Kotex? i guess she was honored but not her team of 15? im sure she was in charge of chevys rebranding social media too. global companies tend to give that to 29 year olds that dont work for the social media agency for chevy. maybe they left this um channel stuff out because its puffed out. i look forward to her teaching michigan how to google. took 5 minutes, guys.
kmgeb2000
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 9:18 p.m.
Probably because if they published this type of information they would not have 97-plus comments and associated ad revenue. The additional information posted also reads heavy with corporate speak, which requires a "grain of salt". Regardless, congratulations to Ms Miller.
nekm1
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:52 p.m.
Can someone please explain why this is not a person of color, who would more accurately portray the student base of Michigan?
Sallyxyz
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 3:05 a.m.
She knew someone in the hiring department, perhaps the supervisor who hired her. Anyone hired at this salary already has an inside track to the job.
YpsiVeteran
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:12 p.m.
The incoming freshman class in 2009 was 74% "White/Caucasian." Why does it matter what color she is? (<a href="http://www.umich.edu/~rsa/factbook09/Demographics.pdf)" rel='nofollow'>http://www.umich.edu/~rsa/factbook09/Demographics.pdf)</a>
Chris
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
Perhaps Ms Miller was the most qualified candidate?
A2James
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
Wow. As a long-time U-M employee, and someone with interests in advertising, copywriting, marketing, and social media, this would be my dream job! Good luck to Jordan on her new position. This sounds less like simply "tweeting and making status updates", and more like gauging metrics and consistently marketing UM as a brand. The internet is a powerful recruiting and marketing tool (which means $$$) when used correctly.
WiseWoman
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
While I envy this girl's salary, I do not envy the fact that there are probably thousands of UM-related social media pages through various departments that she will be tasked with getting a handle on, overseeing and developing guidelines for. Not to mention tracking data such as "likes" and "retweets" and trying to assign some kind of quantifiable value to it. AND dealing with University politics. It's not like she's just going to be posting status updates on Facebook and Twitter all day.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 3:04 a.m.
She will have a staff of low paid secretaries (called something else) to do the real work. Not to worry. She won't be running around the departments getting a handle on social media pages. She will be sitting in her office or in meetings while others do the work. Anyone at the UM who makes that kind of money doesn't get their hands dirty.
YpsiVeteran
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
All of which amounts to exactly what, at the end of the day? Nothing. All that activity furthers what core educational goal? Tracking "likes" and "retweets"? Might as well be tracking a hamster on a wheel. What is produced? Nothing. What are the lasting benefits? There are none. In fact, the argument can easily be made that offering students more opportunity to avoid direct contact and interaction is a detriment, not a benefit.
YpsiVeteran
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 2 p.m.
JrMjr and MikeD, you are the ones who don't get it. UM, as a public university, has ONE "critical" mission, and it's providing a quality, *affordable* educating students. That's it. Whether any of you like it or not, that's their job. They are failing, miserably. Everything that place does needs to be filtered through that lens. High admission standards are one thing; $25K to $35K per year for an undergrad education is something else entirely. It's inexcusable and unsupportable, and all the childish, "everyone's just jealous" attitudes do nothing but make me laugh. I don't begrudge anyone a living, and this is not about either of the two young women mentioned in the article. It's obvious many can't see the forest for the trees, and that's probably the way UM likes it.
YpsiVeteran
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 10:51 p.m.
I'm also interested in what goods and services state and federal governments peddle that provide income other than what is provided by taxpayers in taxes, fees, fines, penalties, interest, etc. Other than money we send them, what income do they have?
YpsiVeteran
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 10:47 p.m.
That's an interesting perspective, JRMjr. It's not the robber's fault for stealing the money, it's the bank's fault for having so much in the first place. That's exactly the argument you are making. It's not up to the university to be responsible, it's up to someone else to make them. It's not on them to avoid frivolous expenditures, waste and mismanagement; it's up to mommy and daddy governor and Congress to stop giving them so much to waste. Nice.
JRMjr
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
incorrect. I am saying its the fault of the federal government and the states for providing so much money that the cost of tuition rises without any control because there is unlimited student loan funding. If there are unlimited dollars and demand goes through the roof for the education... Also, if the state wanted to cap the level of tuition it could pass a law but it hasn't yet (which makes me think that such a law could hamper the competitiveness of a world class University and they know it.) The governments only source of funds is not taxes.
YpsiVeteran
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 6:26 p.m.
So, if I understand you correctly JRMjr, it is the responsibility of the state of Michigan and the federal government, two bodies who's only source of revenue is taxes, to make education at a state university affordable to the average family whose kid gets in? The university has no obligation to contain, let alone reduce, the costs of the education it provides? The fact that the same world-class education that cost, at the Law School for example, $340 per semester in 1970 and $20,655 per semester in 2009, is all the fault of the state and the feds for not making more money available? (In-state tuition taken from <a href="http://www.law.umich.edu/historyandtraditions/students/Documents/Law_School_Tuition_History.pdf)" rel='nofollow'>http://www.law.umich.edu/historyandtraditions/students/Documents/Law_School_Tuition_History.pdf)</a>
JRMjr
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:45 p.m.
also, as a follow up... I forgot the "failing miserably" metric which has no supporting reference. If the University of Michigan, chosen by JFK and Obama across decades as a platform to deliver a message from a flagship state University, is a failure I can't imagine how you classify the federal governments workmanship or what your standard of success is
JRMjr
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.
hard to say Michigan (ranked as a top 20 world university per US News) isn't quality. Affordability stems from what... supply and demand. Demand for a world class college education has never been higher (partially due to the federal government education loan juice) so... the affordability issue is on who? a) the federal government and b) the state of Michigan that has cut funding how many times in the last decade. You must have a cogent argument before you attack people for "not getting" it. I understand your view. $100k is ALOT of money but don't attack me for not getting it when you are not using any base for what is "quality" or "affordable" as a qualitative metric.
Mike D.
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.
You don't see how marketing (which is what social media is) to attract the best possible student and donor base benefits education?
YpsiVeteran
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
Make that, "...a quality, affordable education for students."
JRMjr
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
All of the thoughts about how social media is a waste of money is very ironic considering how important branding is in the social space. Do you neglect your facebook profile (let people post bad pictures of you or say bad things about you or do you proactively project a positive image)? Do you comment on newspaper articles (which is a brand of social advertising/interaction/media)? So much negativity regarding this position is not thought through. Its a critical role that shows an awareness of the development of branding in the 21st Century. Lots of responsibility means lots of pay.
Mike D.
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.
Comments like the above (and A2.com's sensational reporting when someone makes a fair wage for a sought after new media skill-set) are why businesses are fleeing Michigan and there are thousands of jobs unfilled. Social media translates directly to millions in revenue to my relatively small company, and it surely should be a critical part of Michigan's recruitment and relations. As someone who hires for positions like this, I feel qualified to state that $100k is appropriate for a social media executive at an enterprise of this scale.
JRMjr
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.
thank you for bringing some perspective.
Joe
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
...and the University continues to raise tuition...unbelievable!
Carole
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 11:46 a.m.
And we wonder why the tuition continues to increase.
Stupid Hick
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 5:31 a.m.
Very interesting. Does anyone remember Jordan from her days as "lead blogger" for annarbor.com? I hope she learned something about public relations following her "Lodi swans" fiasco a year or two ago. I'll never forget her radio interview, where she was given an opportunity to defuse the controversy she created. But instead she doubled-down and then, incredibly, went on to plug a non-profit she was involved with at the time. I was mortified for her and the non-profit she represented.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 3:01 a.m.
Most likely she had connections. UM doesn't hire people for that kind of money unless they know someone who knows someone. It's all about who you know, not what you know, unfortunately. They should have hired a senior PR person from a large university. Perhaps the person she reports to would have been threatened if a substantial senior person was hired.....goes on all the time at UM.
Stupid Hick
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 6:33 a.m.
She upset a few people and I hope she does better for the U. I'm surprised to learn she's 31, I figured she was probably much younger.
say it plain
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 5:46 a.m.
I don't recall her, but it sounds like maybe this incident helped her secure the prize position! It showed UM that she can forge ahead in shameless plugs for non-profits lol, and miss opportunities to (truly) defuse controversies, perfect! Her past PR work may reveal UM's playbook for the future!
say it plain
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:20 a.m.
I think an important part of the desired *effect* of hiring Ms. Miller is telling us how there's a new "star" among us, and she'll be leading the MGoBlue social-media cheers, so...watch out for her kids, she's kind of a big deal ;-) (see, so, people complaining about her salary are not getting that outsized salaries and provocative posing is what brings out the 'followers'. Plus they'll expect to see her 'working' pretty much every minute she's awake and then some, so, you know...)
glacialerratic
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.
A hiring at this level for this purpose is wholly out of line. She will start at a higher salary than many, if not most, very experienced, dedicated and highly skilled and sophisticated mid-level administrators who perform mission-critical work. And what exactly are her qualifications? What is her educational background? How many years of experience does she have working in a top research university? And what exactly is she expected to bring that is new, when so many students and faculty already are adept with social media? Her portfolio is uninformative and suggests she has some experience in marketing. Big deal.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 2:58 a.m.
Excellent post. She won't survive long. A young, inexperienced person coming from the AA News and AA dot com has no clue how a big university bureaucracy works and the scale of the UM is massive by comparison. Unfortunately, I see her lasting about a year. She will be eaten up. Salary should have been closer to half that amount.
JRMjr
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 1:21 p.m.
If they were more qualified I hope they applied.
say it plain
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 5:18 a.m.
yes, but what does MORALE mean internally really...it's the view from outside that matters in marketing ;-) I wonder how freely those inside the UM will be able to participate in the "conversation" about it out in the twitterverse!
Audion Man
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:35 a.m.
Exactly! Did this really need to be a big hire from outside when there are plenty of hardworking folks, who already understand social media who could do the job- for less as an adjunct to their current jobs. This is a spendy hire... for show. Not that the U seems to care a whole lot for stuff like... you know... MORALE.
1bit
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 1:58 a.m.
Congrats, Jordan! Forget the haters - they're just jealous.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.
The last thing to die in a man is his heart, in a woman: her tongue. –– Benjamin Franklin. But we're now assured that the Dark Cloud of Uncohesive Twitter Handles will be lifted from the University of Michigan. Another apocalypse averted! Yay!
Mr. Ed
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 12:15 a.m.
The Michigan difference or should I say indifference to the realities of the current economy.
A2newbie
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
$100,000 to tweet? My dear students, this is why your tuition is going up 6.7%.
Jeremy Peters
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 11:58 p.m.
Before writing, perhaps note that she is being hired as the Dir. of Social Media for a $5.6 Billion / year organization with 35k employees. Like most major universities, Michigan is akin to a large public corporation.
say it plain
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:49 a.m.
I'm sorry, does the UM "make" 5.6 Billion /year from selling something?! What are her qualifications vis a vis institutions of higher education?! Oh, right, that doesn't matter for the whole social media scene... She can 'brand' UM with no understanding about that... It would be interesting for the journalists at AA.com to update us on Ms Miller's experiences and roles within the UM, which presumably has at least *a couple* of people who already work on how UM markets itself, no? Will she get to dictate to them, or do they tell her what they're looking to do with social media, or is her role something like head twitter-minder?
Audion Man
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
So, an Ann Arbor.com employee, gets a cushy, cushy job teaching clueless, disconnected University Deans how to use Twitter. After being at a position that is supposed to journalistically cover UM- one gets to ascend to UM for 100K/year? Is it any wonder that UM is not the subject of much investigative journalism. Ann Arbor.com is in the business of something, alright.
john anderson
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 11:34 p.m.
Congrats, Lindsay. Don't let annarbor.com get you down. They are good at two things: outrageous headlines and reporting on stories involving child sex crimes. Commenters of annarbor.com: didn't your mothers ever teach you that if you don't have anything nice to say...
say it plain
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:40 a.m.
Wait, do you mean to congratulate Lindsay, who didn't land the vaunted UM job, or Jordan, who got it?! Lindsay did get that job with the marketing firm downtown...tell us how much she'll be making AA.com, pulease?! I hope at least as much, because it's for profit and all, and she has, according to Miller, "moxie". But that might not be worth as much, hmm... And I love seeing the "...if you don't have anything nice to say..." line about the internets lol. Like it could operate on that principle, or *should*. For anything except advertising anyway.
average joe
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 11:16 p.m.
I guess I'm at a loss trying to figure out just what the U/M is trying to accomplish with this new position. This goes along with all the advertising being done now by all the hospitals in SE Michigan. Like I will decide which hospital to go to when I'm in the back of the ambulance bleeding to death... makes little sense to advertise, and it adds to the costs of health care.
rosewater
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.
Why does this public university always have so much money to throw around???
Homeland Conspiracy
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:48 p.m.
This why it cost about a $1000.00+ to wait in the ER waiting room! My last visit was 7hrs. 6 waiting, 1hr of being see by a doc. the cost (drum roll) $6734.26 And after all that I was told to take Motrin...something I was already doing.
mermaid72
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.
You should try a weeklong visit at the hospital ... they ran out of toilet paper on my ward!!! Good to know that the U of M's money is being for such important issues as a twitterer in chief.
jhammer
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:47 p.m.
Wow. At that salary and with the benes of the U, I would expect someone who has been a PR director within a major corporation/large company who has had to deal with PR crises in the past. Being social means a lot more than being young and excited. This will require serious skills on a level unseen before - real time. What happens if a JoePa situation hits U of M? This should have been a high level PR job. Not someone who is young and has proven they know how to use the tools. In my opinion. With that said, congrats and good luck.
Chris
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
The U has a communications STAFF, not one person, to handle the daily boring stuff and the crisis that come along. This person isn't the lead communications person for the U.
Nick Lacy
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:43 p.m.
What I find surprising is not the salary, but rather that the University of Michigan did not already have this position. Most businesses have a Director of Social Media and have had one for years. I would venture a guess that corporations in the for profit world of similar size and scale as the University of Michigan would pay much more for a similar position because they know it's worth it. I hope this comment is not in violation of AnnArbor.com's guidelines for not having a minimum amount of snark, which seems to be required for posting.
say it plain
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:31 a.m.
I didn't realize that a public university was a 'business' like the for-profit corporations. But not to worry, your post met the reserve on snark ;-)
JimB
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 3:26 a.m.
I bet David Brandon used to shoot off Tweets on his lunch break...now they want to get more professional. LOL
Lola
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
I bet they could have hired her for half that amount.
Hemenway
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 1:17 a.m.
One quarter I bet
elise
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
Actually, probably not. While the median income for a social media director is $50,910 (according to Payscale.com), U of M is not a median school. To get the best, you have to hire the best and pay for it. Large companies like Ford, Coca-cola, etc. spend even more on their SM talent.
GreektownDave
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
Should hire Kellyann Wargo, the "Walk Of Shame Shuttle" girl, as a Social Media Director. <a href="http://annarbor.com/news/u-m-students-walk-of-shame-shuttle-service-idea-goes-viral-online/?cmpid=mlive">http://annarbor.com/news/u-m-students-walk-of-shame-shuttle-service-idea-goes-viral-online/?cmpid=mlive</a>
lumberg48108
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.
wow - she was probably earning $30K at annarbor.com and now is making six figures
Jake C
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
Yes, how dare someone get a raise for demonstrating how they can provide value for an employer. Truly, everyone's salary should be determined by a popular vote, maybe through an internet poll on Facebook or Twitter or something.
mGill
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.
Ms. Miller wll be out of a job within a year. I hope she already see's this. Maybe someone should tweet it at her.
Jimmy McNulty
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:32 p.m.
I'm just curious why this article isn't under "pre-moderation."
Richard Retyi
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.
Why did they have to pay this Jordan Miller so much when social media is free! It doesn't cost a penny! How much does it cost to Facebook? Twittering is free too. What about the YouTubes. Or the MySpaces and the Craiglists and the Googles! All free. Why my 12 year-old niece knows how to do booking on Facebook. Why shouldn't she get the job? Outrage and fire breath! Grumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrumble.
say it plain
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:15 a.m.
Right, it's merely 'jealousy' and nothing to do with our evaluation of the 'business model' ;-)
Marshall Applewhite
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:42 p.m.
Pretty much my take on this as well. A whole lot of jealousy is apparent in the comments of this page.
StartupGeek
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
Just like the Internet, this social media thing is a fad.
Soft Paw
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
The point of this article escapes me, unless it's to prove the old saying that it's not what you know, it's who you know.
ViSHa
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:25 p.m.
Do professionals not use professional business pictures anymore or is this more a choice of the blog? Between this one and the glamour shot one from a previous article about the EML law....
say it plain
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:14 a.m.
It's because in this case the profession is, um, 'chatting'-based ;-)
redwingshero
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
And people were outraged as to why UofM would be raising their tuition a week or so ago? "Here's your sign." For a brand new created position, that's an absurd salary. I can understand wanting the best and brightest talent argument, but for a position that's never existed before, it seems out of proportion. In 5-7 years, perhaps, but not out the gate. What's next, the housekeeping staff that cleans the dorms and unclogs the sinks/toilets will be called "Naturual Resource Relocation Engineers" and get massive raises?? And who's vice-president, Jerry Lewis???????
PittsfieldTwp
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
Wow. That's a high salary compared to other marketing director positions I have seen at U of M. I am not saying you couldn't get paid 100 grand to direct social media elsewhere, but I do think some of the other director positions at U of M should have much higher salaries based on the experience, seniority, and responsibility I have seen requested in the job postings.
Kade
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:13 p.m.
This article would be more useful to me by including...you know...relevant information! Such as: Miller's previous jobs and qualifications instead of headlining her salary (good lord). Strike one. Way to start off on the right foot, a2.com. Also, it seems more about Blackwell's next steps rather thank Miller's. Strike two, a2 journalists. Finally, if she worked "at" or "for" a2.com, why no mention of what she did? strike three. Her twitter pic is something else, too.
Chrysta Cherrie
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
You and the people who liked this may want to look again; the story clearly lists some of her previous work experience as well as links to her portfolio.
trespass
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.
The University of Michigan values image over substance. That is at the core of the current scandal about the delay in reporting child pornography. UM will only value this if they can control it. As soon as people use it to criticize the administration or leak secrets the University will put a stop to it. This very young women may be ideal for a young person's technology but she is too young to understand the politics she is getting into.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 2:52 a.m.
Agree.
Just Sayin
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Yes, and look how screwed the world is now.
Eep
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 1:45 a.m.
Exactly how old do you think a person needs to be before they can hold a job carrying significant responsibility and judgment? We have 31-year-old doctors, lawyers, police officers, pilots, judges, legislators . . .
trespass
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
@Eep- Yes
Eep
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 9:46 p.m.
31 is "very young" and "too young to understand the politics she is getting into"? Really? Would you say the same thing about a male media director?
Ignatz
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
I'm glad this world class university is taking the lead in teaching the self absorbed to become more efficient at being self absorbed.
say it plain
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:12 a.m.
Lol!
EatKeyLimePie
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
The leaders and the best!
YpsiVeteran
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 8:23 p.m.
Wow. $100K per year to Twitter (aka "gossip") and create seminars teaching other people how to Twitter (aka "gossip"). It's too bad the UM doesn't have any marketing students or anyone like that, who could devise and maintain "social media" strategies as part of their degree programs. What's another $100K in taxpayer dollars anyway? It's just disgusting. A hundred THOUSAND dollars a year. It's incredible.
Chris
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
This position is a "face" for the U. It's the last place for a marketing student or intern. I credit the U for ponying up the $. They likely attracted better candidates that those who "just" tweet or post on Facebook all day.
YpsiVeteran
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
Epengar, because I don't think the whole of social media, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. etc. ad nauseum is a critical role worth $100K a year, that automatically means I don't know what I'm talking about? Not quite. If your only support is that many students use it every day, I don't think you'll sway many people who agree with me. They all use toilet paper every day too...shall we pay someone $100K per year to manage that? In the end, it could easily be argued that the value of the function performed by the toilet paper is of greater value than the function performed by University-sponsored social media.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
Jake C, It doesn't matter where the money comes from for the University. We the people still own the University. The money donated from outside sources is donated to OUR (yours and mine) University.
Epengar
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 4:54 a.m.
If you knew what you were talking about, you'd know that social media are a lot more than Twitter. You'd also know that many, maybe most current and future students use social media every day. So that's kind of an important communications job for the University, don't you think?
YpsiVeteran
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 : 12:05 a.m.
My foot is free from holes, Jake C. Doesn't much matter where she used to work. "Social Media Director" is a $35K per year job, at best. And as far as their funding goes, they get close to $400 million per year from the taxpayers of the state of Michigan. If they'd like to forgo that money, or perhaps stop constantly raising tuition while blaming the reduction in "state revenue," then they can pay their Social Media Director a million dollars a year and no one will care. In the meantime, it's pathetic.
alan
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:49 p.m.
Every time the university spends money someone screams "taxpayer dollars". The university earns approximately 8% of revenue from said monies. Check it ut before saying things like this. I do happen to agree that this one of the dumber job descriptions I've ever heard of.
Jake C
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
"Wow. $100K per year [in taxpayer dollars] to [gossip], " ... Says a person who is posting on a social news site that Jordan Miller worked for. Way to shoot yourself in the foot, YpsiVeteran. And I don't think you really understand how U of M is funded. (Hint: It's not primarily by "taxpayer dollars")
G-Man
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
Yah! And probably a bargain.....I just decided i'm not charging enough for my work! Think of all the underprivileged that could have been helped.......