SimLab Strategic Partnerships and Communications Lead

Madison, WI (On-site)

Salary Not AvailableManagerFull time

Posted 9 days ago

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Job Summary

Drive strategic partnerships and external engagement for the SimLab, shaping growth, visibility, and long-term sustainability while leading cross-unit collaboration and strategic communications.

  • Own development of partnerships and strategic initiatives across internal and external stakeholders
  • Lead engagement with campus leaders, industry partners, and funding partners to expand impact
  • Coordinate messaging and outreach across channels to ensure consistent branding and communications

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement strategies that expand the SimLab's partnerships, visibility, and long-term sustainability.
  • Build, cultivate, and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including campus leadership, faculty, school districts, healthcare organizations, professional associations, nonprofit organizations, industry collaborators, and funding partners.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities to establish new partnerships that advance the SimLab's strategic priorities and organizational growth.
  • Represent the SimLab in meetings, conferences, professional organizations, and other engagement activities to strengthen relationships and increase organizational visibility.
  • Develop and implement strategic marketing and communication plans that increase awareness of the SimLab's mission, programs, research, and impact.
  • Coordinate publications, promotional materials, presentations, newsletters, website content, digital communications, and other outreach initiatives.
  • Collaborate with WCER communications staff to promote SimLab accomplishments, events, partnerships, and innovations.
  • Ensure consistent messaging and branding across communication channels and stakeholder audiences.
  • Lead and coordinate strategic initiatives that support the continued growth and expansion of the SimLab.
  • Facilitate collaboration across WCER, the School of Education, campus partners, and external organizations to achieve project objectives.

Requirements

  • Demonstrated ability to develop, cultivate, and sustain collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders
  • Experience leading strategic initiatives, organizational development efforts, or complex projects involving multiple partners and competing priorities
  • Knowledge of outreach, stakeholder engagement, relationship management, strategic communications, marketing, and partnership development.
  • Demonstrated experience developing written communications including reports, presentations, publications, promotional materials, website content, or other communication products
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences
  • Demonstrated ability to build consensus, influence stakeholders, and foster collaborative relationships without direct supervisory authority
  • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and meet deadlines
  • Ability to identify opportunities that strengthen outreach, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and organizational impact.
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and other business technology applications
  • Master’s degree or higher in Educational Policy, Public Policy, or similar area

Preferred

  • Experience working in higher education, research centers, nonprofit organizations, or similarly complex environments
  • Experience developing strategic partnerships that support organizational growth, innovation, or program expansion
  • Experience developing and implementing marketing, communication, or stakeholder engagement strategies
  • Experience supporting grant development, sponsored projects, outreach initiatives, partnership development, or external funding opportunities.
  • Experience representing an organization through presentations, conferences, professional organizations, or external networking activities
  • Knowledge of educational research, simulation-based learning, educational technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, mixed reality, or related fields
  • Experience coordinating interdisciplinary initiatives involving faculty, researchers, community organizations, government agencies, or industry partners
  • Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices through collaborative partnerships and organizational engagement
School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison logo

School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The UW–Madison School of Education, like its peers, prepares a variety of certified professional educators, with degree and certification programs in such areas as elementary and secondary education, educational leadership, special education, and counseling. But the School houses a much broader and more diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs than traditional education schools — from studio art, modern dance and theatre to exercise science and occupational therapy. The School's excellence flows from a dedicated, top-caliber faculty and staff — many of whom are nationally and internationally prominent in a broad range of fields.

Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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