External Relations and Communications Director

University of Wisconsin Stout•Platteville, WI

34d•$110,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (communications, journalism, public relations, public policy, or similar)
7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or external affairs—preferably in higher education, nonprofit, or public-sector organizations
Track record of building partnerships with groups such as government agencies, community organizations, donors, and alumni
Experience with executive communication support (e.g., speeches, messaging, presentations for university leadership).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft audience-specific messages.
Ability to collaborate effectively with academic, administrative, and external stakeholders.
Strategic thinker with visionary leadership and strong organizational skills.
Highly adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

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, such as the Foundation, marketing, and corporate relations, that regularly engage with external stakeholders.
Serve as an ambassador to local and regional communities, enhancing UW-Platteville’s role as a key civic partner.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials.
Build and maintain an advocacy network that supports the university.
Monitor legislative and policy developments affecting the university and the broader Universities of Wisconsin.
Coordinate and collaborate with Universities of Wisconsin government relations staff on state and federal budget and policy matters and with the Universities of Wisconsin Office of Public Affairs, Communications, and Branding on joint campaigns and initiatives.
Advocate for UW-Platteville’s interests and priorities through coordinated public relations strategies.