Communication Specialist

Job Summary

The Departments of Botany and Integrative Biology in the College of Letters & Science are coming together to form the new Department of Biology, creating an exceptional opportunity for a Communications Specialist to play a foundational role in shaping and sharing the identity of this new department.

In this new position, the Communications Specialist will work collaboratively with the Department Chair, faculty, staff, and campus partners to develop and implement strategic communications to promote the department's mission, priorities, and achievements. This position will play a central role in communicating about the formation and growth of the new department, strengthening alumni engagement, and sharing compelling stories of research, teaching, students, alumni, and impact.

In this pivotal moment, the Communications Specialist will help craft the messaging to shape how internal and external audiences view the Department of Biology.

• Plan and execute editorial content according to established goals and objectives
• Develops new ideas and strategies for showcasing Biology, and provide project management and execution of communication programs, initiatives, and tactical plans
• Work closely with the multiple communities of Biology in the department to develop ideas for storytelling
• Write, edit, and publish content for various communication projects and marketing platforms to align with strategic initiatives and established communication campaigns
• Monitor reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives
• Communicate with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources
• Interact with alumni, advancement officers, donors, faculty, and staff to cultivate and maintain relationships that promote the growth of the teaching and research mission of the department, paying close attention to the priorities and needs of the department
• Potential to supervise student communication intern(s)

• Minimum 1 year of experience in written storytelling, social media content development, and platforms management
• Experience working with traditional and digital media and using digital communication tools
• Experience with web and social media platforms and management of related analytics
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite or equivalent graphic design platform (such as Canva)
• Proficiency with MS Office applications, Google Workspace, and Word Press
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to develop strategy, messaging, and positioning for communications and advancement
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technology tools and platforms

• Minimum 3 years of professional full-time experience performing communication activities
• Experience in project management with multiple projects, clients, and vendors
• Website development and management experience
• Communications experience including outreach, stakeholder development, and engagement
• Experience with in higher education

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in communications, journalism, or related field

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process.

You will be prompted to upload the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Personal portfolio consisting of at least two writing samples (e.g., feature article, website content, or press release) and one design sample (e.g., webpage, newsletter, or social media post) created by the applicant

Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.
Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents referenced above in the attachment field.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Julie Lindsey, jzlindsey

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See  for further information.

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…