Director of Internal Strategic Communications

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the director serves as a trusted advisor to the Dean and college leadership and collaborates closely with academic departments, administrative units, and campus partners. The director oversees internal messaging, organizational announcements, leadership communications, and communication planning for major initiatives and change management efforts.

This position is ideal for a strategic communicator who thrives in a complex academic environment and is energized by the opportunity to strengthen community and culture within a world class engineering college.

Develop and implement a college wide internal communications strategy that supports organizational goals, enhances transparency, and fosters a sense of shared purpose.

Additional Information

• This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. The anticipated hybrid work schedule will be up to two days remote, with 3 days onsite.

• Some travel will be required.

• The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Develop and implement a college wide internal communications strategy that supports organizational goals, enhances transparency, and fosters a sense of shared purpose. Establish and maintain editorial standards, messaging frameworks, and communication protocols.

• Advise the Dean, Chief Strategy Officer, Associate deans, Department chairs, and senior leaders on communication approaches, timing, and messaging.

• Develops, implements, and monitors strategic communication initiatives for designated audiences and internal stakeholders to maximize engagement and strengthen collaboration efforts

• 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

• Identifies, establishes, and directs media relationships and partnerships with internal and external sources

• Act as a liaison for department communications specialist and the Dean's office communication team

• Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revived operational policies and procedures

• Audits and directs day-to-day operational plans to align with strategic initiatives and to meet established objectives

• Lead internal communication planning for major initiatives, policy changes, and organizational updates.

College of Engineering, Dean's Office

The starting salary for the position is $110,000, but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media relations

• Proven track record managing high-visibility communications, including crisis and issues management

• Demonstrated experience leading communications strategy for a complex organization (Higher education, nonprofit, government, or large corporate environment)

• Strong attention to detail with ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Experience supervising staff and managing cross-functional teams

• Experience working in a university or academic setting

• Background collaborating with executive leadership, governing boards, or public officials

• Familiarity with higher education governance, academic culture, and shared governance environments

Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred, in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field

Please go to the "Apply Now" area and select your current UW Employment Status. Applicants are required to upload a resume and a cover letter outlining relevant qualifications and experience as it pertains to the required and preferred qualifications outlined in this job posting.

The search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been selected.

Lula Baker

Chief Strategy Officer

1415 Engineering Dr

Madison, WI

lbaker33@wisc.edu

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