Director of Public Affairs

Job Summary:

The Office of Strategic Communication, the central communications and marketing office for UW-Madison, is seeking an agile and collaborative communicator, spokesperson, trainer and counselor to address a range of complex issues, policy questions, public safety situations and crisis responses.

Guided by the university's mission and values, this role will supervise a small Public Affairs team and direct the production of timely, accurate and clear communications across multiple platforms for the public and other key stakeholders, such as media, alumni, parents and internal audiences. The individual will help tell the story of UW-Madison while enhancing the institution's brand and reputation.

Responsibilities:

Directs communications strategic planning, and execution. Provides approval and guidance for communications including staffing and budgetary planning in support of institutional communication goals.

• 25% Develops, implements, and monitors strategic communication initiatives for designated audiences and internal stakeholders to maximize engagement and strengthen collaboration efforts
• 25% Identifies, establishes, and directs media relationships and partnerships with internal and external sources
• 20% Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revived operational policies and procedures
• 20% Audits and directs day-to-day operational plans to align with strategic initiatives and to meet established objectives
• 10% Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

Education:

Preferred
Bachelor's Degree
Journalism, strategic communications, public relations, or related field preferred.

Qualifications:

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

This is a hybrid position that requires some work be performed in-person on campus, with the flexibility for some remote work. In-person vs. remote work expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

The position requires flexibility and may include unusual working hours, including nights, weekends and holidays, depending on the situation.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $120,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced insurance plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf

How to Apply:

Please click the 'Apply Now' button above to begin. Once you have created a UW Jobs profile, you will be asked to upload a cover letter and resume which highlight your experience, knowledge, and skills as they relate to the listed qualifications.

To ensure full consideration, application packets must be received by September 1, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.

Contact:

Kory Breuer
kory.breuer@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Communications Director (Inst)(CM072)

Department(s):

A02-GENERAL SERVICES/VC FOR UNIV RELATIONS/INST COMMS

Employment Class:

Limited

Job Number:

303951-LI

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.