Communications Manager

Job Summary:

To understand our world and the universe, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) develops, deploys, and supports instrumentation and software systems for research purposes across the world and beyond! SSEC's history of developing a diverse set of instruments ranges from the first weather satellite, to aircraft instruments monitoring the atmosphere, and to ground based atmospheric observing instrumentation. The challenge of operating research systems, in these environments, requires a broad set of disciplines and skills from the team of people involved. This dynamic environment requires us to learn about new scientific advances, systems and technologies in a regular basis. SSEC's mission supports faculty and academic staff led research through the development, fabrication, and implementation of experiments and new scientific research tools for national and international use.
This position will support the center's mission by managing center-wide communications, including website, social media, newsletter, and other reports. The communications manager will work closely with leadership and researchers to effectively communicate the activities, impacts, and outcomes of SSEC research projects, as well as outreach and educational efforts.
The successful candidate will have a strong interest in research and science writing. Exceptional writing skills with the ability to communicate clearly, creatively, and persuasively in both short and long formats. Have demonstrated critical thinking and analysis skills with the ability to effectively organize and present complex information. A background that includes demonstrated team-oriented work style that involves actively seeking input, welcoming collaboration, and giving and receiving feedback/edits to written products.

Responsibilities:
Develops and supervises the execution of communication programs and may supervise personnel and/or other resources in support of institutional or unit communication goals.

• 20% Manages the day-to-day operational unit plans to align with strategic initiatives and to meet established objectives
• 30% Plans, writes, and edits content for various internal and external stakeholders
• 10% Plans and directs unit programs and/or projects to ensure adherence to deadlines and budgets
• 10% Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revised unit operational policies and procedures
• 30% Develops, implements, and delivers communication materials through various mediums to designated audiences

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Required
Master's Degree
Requires a minimum Master's degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field.

Qualifications:

Required:
-Minimum of 5 year of professional experience in a communications role.
-Experience creating and maintaining website content, including working directly in a content management system (ie.WordPress).
-Experience with email marketing platforms, create and send e-newsletters, and manage contacts.
-Experience producing written communication products in a range of formats (ie. feature stories, newsletters, social media, reports, etc.).
Preferred:
-Experience in graphic design or video production experience.
-Experience selecting and working with digital images to enhance stories, web pages and other communications products.
-Communications experience related to STEM research.
-Experience accessing and leveraging data to inform communications planning (ie. website analytics, social media engagement, and email campaign metrics).

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%
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. This will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $65,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.

How to Apply:

To begin the application process, click the "Apply Now" button. You will need to upload your resume and cover letter outlining relevant qualifications and experience.

Contact:

Denise Weidner
[email protected]
608-265-3267
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Communications Manager(CM003)

Department(s):

A34-OVCR/SPACE SCI/SPACE SCI

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

292537-AS

 
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
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 of Wisconsin System 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. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department .