Director of Strategic Communications

Director of Strategic Communications Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr. (Dept. budgeted range: $105,300/yr. - $140,000/yr. Commensurate with experience) Under general direction of the Chief Administrative Officer and reporting to the Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies and the Executive Director of the Energy & Efficiency Institute, strategically plan, manage, and independently oversee a comprehensive, multidisciplinary communications program supporting the Transportation and Energy Research Cluster, including the Institutes’ affiliated research centers, initiatives, and academic programs. Develop and implement integrated communications strategies that advance institutional priorities, elevate the visibility and impact of research, strengthen stakeholder engagement, support fundraising and partnership development, increase student enrollment and engagement, and enhance the reputation of the Cluster at the regional, national, and international levels. Serve as the principal communications advisor to institute leadership, faculty directors, and senior administrators on strategic communications planning, messaging, branding, media relations, issues management, executive communications, and public engagement. Manage a comprehensive communications program spanning multiple communications disciplines, including strategic communications, marketing, digital communications, publications, media relations, social media, web communications, multimedia production, events, and visual communications. As a member of the Cluster’s leadership team, establish communications priorities, develop long- and short-term strategic communications plans, allocate communications resources, and evaluate program effectiveness through measurable outcomes. Ensure communications activities align with university priorities, identity standards, and organizational objectives while effectively translating complex scientific and technical research into compelling communications for policymakers, government agencies, industry leaders, sponsors, faculty, students, media, and the public. Manage professional staff, student employees, and contracted communications professionals while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and service-oriented communications organization that delivers high-quality products within established timelines and available resources. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience. Extensive progressively responsible experience managing comprehensive communications programs in higher education, research, government, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans across multiple communications disciplines. Experience supervising professional communications staff and managing multidisciplinary communications projects. Experience managing media relations, digital communications, publications, branding, and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific, technical, or policy information for diverse audiences. Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and budget management skills. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree in communications, public affairs, journalism, marketing, business, or a related discipline; OR graduate degree in an energy or transportation related field of study, such as engineering, environmental science or policy, etc. Experience supporting research organizations, academic institutions, or federally funded research programs. Experience supporting executive leadership, fundraising initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Knowledge of transportation, energy, sustainability, climate, engineering, or public policy issues. Key Responsibilities 35% - Strategic Communications Leadership 25% - Integrated Communications, Marketing, and Digital Strategy 20% - External Relations, Partnerships, and Organizational Engagement 20% - Program Administration and Personnel Management Special Requirements This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment Job ID #89179 #J-18808-Ljbffr PRSSA at UWM