Communications Coordinator

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Communications Coordinator Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Communications Specialist Job Duties: The Communications Coordinator advances the mission of the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation (UWLAFF) by implementing a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that supports fundraising, alumni and donor engagement, event promotion, and stewardship. This position creates and distributes content across digital, print, web, and social platforms to foster lasting relationships and promote a culture of philanthropy with the university. Physical Demands: Position requires significant time using telephones and computers. Working conditions and environment: Occasional travel for meetings and infrequent events/weekends for events. The UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation raises philanthropic support to enhance the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse through relationship building. We strive for philanthropic results through donor-centered service. UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013. The review of applications starts on November 24, 2025. Applications received on or before November 24th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Key Job Responsibilities: Website Management Maintain the Foundation’s website through regular updates that ensure content accuracy, brand consistency, and accessibility compliance. Consult with University Marketing & Communications, Web & Design Services, or Information Technology Services for technical issues or improvements. Analyze Foundation website performance metrics and provide actionable improvement strategies. Strategy & Brand Management Develop and implement multi-channel communications and marketing strategies aligned with the Foundation’s mission and brand. Maintain a communications planner to coordinate timing and content across channels. Create the Foundation’s brand and style guide that aligns with the University Marketing & Communications guidelines. Adhere to the internal approval process for all mass communications sent from the Foundation. Campaign and Fundraising Communications Develop branding for a major (>$100M) comprehensive campaign and execute the creation of all materials including campaign collateral for the Foundation including those which support individual campus campaign initiatives. Collaborate with the Advancement team to develop and execute multi-channel fundraising campaign materials and donor stewardship communications that align with institutional goals and donor engagement strategies. Track and analyze communication performance metrics (e.g., email open rates, social engagement, web traffic) to guide strategy and demonstrate impact. Content Creation & Design Develop, proofread, and design digital and print communication materials and event collateral, including all campaign collateral as well as event invitations, programs, signage, flyers, banners, and postcards. Create and schedule content for digital signage in the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center using an online content management platform. Collaborate with Graduate and Extended Learning and University Marketing & Communications to design diploma inserts for Commencement. Direct the tone and design of the Light Reads publication in collaboration with University Marketing & Communications. Coordinate the email distribution of the monthly Light Reads e-newsletters, semiannual college-specific e-newsletters, and annual e-Lantern. Social Media Management Manage Foundation social media accounts. Develop and execute a content calendar to ensure consistent and timely posting. Create engaging content aligned with Foundation brand and audience interests. Monitor social media engagement and respond thoughtfully to audience interactions to foster a positive online presence. Continuously research and apply social media best practices to improve reach, engagement, and content performance. Email Communication Targeted campaign marketing and communication specific to campaign initiatives. Create and send email communications via the Foundation’s customer relationship management (CRM) system to ensure data is accurately tracked. Work with UWLAFF Advancement Services Data Requests to obtain customized recipient lists for targeted communications. Support the Annual Giving Coordinator One Day for UWL through Marketing, communication, and promotion of the event. Document Foundation events and create content for event follow up ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Perform other duties as assigned to support the entire Foundation enterprise. Department: University Advancement Compensation: starting at $47,000 / year to commensurate with qualifications Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong attention to detail with a high level of proofreading accuracy Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Preferred Qualifications: 3+ years of experience in marketing, communications, or advancement within a higher education or nonprofit setting. Experience tailoring communications for diverse audiences across email, print, web, and social platforms. Proficiency with social media platforms such as Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems like Raiser’s Edge. Familiarity with collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Planner Familiarity with using content editing platforms like Canva. How to Apply: Required application documents Cover letter Resume/CV Contact Information: Maegan Ames [email protected] Special Notes: Application deadlines TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university. Highlights include: paid vacation for 12-month positions. excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage. paid holidays and sick days after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 161,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the Universities of Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree – with a median salary of more than $66,000. The Universities of Wisconsin provides a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. The Universities of Wisconsin and its employees are purpose-driven, people-focused, and committed to stewardship. Apply tot his job