The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) is an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and scientific disciplines, we seek to foster collaboration, catalyze new ways of thinking, and generate unexpected scientific discoveries.
The WID Communications and Events Manager leads the development, planning, and successful execution of a broad array of communications, events, and programs. This position plays a key role in fostering our collaborative culture, facilitating opportunities for our researchers to engage with one another and the broader community.
Principal duties:
COMMUNICATIONS (70%)
– In collaboration with the WID Director and the Multimedia Designer, design and execute communications strategy for the center. Identify and analyze metrics for communications/marketing strategies.
– Forge a coherent and consistent brand identity for WID. Promote WID’s public profile locally, regionally, and nationally.
– Develop and implement methods to increase scope and impact of communications. Craft articles about science for a general audience, making complex information accessible.
– Create and implement a proactive approach to communicating with the press, which includes developing relationships with state and national reporters and matching the interests of reporters with news about WID initiatives and personnel. Support faculty in publicizing their research, as well as identifying and presenting to target audiences.
– Oversee WID’s web presence and direct the effective use of social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and email marketing (e.g. MailChimp).
– Manage WID communications, including crisis communications and internal communications. Coordinate when necessary with University Communications and campus State and Federal Relations staff.
– Lead a team responsible for communications and events related to students, alumni, Board of Visitors, the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, and donors, including advancement events. Lead tours and present to various groups as needed.
– Responsible for editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of promotional materials for events. This may include WID’s public events, partner events with other departments/institutions, internal events, and other activities.
– Promote inclusive excellence in all aspects of the work – with attention to diverse audiences that include multi-cultural and multi-lingual groups. This work reflects and advances WID’s commitment to antiracism, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
EVENT MANAGEMENT (25%)
– Manage a part-time intern and a student who execute the logistics for a wide variety of internal and external events including lectures, conferences, seminars, workshops, and other activities in close consultation with Director, faculty, and staff. Provide advice and direction using event planning best practices and marketing strategies. Personally oversee larger events.
– Develop event budgets and monitor expenditures. Ensure compliance with university policies (i.e., purchasing, alcohol policy, campus facilities usage). Manage contracting and invoicing process for all events. Provide expertise in audio visual systems, presentation software, registration software, and virtual meeting tools.
– Oversee the coordination of internal WID events such as meetings, seminar series, and other activities in close consultation with Director, faculty, and staff.
– Plan and facilitate building-wide events and activities with Discovery partners: Morgridge Institute for Research and Town Center. Maintain key relationships with partners and stakeholders.
– Coordinate complex space reservations and audio-visual needs with the Town Center and catering with Steenbock’s on Orchard. Oversee setup of spaces and equipment. Provide troubleshooting as required.
– Oversee compilation of post-event reports with a focus on continuous improvement.
– Foster relationships with UW groups, counterparts in other campus units, local businesses, professional organizations, and other key stakeholders to advance WID’s mission and facilitate opportunities for future collaborations.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES (5%)
– Participate in strategic planning with the Director and other members of WID’s core administrative team.
– Special projects and additional duties as assigned.