External Relations and Communications Director

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.

• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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.

Why It's Great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers baccalaureate and master's programs. It possesses institutional strengths in middle level education, engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, criminal justice and business. The campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest and most historic community. The region offers excellent school systems, high quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville is a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by December 15, 2025.Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Resume

• Letter of application addressing all required qualifications

• Contact information for three professional references

Travis Nelson, PhD

Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Education and Search Chair
608-342-1809
nelsontra@uwplatt.edu

Legal Notices and Important Information:

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University ensures physical accessibility to work environments for persons with disabilities and will provided reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment. Upon request, the University will provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances and practices.

The University is committed to a program of affirmative action for women, racial minorities, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. While the Chancellor assumes overall responsibility for the success of the program, university administrators and supervisors are responsible and accountable for implementation. Authority for monitoring the program is delegated to Human Resources.

Each individual associated with the University is called upon to pledge a new and revitalized commitment to build and maintain a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination, an environment that fosters mutual respect, recognizes the dignity and worth of all people, and promotes to the fullest, equal employment opportunity through affirmative action.

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of Wisconsin-PlattevilleAnnual Security & Annual Fire Safety Reportis available for review. Call the UW-Platteville Campus Police Office at608.342.1584for a paper copy of the annual report.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released.See Wis. Stat. *. 19.36(7).

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.