Introduction (Description of School/College/Dept/Program)
The School of Freshwater Sciences (SFS) at UWM is the only school in the nation dedicated solely to the study of freshwater issues. Its interdisciplinary research and education programs link science with action and are integrated across five majors areas: freshwater system dynamics, human and ecosystem health; freshwater technology; freshwater economics, policy, and management; and climate and atmospheric sciences. It is the School’s goal to be recognized world-wide as the source of expert knowledge on water issues and a catalyst for great ideas that change how people think about and manage water resources.
The School of Freshwater Sciences is based in the heart of Milwaukee’s Latinx community in the Harbor District. Our school facilities, including research vessels and laboratories, have direct access to the confluence of the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers and Lake Michigan. The campus and greater Milwaukee communities offer strong opportunities for research collaboration and professional development.
Job Summary
Plans, develops, coordinates, manages, and executes the recruitment process for the freshwater sciences undergraduate programs at the School of Freshwater Sciences (55%). Prepare, manage, and implement the overall communications and marketing strategies and plans for the School of Freshwater Sciences (45%). The position will play an integral role in attracting and recruiting students, highlighting the exciting science taking place at the School of Freshwater Sciences to future students, scientists, alumni and other members of the public. In this role, you will take creative approaches to share information about the UWM School of Freshwater Sciences via email communications, social media, short reels or videos, web content, digital campaigns and other communication strategies. This position will work with internal partners in UWM’s Offices of Admissions, Marketing & Communications as well as offices internal to the school to collaborate on marketing efforts to our intended audiences. The ideal candidate for this position will:
have recruiting and communications or marketing experience
be outgoing and enthusiastic about interacting with prospective students, their parents, and the public about our programs and our science
create content to support marketing strategies
have a strong interest in supporting the mission of UW-Milwaukee.
Performance of duties:
55% Recruiting
Plans, develops, coordinates, manages, and executes undergraduate student recruitment
Represents the School to prospective students with a goal of attracting, admitting, and enrolling a talented, diverse student body
Counsels prospective students on educational and career opportunities
Identifies and engages in extensive recruitment events
Identifies and works with undergraduate student ambassadors for recruitment events
Identifies ways to promote recruitment initiatives using social media, email campaigns, and events
Schedules logistics and secures resources for events to promote the School
Plan, develop, coordinate, and edit communication and marketing plans for prospective students and families interested in School of Freshwater Sciences
Create, review, edit, and influence content of all marketing and communications materials targeting prospective or admitted students, regardless of source
Manages prospective student information and communications through Slate
Works closely with the Office of Undergraduate Admission visit programs, tours, and information sessions
45% Marketing and Communications
Develop, execute, monitor, and analyze effectiveness of communications and marketing initiatives and plans for the School of Freshwater Sciences’ programs through various mediums, utilizing appropriate technologies and techniques
Create and grow strategic goals based on market research, industry best practices, collaboration with campus and community partners, and university strategic plans to increase visibility of the School and its programs
Collect, prepare, summarize, and disseminate data and trends. Create bi-annual and annual reports.
Create content for and maintain website and social media
Work with UWM Marketing & Communications to create and evaluate digital and print publications that adhere to the UWM brand, with a focus on recruitment
Capture content for promotional materials such as interviews of students and scientists, video clips, or photos of classes and events for interesting written and visual content
Manage marketing budget
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Excellent oral and written communication skills: ability to effectively share information with internal and external audiences
Detail oriented: maintain a high level of detail and accuracy on all work projects and tasks.
Teamwork and interpersonal skills: create and manage collaborative relationships.
Execution & Initiative: Lead and facilitate implementation of effective recruitment, communications, and marketing strategies and initiate new approaches.
Excellent organizational skills and time-management skills: create and adhere to effective self-imposed project deadlines; ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects at once.
Ability to independently travel to and attend various classes and events at various times of the day including some evenings and weekends.
This position will also require driving to and from UWM main campus and the School of Freshwater Sciences along with driving a university owned or fleet vehicle.
Working Conditions:
Exposure to sitting at a computer for long periods of time.
Frequently standing and walking around campus and labs.
Much of the work is completed in-person, on-campus, with the option for some remote work.
Minimum Qualifications
1 year experience in communications, marketing, journalism, language arts, or a science position with significant communication experience
Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver license (or other such valid operator’s permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation) and be able to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for driving on state business as detailed here: https://uwm.edu/risk-management/drivers/
Preferred Qualifications
1 year of undergraduate recruitment experience for a natural science program
Experience with social media marketing, trends, and best practices
Experience planning recruitment or promotional events
Experience being a self-starter, working autonomously, and managing time appropriately
Experience in capturing and editing multi-media such as videography and photography
Experience in graphic design using Canva and/or Adobe products such as InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator
Experience working with content management systems (Slate, Word Press) and analytical tools (Google Analytics) to evaluate effectiveness
Experience working with HTML email systems
Proficient in Microsoft Office Products
Application Instructions
Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide:
A cover letter addressing your education/experience as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications
A resume AND
A document listing the names and contact information for three professional references
In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.
For this position, applicants are required to apply online. UWM will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Additionally, applicants must complete all required fields and attach any required documents. The process is complete when the message “Your application has been submitted” is displayed and you receive a confirmation number.
Legal Notices
AA/EO Statement
UWM is an AA/EO employer: All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.
Reasonable Accommodations
UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM 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 and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.