Communications Specialist

University of Wisconsin-Madison

. Monitor the reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects and initiatives .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeMadison • Wisconsin • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $60,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing and executing communication programs, developing audience-centered content, and leveraging social media strategies to enhance organizational goals. Proficient in editorial planning, stakeholder communication, and media relations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Communications Program ManagementContent Writing And EditingSocial Media StrategyPress Release DevelopmentAudience Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

WritingEditingContent DevelopmentAP Style KnowledgeDigital Content CreationSocial Media ManagementCommunications PlanningProofreadingAnalyticsPublic Relations

Soft Skills

CollaborationAdaptabilitySound JudgmentMentorshipStakeholder Communication

Tools & Technologies

WordPressAdobe Creative CloudCanvaSocial Media Publishing ToolsWeb Analytics Tools

Industry Keywords

Public RelationsCommunicationsMedia RelationsEditorial PlanningAudience-Centered Content

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudWordPress

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Monitor the reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects and initiatives
Manage and execute communications programs, initiatives and tactical plans
Write, edit and publish content for communication projects and marketing platforms
Communicate with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources
Plan editorial content according to established goals and objectives
Serve as lead communications partner for assigned Wisconsin Union areas by identifying needs, developing and implementing plans, advising stakeholders and coordinating projects and deliverables
Support media relations by developing press materials, responding to inquiries, coordinating interviews, preparing spokespeople and maintaining journalist relationships
Lead day-to-day management of most Wisconsin Union social media channels, including editorial planning, content development, publishing, community management, social listening and performance analysis
Monitor social media conversations for questions, emerging issues, misinformation, safety concerns and reputational risks, coordinating responses or escalation
Track social media platform changes, audience behavior and digital communications practices and recommend strategy and protocol updates
Prepare spokespeople for interviews and serve as spokesperson as assigned
Monitor relevant news coverage and public conversations and provide timely summaries or recommendations
Assist with recruitment, onboarding, instruction and mentorship of communications interns or other staff
Represent the communications team on Wisconsin Union or campus work groups and at tabling opportunities

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least two years of communications or public relations experience including writing and editing for organizational audiences
Ability to produce clear, accurate and audience-centered content across multiple formats, including press or news-style writing and social media content
Knowledge of Associated Press style and strong command of grammar, spelling, punctuation and proofreading
Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate contributors and approvals, meet deadlines and adapt when needs change
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues, leaders, subject matter experts, students and communications partners
Sound judgment when handling public-facing communications, sensitive information, online interactions and time-sensitive issues
Experience using social media in support of an organization or company’s goals, mission and operations
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field required
Experience developing and implementing communications plans
Experience using social media publishing and listening tools, platform analytics and web analytics
Experience with WordPress or another content management system
Experience creating accessible digital content and basic photo or short-form video content for social media
Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud and/or Canva, or related platforms
Resume, cover letter and three professional communications samples required, including one AP-style press release or media-related sample and one social media sample or campaign example

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous paid time off
Health, dental, vision and life insurance
Tax-advantaged savings accounts
Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund