Executive Communications Strategist

The Executive Communications Strategist serves as a member of the School of Education's Communication and Advancement team to develop a wide range of strategic communications on behalf of the Dean and senior leadership. To help communicate the School's vision and initiatives, they will research, write, copy-edit, and catalogue remarks that will be delivered by the Dean and other senior leadership as needed to internal and external audiences. They will also prepare speeches, presentations, correspondence, and internal communication intended for a wide variety of students, staff, faculty, and external stakeholders.

Well-qualified applicants will have a successful track record in the following areas:

• Demonstrated experience writing clear, vivid prose for executive speeches, remarks for events, correspondence, internal communication, and other projects for senior executives
• In collaboration with leadership and colleagues across campus, works closely with the executive level offices, senior leaders and communications staff to research a broad range of topics as background for speeches and other presentations to ensure accurate documents and presentations
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, prioritize work to meet established deadlines and changing situations, function effectively under deadline pressure, and fulfill assignments on schedule
• Embracing teamwork and working collaboratively to plan and execute projects with a wide array of colleagues with a variety of working styles
• Ensures that the relevant strategy, audience specific message development, branding, and other core goals are accomplished in each piece Ability to produce error-free texts and thoroughly fact-checked documents
• Demonstrated commitment toward inclusion, equity, and diversity

Communication research and writing for Dean and senior leadership - 60% Work with the Dean or other Senior Leaders to research and produce accurate, innovative content for internal and external presentations, events, and keynote talks. Events range from School-wide events such as Board meetings, university leadership meetings, and graduation. External speaking engagements may include speaking with key stakeholder groups within the School or University, as well as state and national groups. Provide strategic review, copy editing, and proofreading for executive communications. In addition to writing content, this position will work with event coordinators, schedulers, and graphic designers on appropriate timeline and project management of the writing and review process and develop an archive of speeches and other written content. Collaboration among this group is essential to develop and maintain smooth and efficient processes.

Content Development - 30% Writing editorial opinion pieces, correspondence, such as internal emails, e-newsletters. Internal communication planning and implementation of communication on behalf of senior executives and to support strategic initiatives for the School. Provide strategic review, copy editing, and proofreading for executive communications from the Dean's office such as internal memos, reports, or other correspondence.

Other writing as assigned - 10% Support the Communications and Advancement office with help writing content to support communications, development, or alumni relations.

Additional information: Occasional nights and weekends will be required as needed for high-priority events

Degree and area of specialization:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Strategic Communications or a related field.

Minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience:

• At least 5 years' experience in professional writing and editing experience; executive communication experience preferred
• Exceptional interviewing, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and complete them under tight and often-shifting deadlines.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment 
• Strong strategic and creative thinking, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to interact with senior administrators across multiple organizations
• Strong portfolio of writing that is clear, accurate, and compelling.
• Ability to interview administrators and faculty across a wide range of disciplines and present complex concepts in clear and lively prose for diverse audiences.
• Ability to write in a voice appropriate to the varied audiences addressed, and writing to the style of key individuals.
• Experience writing executive level speeches

Minimum $58,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications Benefits information here: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/