External Relations and Communications

External Relations and Communications Director

University of Wisconsin-Platteville is inviting applicants for the External Relations and Communications Director opportunity. The External Relations and Communications Director is a senior leader focused on strengthening the university’s visibility and impact through integrated communications, government and community relations, and corporate engagement.

Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the Director serves as the university’s public information officer, provides leadership for the university’s external engagement and public relations efforts, and works closely with the Chancellor’s cabinet to support the mission and strategic vision of the university.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader with a deep appreciation for higher education, a passion for telling UW‑Platteville’s story, and a demonstrated ability to build lasting relationships with community members, elected officials, and other external partners. This position is benefit and paid leave eligible, with a salary of $110,000 – $130,000 commensurate with experience and education.

• Serve as the university’s chief communications, external relations, and public information officer and as a key advisor to the Chancellor.
• Prepare communications on behalf of university leadership, including speeches, talking points, and written materials for internal and external audiences.
• Manage media inquiries that require institutional or cabinet-level responses.
• Oversee strategic communications planning and public relations efforts to ensure messaging is aligned with the university’s mission, brand, and strategic plan.
• Develop and execute crisis communication plans, including drafting urgent messages and serving as part of the command staff within the Incident Command System.
• Send emergency communications to the campus during critical incidents, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of information.
• Train and coordinate a team of staff members prepared to assist in emergency messaging.
• Work closely with the cabinet and areas of campus to support university goals.

• Related experience in strategic communication, public relations, and crisis management.
• Proven ability to build partnerships with community members, elected officials, and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Current employees of the University of Wisconsin system must log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process; external applicants are also welcome.

• Seniority level:
  Director
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Business Development and Sales
• Industries:
  Higher Education

University of Wisconsin-Platteville is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and civil community of outstanding faculty, staff and students, and is an AA/EEO Employer.

Names of nominees and applicants who have not requested their identities be kept confidential will be released upon request.

A criminal background check is required for employment. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the U.S. at the time of hire.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Apply Online: ipc.us/t/8