Communications Manager

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Job Summary
As a member of the central Student Affairs communications and advancement team, you will lead high-level messaging and storytelling to convey the impact of student experiences outside the classroom and how these add value in pursuit of a college degree. The communications manager spends most days writing, storytelling, editing, planning communications, and managing media or issue-related needs.

Key Job Responsibilities

Develop executive remarks, talking points, and presentations.

Author stories that illustrate the value of Student Affairs as part of the student experience.

Manage media relations, including executive leader preparedness; responses to student, local, and national media; and preparing occasional news releases.

Assist with crisis and issue‑related communications.

Plan, write, and edit content for the monthly Student Affairs newsletter.

Develop communication plans and strategies associated with Student Affairs initiatives.

Maintain an archive of remarks, presentations, and points on key issues.

Edit communication materials and messaging.

Supervise one student employee (including hiring, promotions, and performance management).

Identify, propose, and implement new or revised unit operational policies and procedures.

Manage day‑to‑day operational unit plans to align with strategic initiatives and meet established objectives.

Develop, implement, and deliver communication materials through various mediums to designated audiences.

Plan, write, and edit content for various internal and external stakeholders.

Direct unit programs and/or projects to ensure adherence to deadlines and budgets.

Required Qualifications

Experience authoring executive‑level messaging, scripts, and/or formal remarks.

Experience with public and/or media relations.

Experience with communication planning and execution.

Ability to humanize initiatives with compelling narratives.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Ability to prioritize tasks and perform effectively under tight deadlines.

High attention to detail: superior editing skills with a sharp eye for accuracy, tone, and brand consistency.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to exercise high discretion and sound judgment when interacting with executive and senior institutional leaders.

Demonstrated experience using plain language principles to translate complex or technical information for general audiences.

Familiarity with current public institution issues, trends, and governance in higher education.

Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience that includes executive messaging, media/public relations, strategic storytelling, and communications planning.

Education
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional‑level experience.

Compensation
Starting salary range: $72,500 – $84,000 for highly experienced candidates. Actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications.

Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax‑advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf

Student Affairs Overview
Student Affairs, led by the vice chancellor, comprises approximately 850 professional staff across thematic areas including health and well‑being, student success and belonging, leadership and community engagement, and student advocacy. We are dedicated to ensuring every student thrives in a complex world and seek candidates who are student‑centered, practice inclusivity and collaboration, strive for excellence, and believe in the transformative possibilities of learning. Discover more at http://studentaffairs.wisc.edu.

EEO Statement
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, 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 by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer
University of Wisconsin–Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information
Angel Cartagena, hr@studentaffairs.wisc.edu, (608) 890-2570. Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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