Executive Director of Communications

The University of Wisconsin – Madison invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director of Communications for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement (the Division or DDEEA). The Executive Director will join an energetic and forward-thinking team committed to the mission of creating a diverse, inclusive, and excellent learning and working environment for all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. 

The Executive Director will be a passionate and strategic thinker working creatively to champion the culture of belonging and advance the work of the Division in multiple platforms and media. This position will report to the Division’s Senior Operations Officer and Chief of Staff. The Executive Director will also work closely with the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer for the University and Director of the Division. This position has institution-wide influence, providing strategic communications leadership and consultation across campus. This is an exceptional opportunity to embrace the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) by directing and implementing strategic communications with a focus on raising the profile of campus EDIB efforts broadly defined locally, regionally, and nationally.

The Executive Director will provide strategic EDIB leadership and will function as a central campus communications resource by serving as a convener, catalyst, consultant, and passionate community builder. Central to the position is a proven ability to engage diverse audiences and move them to action through compelling storytelling and marketing across multiple platforms, including web, social media, podcasts, and events.

A complete position profile with information about this opportunity and preferred qualifications and experience can be found above.

Nominations and Applications

Application materials should be submitted by the target date of June 5, 2023, although expressions of interest will be considered until an appointment is made. 

Applicants should provide: 

• A letter of interest that specifically addresses the leadership priorities described in the profile;
• A current curriculum vitae or resume;
• The names and contact information of five professional references and their relationships to the candidate. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate. 

Application materials (PDF format) should be sent to: UWMadisonDirCommunications@agbsearch.com

Please direct nominations and inquiries to: 

Concetta M. Stewart, Ph.D., Principal, concetta.stewart@agbsearch.com / (908) 341-2178

Tamara Jhashi, Ph.D. Executive Search Consultant, tamara.jhashi@agbsearch.com / (248) 821-4766

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.