Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Position Is Open Until Filled

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership - Marketing, Communications, and Creative Services
  • Oversee the development and implementation of the strategic marketing and communications plan in support of the university’s mission, including the articulation of clear communication themes and messaging for all campus units, including:
    • Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, and the Leadership Team
    • Campus-wide announcements
    • Budget and legislative communications
    • Crisis and emergency communications
  • Media Relations
    • Coordinate and approve press releases
    • Support any media events or press conferences
    • Coordinate local and regional media weather alert systems
  • Budget management to ensure optimal return on investment and efficient use of resources.
  • Lead the university’s communication and marketing functions including strategic communication planning, media, and public relations, publications, event marketing, branding, social media, web communications, multi-media productions, marketing plans, graphic styles, and advertising.
  • Supervise marketing, communications, and creative services professionals with a strong emphasis on customer service.
• Administrative Liaison
  • Acts as liaison between the university, the Chancellor, and the public: regents, UW System president, and other administrators, state and local governmental officials, senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, Alumni Association Board, Foundation Board, etc.
  • Discuss communication strategies with the chancellor. Draft letters/memos/communications for the Chancellor and Vice Chancellors, as needed, for review and signature.  In response to general requests, prepare documents and send, using independent judgment.
  • Assist the Office of the Chancellor in planning written and personal correspondence with the university staff, legislators, government officials, and community.
  • Administer guidance and/or solutions by meeting with and listening to individuals with concerns or complaints and effectively handle, or appropriately refer, to maintain a compatible relationship with university staff, governmental agencies, students, parents, and the general public.
  • Assist the Chancellor beyond regular workday when needed, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Planning and Research
  • Research and analyze information for projects and provide background as necessary.
  • When requested, interpret state and university policies through analysis of written documents and/or consultation with appropriate university personnel.
• Public Information Officer
  • Serve as the Public Information Officer (media spokesperson) for the campus.
  • Serve as the university’s primary representative for public relations, interacting with constituents, legislators, the general public, governmental agencies, and attends internal and external functions to meet institutional goals.
  • Serve on various professional, civic, community, or university organizations and attend events in lieu of the chancellor or other leadership to further enhance the visibility of the campus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and proven experience in applying the principles of integrated marketing and communications, including understanding brand strategy and strategic communication planning.
• Knowledge of and proven experience in public relations with an understanding of working with diverse groups.
• Knowledge and possession of high professional standards and a personal code of ethics characterized by honesty, integrity, openness, and fairness.
• Strong communication skills, including experience writing and editing news releases, reports, web content, social media posts, and executive level messages, talking points, and/or speeches.
• Strong marketing skills, including brand management and using data analytics to increase market share
• Strong leadership skills with proven success in hiring, training, leading, motivating, assessing, and supervising professionals within a team environment.
• Strong administrative skills including planning, budgeting, managing resources, and presenting.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking, project management, problem recognition, and resolution skills, including the ability to utilize departmental data and data analytics for effective planning.
• Skill in operation of modern office machines, equipment and computers, and relevant software.
• Ability to lead and develop personnel through a collegial, collaborative, and transparent leadership style.
• Ability to think strategically while being a “hands-on” team leader and team player.
• Ability to communicate and develop relationships with legislators, community members, and business leaders.
• Ability to research, analyze and articulate complex educational and legislative issues, as well as the ability to plan effective, strategic responses.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and work well under limited time constraints.
• Ability in setting priorities, resolving conflicts, and managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to participate in evening and weekend events as necessary.
• Demonstrated experience in crafting and presenting high profile communications and presentations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Six years of related professional work experience
• Professional work experience in governmental or community relations
• Supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Professional work experience in higher education or related industry

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of Wisconsin System provides a liberal benefits package, including participation in a state pension plan. 

Benefit Details: 

https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/

Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/benefits-estimator/  

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications must be submitted electronically through our employment portal. If you need additional assistance you may contact Human Resources at (262) 595-2204. Hours 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.

STEP 1: Please select the applicable link below:

External Applicants: (NOT currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System)

Internal Applicants: (Currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System)

STEP 2: Submit application materials

Please be sure to complete all required fields and include all required documents before submitting your application. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit or attach any application materials. Files must be complete to be considered. All materials must be added at one time, once submitted you may not edit/add to profile. Please include the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for 3 professional references

Review of Applications

Applications received by 1/2/2024 are ensured full consideration. Position open until filled.

You must select "SUBMIT". Selecting "Save" will not forward your application materials to the search committee. 

Please be sure to complete all required fields and include all required documents before submitting your application. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit or attach any application materials.

In instances where the Review Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidates application materials whether she/he meets all of the required qualifications, or if all of the application materials are not submitted, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications and may be excluded from further consideration.

Employment will require a criminal background check in accordance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. (see TC1 - App. 4 and p. 12)

Note: Criminal Background Check – The Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division prohibits employers from using criminal background check information, policies or practices that have a “disparate impact” and is not “job-related and consistent with business necessity” in hiring decisions. All information used to screen or hire job applications should relate to the duties of the job.

UW-Parkside is an AA/EEO employer: All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

It is the policy of UW-Parkside to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 262-595-2204. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual’s disability.

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of Wisconsin Parkside Crime Statistics Report is available here. Call the UW-Parkside Campus Police Office at (262) 595-2455 for a paper copy of the annual report.

Transcripts will be required upon hire.