Associate Director of Outreach

Job Summary The Associate Director of Outreach for the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate reports to the Director and serves as a key member of the Center’s administrative leadership team. This role advances the Center’s outreach, communications, educational programs, conferences, and industry engagement efforts. Responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic communications and outreach initiatives, managing the Center’s conferences and events, and fostering strong relationships with students, alumni, donors, and industry partners. This position can be full or part-time, between 80-100%. Key Responsibilities 30% – Program Development and Management: lead the development and management of the Center’s outreach programs, conferences, and signature events from inception to completion. Work with the Academic Director to shape the strategic vision for conferences and outreach initiatives. Manage conference sponsorships and cultivate new sponsors to help offset program costs. Ensure quality and impact of outreach programs while identifying emerging industry trends to inform innovative programming, including symposiums, conferences, and board meetings. Lead initiatives aligned with the Wisconsin Real Estate Program’s distinction as the #1 Undergraduate Real Estate Program and #3 Real Estate Graduate Program (U.S. News & World Report, 2026). 25% – Marketing and Public Relations: lead the Center’s marketing and public relations strategy in collaboration with administrative staff. Oversee media relations, branding, and development of online and print promotional materials. Implement strategies to increase visibility across the real estate industry, academia, and MS and MBA recruiting channels. Promote events and conferences to maximize participation and engagement. Maintain a strong and engaging digital presence across social media platforms, with emphasis on LinkedIn. Partner with the Wisconsin School of Business Marketing, Communications and Strategy team to manage media buys, evaluate campaign analytics and optimize return on investment. 15% – Student Programs and Oversight: oversee the Real Estate Student Tutoring Program, including tutor hiring, training coordination, scheduling, and participation tracking. Supervise student employees, including hiring, training, performance management, and payroll approvals. Support MS and MBA recruiting and facilitate connections between students, advisory board members, and alumni. Assist with initiatives that strengthen graduate student career pathways and industry engagement. 10% – Administrative Leadership: provide administrative leadership to support effective Center operations across outreach, academic, and operational functions. Develop procedures to manage costs, strengthen revenue streams, and support data analysis and HR processes. Supervise the Business Manager position. 10% – Board, Alumni, Donor, and Student Engagement: maintain strong relationships with real estate firms, industry organizations, media contacts, and university partners. Support engagement with the Center’s Advisory Board and partner organizations such as the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association. Strengthen alumni and donor relationships to advance the Center’s mission. Oversee key communications including a weekly student email, Board Update (four times annually), Real Estate Connection newsletter (three to four times annually), and special announcements and donor communications. 5% – Budget and Financial Management: partner with the Business Manager to support budget management, including revenue and expense tracking and monthly financial review. Oversee vendor contracts, approve invoices, and ensure compliance with University financial policies. 5% – Fundraising Support: oversee development of fundraising materials and support fundraising strategy. Partner with the Business Manager to track annual board member contributions (approximately 110 members) and support donor engagement efforts. Required Qualifications Minimum 5 years of experience in higher education, communications, marketing, outreach, or related professional experience. Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred Qualifications 10+ years of experience in higher education, communications, marketing, outreach, or related professional experience. Master’s degree preferred. Compensation Minimum salary: $75,000. Actual starting salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Benefits Benefits include generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off, competitive insurances and savings accounts, and retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at EEO Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, protected veteran status, or other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. How to Apply Click the Apply button to start the application process. Applicants should attach a letter of qualifications and resume detailing their training and experience. The application reviewers will determine which qualified applicants will advance in the process. Successful applicants must ensure their eligibility to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment. #J-18808-Ljbffr UWMSN University of Wisconsin Madison