Internal Communications Manager at University of Wisconsin-Madison in University of Wisconsin Madison

Job description

• The Office of Strategic Communications at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health seeks a strong writer and strategic communicator focused on internal communications, with a passion for crafting campaigns and messaging that inspire action and support within the organization. An individual with a deep sense of purpose for supporting the work of an academic medical center to advance the health of people and communities will excel in this role.
• Reporting to the Associate Director of Executive and Internal Communication, you will provide writing support and communications management for the school’s organizational communication campaigns, internal newsletter, leadership searches, signature events, storytelling and culture building content, Intranet website, and more. The position will also lead the management of the school’s internal communications infrastructure. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, transforming complex ideas and priorities into clear, compelling communications that inform, inspire, engage, and strengthen a sense of community and belonging.
• In this inaugural role, you will shape internal narratives and institutional culture and measure the impact of internal communications in the school to drive optimization using data and metrics. You will work closely with leaders and subject matter experts across the school, partner closely with the associate director on communications related to executive leadership priorities, and work independently on projects. A key responsibility will be to ambitiously lead communication efforts related to the school’s new strategic plan and continuous improvement initiatives, working with leaders and project managers to build awareness and support of the plan and its progress.
• The ideal candidate will build strong relationships across the organization and bring the curiosity, acumen, sound judgment, and collaborative spirit needed to connect people, ideas, and priorities within a leading academic medical center. Situated in the Office of Strategic Communications within the Dean's Office, you will be part of a talented team dedicated to executive and internal communications, public relations and crisis communication, external communications and social media, and web and digital strategy.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Partners with stakeholders in Dean’s Office administrative units to translate operational needs and change initiatives into effective communications that foster alignment, advance strategy and achieve goals
• Plans and directs unit programs and/or projects to ensure adherence to deadlines and budgets
• Coordinating internal communications messaging and campaign with campus and health system partners
• Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revised unit operational policies and procedures
• Manages the day-to-day operational unit plans to align with strategic initiatives and to meet established objectives
• Develops, implements, and delivers communication materials through various mediums to designated audiences
• Plans, writes, and edits content for various internal and external stakeholders

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in internal communication, organizational communication, corporate communication, or related work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and experience managing feedback, editing, and review processes
• Experience both planning and writing internal communications campaigns in higher education, health care, public entities, agencies, military, or comparable large and complex organizations
• Experience serving as trusted advisor to leadership to gather necessary information and shape internal messaging and campaigns
• Evidence of ability to work both collaboratively and independently
• Bachelor’s degree required; focus in communication preferred but candidates with any relevant background and training are encouraged to apply
• Experience managing communications related to organizational change, strategic initiatives, or culture-building efforts
• Demonstrated adaptability to write across mediums, channels, and audiences in fast-paced environment with high level of accuracy
• Professional history of using data and analytics to measure impact of internal communications and optimize effectiveness
• Ability to practice sound professional judgment and acumen, high integrity, and discretion
• Experience with email and marketing tools for email sending and campaign design
• Proficiency in digital accessibility best practices

Skills

Required

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Collaborative
• Independent
• Curiosity
• Acumen
• Sound judgment
• Collaborative spirit
• High integrity
• Discretion
• Digital accessibility best practices
• Data and analytics

Benefits

• The starting salary wage for the position is $82,000 annually; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
• Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage. SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026