Marketing and Communications Strategist

Job Summary:

The Office of Strategic Communication, the central marketing and communications division of UW-Madison, is seeking a talented, versatile and impact-focused Marketing and Communications Strategist to help advance and protect the university's reputation. This role sits within the Marketing Communications sub-team of Strategic Communication's Content Strategy unit, working to engage external audiences and drive action through comprehensive marketing and communication strategies, including campaign planning, content development, and multi-channel promotion.

This position will develop, coordinate, and execute marketing and communication efforts in support of UW-Madison's strategic priorities, with a focus on state, federal, and community issues, as well as business and industry partnerships. The strategist will collaborate closely with teams across Strategic Communication - including Content Strategy, Brand Strategy, and Public Affairs and Institutional Communications - while managing complex projects, crafting compelling messages and content, overseeing digital platforms, coordinating stakeholder outreach, and supporting public relations efforts. The position also includes light graphic design and website management.

The role requires a strong analytical mindset; using data and insights to refine strategies, measure effectiveness and optimize content performance by tracking engagement metrics; leveraging audience research; and applying industry best practices to ensure communication efforts are impactful. The ideal candidate is a strategic, well-rounded, collaborative partner who can help showcase UW-Madison's profound impact across multiple channels and audiences.

Responsibilities:

Develops and drafts communication content and assists in the execution of the communications strategy in support of unit communication goals.

• 10% Monitors reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives
• 10% Plans editorial content according to established goals and objects
• 20% Communicates with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources
• 25% Writes, edits, and publishes content for various communication projects and marketing platforms to align with strategic initiatives and established communication campaigns
• 15% Provides project management and execution of communications programs, initiatives, and tactical plans
• 10% Segments audiences, identifies marketing opportunities, evaluates strategies, integrates and implements marketing tactics, and measures marketing program results.
• 10% Serves as marketing and communication liaison to University Relations.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Required
Bachelor's Degree

Qualifications:

REQUIRED:
- Three (3) years in a professional marketing or communications role

PREFERRED:
- Experience engaging and communicating with public officials and/or a background in business-to-business marketing or public relations.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic communication and marketing plans that align with brand strategy.
- Skill in creating compelling content, materials, speeches, or stories that demonstrate impact.
- Strong time management, project management, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven, detail-oriented environment.
- Experience using social media tools to achieve marketing and communications goals.
- Familiarity with basic website editing within a content management system.
- Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively within a large, decentralized organization.
- Basic proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, email marketing platforms, and web analytics.
- Knowledge of modern marketing and communication tools, trends, and best practices, with a commitment to staying up to date.
- Ability to work strategically and collaboratively toward organizational goals with teams from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Commitment to supporting the mission and priorities of higher education and UW-Madison.
- Strong judgment and the ability to work independently while meeting deadlines.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

This is a hybrid position, requiring some in-person work on campus and the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. Onsite vs. remote work expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $68,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced insurance plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Learn more at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/.

Additional Information:

The successful candidate 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.

How to Apply:

Please click the 'Apply Now' button above to begin. After creating a UW Jobs profile, you will be asked to upload a cover letter and resume highlighting your relevant experience and skills.

Contact:

Kory Breuer
kory.breuer@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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Official Title:

Communications Specialist(CM004)

Department(s):

A02-GENERAL SERVICES/VC FOR UNIV RELATIONS/CONTENT STRATEGY

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

312681-AS

 

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.