Strategic Communications Director for Higher Education

UWMSN University of Wisconsin Madison; United States; On-site; USD 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

The Communications Director serves as a communications strategist and trusted advisor in the Office of the Provost at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, balancing high‑level counsel with hands‑on execution across a broad portfolio.

The role leads executive and strategic communications, internal communications, content development, issues management, and coordination with central and unit communicators; reports to the Chief of Staff with a dotted line to Strategic Communications.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressively responsible communications experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading communications in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, establishes, and directs media relationships and partnerships (20%).
• Develops, implements, and monitors strategic communication initiatives (40%).
• Audits and directs day-to-day operational plans to align with strategy (20%).
• Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revived policies and procedures (20%).

Skills

Executive communication

Strategic communications

Writing and editing

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Job description

The Communications Director serves as a communications strategist and trusted advisor in the Office of the Provost at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, balancing high‑level counsel with hands‑on execution across a broad portfolio.

The role leads executive and strategic communications, internal communications, content development, issues management, and coordination with central and unit communicators; reports to the Chief of Staff with a dotted line to Strategic Communications.