Public Relations Specialist

The Communications Department at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is seeking applicants for a Public Relations Specialist.  The Public Relations Specialist helps to increase public awareness and raise the profile of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville by identifying, writing, and promoting stories that demonstrate and advance the university’s mission and values. The position will manage media relations, including responding to requests and pitching stories to the media. The Public Relations Specialist will also serve as Deputy Public Information Officer, communicating to both internal and external audiences in times of campus emergencies.

This is a full-time, benefit and paid leave eligible position with a salary of $52,000 per year.

• Write press releases and other content that helps promote UW-Platteville and adheres to high standards of professionalism.
• Manage media relations, including responding to media requests; identifying, pitching, and coordinating opportunities for media coverage; disseminating press releases to the media; and fostering good relationships with local and regional media.
• Develop content for various media, including Alumni Today, UW-Platteville’s alumni magazine.
• Post news stories and photos to content management system.
• Provide communications support for university-wide initiatives and events as needed.
• Assist with internal university communications.
• Work collaboratively with the Marketing Department to coordinate efforts to amplify campaigns and branding messages.
• Serve as the Deputy Public Information Officer.
• In the event of an emergency, serve as part of command staff (public information team member) in Incident Command System. Serve as acting PIO if the PIO is not accessible or when PIO is in Emergency Operations Center, coordinate and assign duties to others on the PIO team.
• Assist in drafting and distributing sensitive and urgent messages and statements on behalf of the university.
• Provide backup to the social media manager.
• Assist with pitching and placing content in accordance with established marketing objectives and responding to inquiries

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field

• At least 3 years of professional experience in communications or related field

• Demonstrated strong writing, editing, and interviewing skills

• Ability to adhere to brand and editorial style guidelines

• Ability to remain composed and professional in emergency situations and confidentially handle sensitive information

Why It’s Great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs in a broad spectrum of disciplines including: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; criminal justice; education; business; agriculture; and liberal arts. The Platteville campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest community, which has a rich history rooted in mining —particularly lead mining —dating back to the early 19th century. The region offers excellent school systems, high-quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville serves as a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

Application Deadline:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by June 3, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Letter of application addressing all required qualifications

• A current resume

Legal Notices and Important Information: 

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University ensures physical accessibility to work environments for persons with disabilities and will provided reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment. Upon request, the University will provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances and practices.

The University is committed to a program of affirmative action for women, racial minorities, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. While the Chancellor assumes overall responsibility for the success of the program, university administrators and supervisors are responsible and accountable for implementation. Authority for monitoring the program is delegated to Human Resources.

Each individual associated with the University is called upon to pledge a new and revitalized commitment to build and maintain a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination, an environment that fosters mutual respect, recognizes the dignity and worth of all people, and promotes to the fullest, equal employment opportunity through affirmative action.

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Annual Security & Annual Fire Safety Report is available for review. Call the UW-Platteville Campus Police Office at 608.342.1584 for a paper copy of the annual report.

The Universities of Wisconsin 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. §. 19.36(7).

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.