Strategic Communications Specialist

University Communications, the central news and content hub for the UW-Madison campus, is seeking a talented and versatile marketing and communications professional.

This position will develop, coordinate and execute communication and marketing efforts in support of UW-Madison's Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships unit. This includes message and content development, speechwriting, project management, digital marketing, story pitching, event planning and news writing on key administrative priorities, including the university's budget, finances, statewide outreach, community relations, engagement with business and more.

Principal duties:

• Develop communications that highlight the university's impact on the state of Wisconsin and advance the goals of UW's Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships unit, including community, business, state, federal and tribal relations.
• Create and execute marketing and communications initiatives that strengthen the relationship between UW and business, government, community and tribal leaders.
• Create talking points, presentations, speeches and op-eds for campus leadership for a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Identify, pitch and project manage the development of stories and related communications that support key institutional and unit priorities, as well as building and executing content marketing strategies in support of those projects.
• Identify, develop, write and edit content, announcements, news releases and stories related to UW's state, local, federal and business engagement efforts.
• Provide UW leadership communications and logistical support during outreach trips or campus events.
• Manage and produce internal and external events.
• Establish strong and proactive working relationships with members of the local and state news media.

• Five years of relevant full-time work experience in journalism, mass communications, higher education, media relations, non-profits, trade associations, government or business to business marketing.
• Knowledge of and interest in state and federal government and corporate relations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic communication plans that support brand strategy.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, meet deadlines and carry out assigned duties.
• Ability to cultivate effective relationships and work collaboratively across a diverse, multidisciplinary organization. 

The successful candidate must also:

• Display sound judgment, initiative and problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrate the ability to conceive, propose, research, report and create messages, presentations or stories on complex topics.
• Have experience using social media and digital tools as part of a marketing and communication strategy.
• Familiarity with basic website editing within a content management system.
• Possess a proven ability to write quickly and accurately.
• Have strong time-management, project management and organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects in a deadline-driven, highly detail-oriented environment.
• Embrace teamwork and demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in planning and executing projects.
• Familiarity with modern marketing and communication tools, trends and best practices, and the desire to stay up-to-date on their evolution.
• Basic familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, email marketing platforms and web analytics.

Minimum $60,000 ANNUAL (12 months).

Depending on Qualifications.