Director Community Relations

University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position scheduled to work Monday through Friday, with core hours between the hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. There will also be irregular hours including nights and weekends to attend community meetings and events.

UW Health is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven leader to guide our community relations program and serve as the organization's "front door" for community connection. This role builds and stewards trusted partnerships across neighborhoods, nonprofits, civic agencies, and UW-Madison-advancing community health, belonging, and shared economic vitality.

The leader in this role aligns philanthropic investments with community-defined priorities, facilitates cross-sector collaborations (including local government), and maintains relationship stability during sensitive or high-visibility events. Success requires exceptional responsiveness, integrity, cultural humility, and the ability to influence outcomes without formal authority.

We are seeking a Director Community Relations to:

• Ensure clear partner alignment with Community Health Needs Assessment/Improvement Plan and Social Impact and Belonging priorities.
• Build and sustain trusted and transparent relationships with neighbors, nonprofits, civic partners, and community leaders.
• Reliable cross-sector collaboration with civic partners rooted in shared community benefit.
• Drive consistent operational excellence in inquiry handling, communication, and policy administration.
• Lead strong reputation stewardship through timely, transparent response to sensitive issues.

Ideal candidates bring deep experience in community relations, collective impact, civic or economic development, and/or philanthropic leadership—paired with the confidence to navigate complexity and build coalitions. Nonprofit executives, social impact leaders, cross-sector collaborators, corporate social responsibility professionals, and government partners with community-facing experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

• An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two-week paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Options for a variety of schedules and shifts that offer flexibility and allow for work-life balance.
• Access to great resources through the UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department that supports your emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
• Tuition benefits eligibility—UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for coursework associated with career advancement.

• Bachelor's Degree in related field Required
• Master's Degree in related field Preferred

• 5 years progressively responsible experience in municipal and county government relations and / or community relations Required
• 5 years progressively responsible non-partisan experience in Madison / Dane County WI and / or Rockford IL community or government relations
• Experience in a large, complex healthcare organizational or integrated system
• Experience working with academic-focused institutions Preferred

UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates belonging for everyone and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. It is the policy of UW Health to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.