Communications Specialist

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Wisconsin Union seeks a Communications Specialist to tell the stories of the organization, manage most of its social media channels, and coordinate communications for multiple stakeholder areas. Reporting to the Wisconsin Union public relations and communications officer, this position develops communications that connect students, staff, Union members, visitors, alumni, community members, and news media with the Union’s events, activities, spaces, services, and mission. The role combines social media management, media relations, writing, proofreading, editing, and strategic communications. The specialist develops and publishes audience-centered content, monitors and responds to social media conversations, and uses data to improve social media efforts. The position also prepares press releases, feature stories, talking points, interview preparation documents, and other materials; supports media outreach and interview coordination; and serves as a primary spokesperson for assigned Union areas and a secondary spokesperson for other areas as needed. The successful candidate will be an excellent writer, editor, and speaker, able to handle both planned strategic communications and time-sensitive needs. The position calls for sound judgment, accuracy, accessibility, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, highly visible organization. It is a full-time, ongoing position based in Madison, Wisconsin, with an anticipated hybrid work arrangement. The regular schedule is generally Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with evening, early morning, or weekend work required based on events, media requests, or emerging issues.

Requirements

At least two years of communications or public relations experience, including writing and editing for organizational audiences.
Ability to produce clear, accurate, audience-centered content across formats, including press or news-style writing and social media content.
Knowledge of Associated Press style and strong command of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and proofreading.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate contributors and approvals, meet deadlines, and adapt when needs change.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues, leaders, subject matter experts, students, and communications partners.
Sound judgment in public-facing communications, sensitive information, online interactions, and time-sensitive issues.
Experience using social media to support an organization’s or company’s goals, mission, and operations.
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field.
Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional communications samples, including one press release or other media-related sample written in Associated Press style and one social media sample or campaign example.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and implementing communications plans for programs, events, organizational priorities, or emerging issues.
Experience using social media publishing and listening tools, platform analytics, and web analytics to evaluate and improve communications.
Experience with WordPress or another content management system.
Experience creating accessible digital content and basic photo or short-form video content for social media.
Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or related platforms.

Responsibilities

Monitor the reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives.
Manage and execute communications programs, initiatives, and tactical plans.
Write, edit, and publish content for communication projects and marketing platforms in alignment with strategic initiatives and established campaigns.
Communicate with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources.
Plan editorial content according to established goals and objectives.
Serve as lead communications partner for assigned Wisconsin Union areas by identifying needs, developing and implementing plans, advising stakeholders, and coordinating projects and deliverables.
Support media relations for assigned areas by developing press materials, responding to inquiries, coordinating interviews, preparing spokespeople, and maintaining relationships with journalists and campus communications partners.
Lead day-to-day management of most Wisconsin Union social media channels, including editorial planning, content development, publishing, community management, social listening, and performance analysis.
Monitor social media for questions, emerging issues, misinformation, safety concerns, and reputational risks; coordinate appropriate responses or escalation.
Stay informed about social media platform changes, audience behavior, and digital communications practices, and recommend updates to social media strategies and protocols.
Prepare spokespeople for interviews and serve as a spokesperson as assigned.
Monitor relevant news coverage and public conversations and provide timely summaries or recommendations.
Assist with recruitment, onboarding, instruction, and mentorship of communications interns or other staff as assigned.
Represent the communications team on Wisconsin Union or campus work groups and at tabling opportunities.