Executive Director of University Relations
Position is Open Until Filled
Code: 17548 Posted: 09/13/2021
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is a dynamic learning community grounded in academic excellence and focused on student success, diversity, inclusion and community engagement. One of 13 four-year institutions within the University of Wisconsin System, Parkside provides an educational value to our students that’s unparalleled. An affordable, high-quality education is an investment in ones future, and we believe the cost of an education should not prevent any student from achieving his or her educational and professional goals.
UW-Parkside is a great place to start or enhance your career. The campus is nestled in 700 acres of woodland and prairie and two miles west of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, WI. At Parkside we offer competitive pay and benefits, as well an engaging and supportive work environment. Parkside is a community that’s easy to call home. Find out why.
Position Title: Executive Director of University Relations
Employment Type: Full time, Non-Instructional Academic Staff, Exempt
Reports To: The Executive Director of University Relations will report to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement
Pay Range: 80,000-85,000
The Executive Director of University Relations lead’s the University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s integrated strategic communications, branding, and marketing efforts to advance the reputation of the university. The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership in formulating strategies to enhance the mission, visibility, image, awareness, and engagement levels among all stakeholders including prospective and current students, parents, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and internal and external constituents.
The Executive Director will oversee a collaborative team of individuals that contribute in the areas of media relations, publications, marketing, social media, graphic design, website, videography, photography, and printing. The Office of University Relations is organized for strategic marketing and communication and includes internal and external communication, public relations, marketing, legislative relations, media relations, publication, print purchasing, news service, design, web design and maintenance, photo/video, and advertising. The Executive Director serves as the university’s primary legislative liaison and public information officer and works to strengthen connections with groups and organizations in Kenosha/Racine, region, and the state.
Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Executive Director of University Relations serves as a valued member of the chancellor’s leadership team, which is a cabinet-level institutional body that meets regularly to advise the president and to develop institution-wide strategy, initiatives, policies, and messages. This position plays an integral role at the institutional level and is relied on for strategic thinking and communications strategy, from inception to expression, on both a routine, day-to-day basis and when crises arise.
Essential Job Functions
- 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 messages for all campus units to disseminate and also including:
- Vice Chancellor, Chancellor, and Leadership Team
- Campus-wide announcements
- Budget/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.
- Serve as an advocate for the needs of the University Relations unit.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
2. Administrative Liaison
- Acts as liaison between the university, chancellor, and all publics: regents, UW System president, and other administrators, state and local governmental officials, legislators, senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, Alumni Association Board, Foundation Board, etc.
- Discuss communication strategies re: chancellor letters/memos/etc. Draft letters/memos/communications for the Vice Chancellor of Chancellor’s signature or messages for the chancellor’s review. In response to general requests, prepare documents and send, using independent judgment.
- Assist the Vice Chancellor and Office of the Chancellor in planning written and personal contacts with the UW-Parkside, university, 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 referral, to maintain a compatible relationship with university staff, governmental agency administrators, students, parents, and the general public.
- Assist Vice Chancellor and Chancellor beyond regular workday when needed, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
3. Planning and Research
- Research and analyze information for projects and provide background for the Vice
- Chancellor and/or Office of the Chancellor as necessary.
- When requested, interpret state and university policies through analysis of written documents and/or consultation with appropriate university personnel.
4. Public Information Officer
- Serve as the Public Information Officer (media spokesperson) for the campus.
- Serve as the university’s primary representative related to public and legislative relations interacting with constituents, the general public, governmental bodies, and at internal and external functions both in and out-of-state as required 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.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Six years of related professional work experience
Salary and Benefits
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/download/summaries/fasl.pdf
Total Compensation Estimator: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/totalcomp/
Application Process
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
- Examples of Work
Review of Applications
Position is 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.
Legal Notices and Important Information
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.
Contact
Laura Menarek
(262)595-3204
menarek@uwp.edu
Available Until: 12/31/2021
