Communications Director

Limited

Regular

Communications Director (Inst)

The Communications Director serves as a communications strategist and trusted advisor in the Office of the Provost on executive, internal and institutional communications. The director operates as both a strategic advisor and an operational leader, balancing high-level counsel with hands‑on execution across a broad portfolio of work. This role is responsible for:

• Leads the development and execution of communications strategies that support the Office of the Provost and advance the academic mission of the University
• Ensures that high-level communications are reflective of the campus strategic framework

• Leads communications efforts related to academic initiatives, leadership transitions, organizational priorities, policy changes and operational updates

• Strengthens alignment and supports the institutional brand across the Provost's portfolio
• Develops communication that supports transparency, alignment, engagement and change management across complex academic units
• Develops a communications strategy workflow, and smooth execution on daily needs, as well as longer term projects
• Fosters connections and supports alignment and partnership among communicators in units reporting to the Office of the Provost
• Ensures alignment with central campus communication priorities and the Office of Strategic Communication Issues management
• Anticipates institutional risks, reputational considerations and opportunities
• Provides guidance on sensitive and high‑profile issues, serves as a key liaison with university‑wide partners, and assists in executing urgent or emergency communications

• Supports the provost's engagements with internal and external audiences
• Develops presentations, correspondence, speeches, remarks, web content and talking points
• Manages daily operational communication needs of the Office of the Provost
• As needed, support units reporting to the Office of the Provost

The Communications Director will report to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Provost with a dotted line to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs and Institutional Communications in the Office of Strategic Communication to ensure communication coordination and alignment.

• Identifies, establishes, and directs media relationships and partnerships with internal and external sources (20%)
• Develops, implements, and monitors strategic communication initiatives for designated audiences and internal stakeholders to maximize engagement and strengthen collaboration efforts (40%)
• Audits and directs day‑to‑day operational plans to align with strategic initiatives and to meet established objectives (20%)
• Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revived operational policies and procedures (20%)

Office of the Provost

The minimum salary for this position is $125,000. Actual salary is negotiable and will depend on the selected candidate's qualifications.

This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid‑time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax‑advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Review the benefits summary for more information.

• 8+ years of progressively responsible communications experience
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills
• Experience leading communications in complex environments

• Demonstrated organizational judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential and…