Director Community Relations

UW Health • Madison, WI

9d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in related field Required
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in related field Preferred
• Experience in a large, complex healthcare organizational or integrated system
• Experience working with academic focused institutions Preferred

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director