Vice Chancellor for University Relations
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - United States
The University of Wisconsin Madison (“UW–Madison”) – one of the nation’s most distinguished institutions of higher learning – is seeking a seasoned executive to lead its Office of University Relations. The new Vice Chancellor for University Relations (“VCUR”) will succeed Charles Hoslet, who has served in this role with great distinction since 2016 and will be retiring in July 2024 after 27 years of exceptional service to UW-Madison.
The Vice Chancellor will provide leadership in developing and executing a comprehensive, multifaceted engagement and advocacy strategy in support of securing and sustaining support for UW-Madison’s policy priorities. Reporting directly to the university’s Chancellor, the position will fill a core strategic role for the institution and be responsible for local, state and federal government relations, community relations, tribal relations, and related policy outreach activities.
The ideal candidate for this position will possess a wealth of experience working for or in complex organizations that influence public policy makers and through effectively designing and executing advocacy strategies that embrace a full suite of communication tools and channels – including lobbying, media relations, coalition building, and social media. This executive will bring finely tuned “street smarts” about Wisconsin’s local, federal and state governmental decision-making processes, players and politics. Finally, this individual will have a keen appreciation for the mission of a major research university and the work of navigating stakeholder needs and expectations to build and sustain relevance and credibility.
Since its founding in 1848, UW-Madison has been a catalyst for the extraordinary. As a public land-grant university and major research institution, the university’s students, staff, and faculty engage in a world-class education while solving real-world problems. With public service — the guiding principle of the Wisconsin Idea — UW-Madison’s mission is to create a better future for everyone.
The new VCUR will be presented with the opportunity to:
- Join an outstanding leadership team led by a dynamic chancellor and dedicated governance groups at all levels of the organization.
- Engage a broad and diverse mix of public officials at the local, state and national levels to gain support for key university priorities.
- Collaborate with an exceptional team of senior academic and administrative leaders all committed to the success of the university, its mission and its students.
- Engineer and implement breakthrough strategies that positively position UW-Madison’s reputation and appreciation for its added-value to the State of Wisconsin.
- Reside in a region that has recognized for its high quality of life.
All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, available below.
WittKieffer is assisting UW–Madison in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by June 10, 2024. Applications, nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Suzanne Teer, John Thornburgh and Lauren Bruce-Stets at UW-MadisonVCUR@wittkieffer.com.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. 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. The University of Wisconsin promotes excellence through diversity and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require finalists and their references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
We would like to call your attention to the issue of confidentiality. 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). When submitting materials for consideration, please request that your candidacy remain confidential.