Introduction

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism (WDT) promotes and elevates the state’s brand through effective marketing to drive economic impact for all Wisconsinites. We are the proud home of Travel Wisconsin, the official destination marketing organization for the State of Wisconsin and the Office of Outdoor Recreation, the official destination marketing organization for the State of Wisconsin and the Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Travel Wisconsin inspires travelers to experience Wisconsin and make lasting memories in our beautiful state. Wisconsin’s natural beauty, incredible culinary scene, spirited events, cultural offerings, and vibrant tourism businesses make this state a wonderful place to visit, live and work. Our team at Travel Wisconsin showcases this every day, marketing the state as a premier travel destination to consumers while driving economic impact to Wisconsin’s 72 counties and 11 tribal nations.

The Office of Outdoor Recreation unites Wisconsin’s diverse outdoor industry stakeholders including businesses such as gear manufacturers, retailers or guides, as well as nonprofits, land managers and communities. The Office provides support and resources to strengthen the industry and position Wisconsin as a top outdoor recreation destination. The Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation grows the industry to ensure the economic health and overall well-being of the state and its residents.

Our team is passionate about our mission, and we approach our fast-paced work with a commitment to constant improvement and learning, grounded in our values of collaboration, excellence, balance, authenticity and fun.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation and in coordination with the Department of Tourism marketing and communications teams, agencies of record and external vendors, this position will coordinate and execute all marketing communications and collateral materials of the Office to support the Office’s strategic imperative to amplify outdoor recreation in Wisconsin as a renowned destination and a valued element of the state’s economy and culture. This position will create a wide variety of publications which includes newsletter/email marketing, reports, press releases, speeches, interview talking points, website copy, social media copy and more that will reach Wisconsin residents and travelers. This position will also utilize software programs to create presentations, design printed or graphic materials and videos.

In addition to industry-facing marketing and communications, this position will lead and support cross-bureau collaboration to elevate outdoor recreation narratives in consumer-facing media through Travel Wisconsin’s comprehensive marketing and public relations efforts.

This position is headquartered at the Madison office and will have the option of working remotely up to 85%. The position infrequently requires some evening and weekend travel. This schedule may change based on training or operational needs. Employees will be required to come into the office for in-person collaboration meetings, often occurring on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Employees will be required to report to the Madison office on their first day of employment and work in the office two days per week for the first three months of employment. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. 

For more information, please view the complete Marketing Specialist- Senior position description.

Salary Information

Starting salary for the Marketing Specialist-Senior (07-03) position is between $27.68- $36.75 hourly. Salary will be determined by applicant qualifications. A twelve-month probationary period may be required. Pay for current state employees will be in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

Our Competitive Benefits Package Features

State Employee & Retiree Health Plan including health, dental and wellness benefits, and supplemental Vision Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Long-Term Care Insurance and Pre-Tax Savings Accounts (for health, dental, vision, day care and commuter expenses).
WRS Retirement Benefit pension plan that is intended to provide you with a lifetime retirement payment. It offers an employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
Accumulated Sick Leave which allows retirees to convert unused sick leave into credits to help pay for health insurance premiums.
Disability Benefits to cover the possibility of becoming disabled while working for a WRS employer making you eligible to receive disability benefits that will give you income for the time you are unable to return to work.
An Income Continuation Insurance that replaces a portion of your income if you are unable to work because of sickness or injury (both short and long term).
Group Life Insurance providing life insurance coverage up to five times your annual earnings and covers death and dismemberment.
Well Wisconsin Wellness Program with tools and resources to help set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.

In addition to our generous employee benefits, we strive for inclusivity and celebrate different religious holidays and cultural observances and provide flexibility for utilizing paid time off for such celebrations.

Job Details

Due to the nature of the position, Tourism will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. Tourism does not sponsor work visas. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form.

This position is headquartered out of the Madison office and will have the option of working remotely up to 85%. The position infrequently requires some evening and weekend travel. This schedule may change based on training or operational needs. Employees will be required to come into the office for in-person collaboration meetings, often occurring on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Employees will be required to report to the Madison office on their first day of employment and work in the office two days per week for the first three months of employment. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have professional experience with all of the following:

Developing and executing comprehensive annual marketing and communications plans.
Specifically developing email marketing campaigns, collateral materials, presentations and video content
General media relations, including pitching, creating interview talking points and building media tour itineraries
Developing integrated digital marketing, social media and website strategies and managing content within these platforms.
Maintaining contact information, distribution lists and other information within a CRM database

In addition to the above, more than qualified applicants will have professional experience with one or more of the following:

Graphic design (proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite)
Working within or partnering with organizations focused on outdoor recreation
Project management and event planning
Evaluation and interpretation of research and data, as well as preparing and presenting reports to measure program impact and drive strategic decision making

How To Apply

Apply online! To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. Please review instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications.

Your cover letter is limited to a maximum of two (2) typed pages, single-spaced, no smaller than 10-point font, with 1-inch margins. Resumes should be limited to no more than two (2) pages (no format requirements). Pages more than the specified limits may not be evaluated. References are not necessary at this stage of the process.

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process for available vacancies.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

If you are a veteran with a 30% or greater service-related disability and are not currently employed in a permanent position with Wisconsin State Government, please send a cover letter, resume, DD-214 and documentation of your service-connected disability rating (dated within 12 months) to the contact listed below.

Questions can be directed to Pilar Blomquist at Pilare.blomquist@wisconsin.gov or 715-831-3220.

Deadline to Apply

Applicant materials are due by 11:59pm on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

State of Wisconsin

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Senior Marketing Communications Specialist