Director of Internal Strategic Communications

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

1d•$110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Internal Strategic Communications leads the development and execution of a comprehensive internal communications strategy that strengthens engagement, transparency, and alignment across the College of Engineering. This role ensures faculty, staff, and students are informed, connected, and supported through clear, consistent, and timely communication that reflects the mission and values of UW–Madison. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the director serves as a trusted advisor to the Dean and college leadership and collaborates closely with academic departments, administrative units, and campus partners. The director oversees internal messaging, organizational announcements, leadership communications, and communication planning for major initiatives and change management efforts. This position is ideal for a strategic communicator who thrives in a complex academic environment and is energized by the opportunity to strengthen community and culture within a world class engineering college. Develop and implement a college wide internal communications strategy that supports organizational goals, enhances transparency, and fosters a sense of shared purpose. Additional Information This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. The anticipated hybrid work schedule will be up to two days remote, with 3 days onsite. Some travel will be required.

Requirements

8+ years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media relations
Proven track record managing high-visibility communications, including crisis and issues management
Demonstrated experience leading communications strategy for a complex organization (Higher education, nonprofit, government, or large corporate environment)
Strong attention to detail with ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Experience supervising staff and managing cross-functional teams

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a university or academic setting
Background collaborating with executive leadership, governing boards, or public officials
Familiarity with higher education governance, academic culture, and shared governance environments
Master’s degree preferred, in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a college wide internal communications strategy that supports organizational goals, enhances transparency, and fosters a sense of shared purpose.
Establish and maintain editorial standards, messaging frameworks, and communication protocols.
Advise the Dean, Chief Strategy Officer, Associate deans, Department chairs, and senior leaders on communication approaches, timing, and messaging.
Develops, implements, and monitors strategic communication initiatives for designated audiences and internal stakeholders to maximize engagement and strengthen collaboration efforts
Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
Identifies, establishes, and directs media relationships and partnerships with internal and external sources
Act as a liaison for department communications specialist and the Dean's office communication team
Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revived operational policies and procedures
Audits and directs day-to-day operational plans to align with strategic initiatives and to meet established objectives
Lead internal communication planning for major initiatives, policy changes, and organizational updates.