Marketing and Communications Director

About the Role

The College of Computing & Artificial Intelligence (CAI) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as its Marketing and Communications Director. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the identity, reputation, and culture of UW–Madison’s first new college in over 40 years. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer & Chief of Staff, the Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for the college’s marketing and communications function, working closely with college leadership to advance CAI’s priorities and establish its presence as a leader in computing, data, information, and artificial intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications strategy to advance CAI’s priorities and strengthen its reputation.
• Lead and develop the college’s communications team, establishing priorities and effective workflows.
• Strengthen coordination across the college, its departments, and the broader university.
• Elevate faculty and student achievements, advance research visibility, and support internal engagement.
• Respond thoughtfully to emerging opportunities and challenges.
• Audit and direct day-to-day operational plans to align with strategic initiatives and meet objectives.
• Develop, implement, and monitor strategic communication initiatives for designated audiences and internal stakeholders.
• Identify, establish, and direct media relationships and partnerships with internal and external sources.
• Propose and implement new or revived operational policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic marketing or communications initiatives across multiple audiences and channels.
• Experience communicating complex research, technical, or complex subject matter to various audiences.
• Demonstrated experience directing the work of others, including coordinating assignments and providing feedback.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience advising organizational leaders and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders on communications strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing demands in a complex organizational environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a research-intensive university, academic division, or similarly complex organization.
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing professional marketing or communications staff.
• Experience developing audience-focused marketing strategies, including digital campaigns and analytics.
• Experience leading research communications, media relations, or thought leadership initiatives.
• Experience establishing or improving marketing and communications operations, including workflows and resource allocation.
• Experience advising senior leaders on sensitive issues or high-profile reputational opportunities.
• Experience managing budgets, external vendors, or agency relationships.

Pay

The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 to $128,500, with flexibility based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off.
• Competitive insurances and savings accounts.
• Retirement benefits.

Department

UW-Madison, College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence