Kari Dickinson
Monona
Summary
Skilled communications professional with 20+ years experience in higher education, nonprofits, and the arts. Proven track record developing and delivering impactful content for diverse audiences.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Writer/Communications Specialist
University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Education
01.2020 - Current
- Write stories and develop multi-platform communications for No. 1-ranked school of education, leading storytelling in the arts
- Report, write, edit, and publish news stories for print and web that highlight impactful work across the School of Education’s programs in the arts, health, and education
- Lead storytelling and content development in the arts, including the departments of Art, Dance, and Theatre and Drama
- Produce and distribute School emails and e-newsletters for diverse audiences (faculty, staff, students, alumni) ranging from small targeted groups to 40,000+, using data to improve engagement
- Collaborate in developing crisis and other communications on behalf of School leadership
- Organize and facilitate quarterly meetings of School of Education Communicators community of practice; coordinate Proofreader-on-Call service
- Recruit, hire, onboard, and supervise student communications assistant
Programs and Communications Manager
Wisconsin Center for the Advancement of Postsecondary Education (WISCAPE), UW–Madison
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Plan programs and manage outreach for UW-based center focused on sharing/translating research relevant to furthering postsecondary education in Wisconsin and beyond
- Planned and executed 10+ annual programs, including forums, panels, and conferences; pivoted to virtual events in early 2020, delivering four Webex-hosted programs in three months
- Developed and led publicity strategies, increasing audience reach by 20%
- Wrote and produced monthly e-newsletters for 2,000+ subscribers using Mailchimp
- Managed website content and grew social media presence, boosting engagement 30% over two years
- Edited policy briefs and publications; coordinated media interviews with leadership and faculty
Communications Manager
Center on Wisconsin Strategy, UW–Madison
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Managed communications and outreach for UW-based “think-and-do” tank
- Spearheaded organizational rebranding, including new logo and website redesign
- Established social media presence, achieving a 25% growth in followers within the first year
- Managed the production and editing of reports and policy briefs, including the biennial State of Working Wisconsin
- Designed and distributed outreach materials, including newsletters, press releases, and event communications
Marketing Director
Community Shares of Wisconsin
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Managed marketing and communications program for fundraising umbrella organization supporting over 50 Madison nonprofits
- Developed and implemented a three-year marketing plan, increasing visibility and fundraising by 15%
- Coordinated annual events, including an awards celebration with 200+ attendees
- Secured media coverage and negotiated advertising sponsorships, resulting in a 10% cost savings
- Wrote and designed communication materials, including brochures, posters, and annual reports
Media Editor
World Book Publishing
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Planned and implemented media enhancement projects for award-winning online encyclopedia
- Acquired, wrote, and produced audio, visual, and other media content
Assistant Editor
Pearson Education
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Managed book and media development projects for science textbook publishing company
- Collaborated with authors to create and implement a coherent development plan for book and media projects
Education
Master of Arts - Business-Arts Administration
University of Wisconsin–Madison, School of Business
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre
Smith College
Skills
- Effective writing
- Content editing
- Creative collaboration
- AP style
- Project management
- Website copy
Volunteer and Community Service
- Cycropia Aerial Dance, Collective Member, 2014, Present, Dancer and choreographer, Teacher, introductory and intermediate/advanced trapeze, Lead writer of successful grant proposals generating over $70,000 in funding, Communications strategy and development
- Encore Studio for the Performing Arts, Board Member, 2006, 2014, Served as board secretary; planned and executed fundraising activities
- Smith College Alumnae Admissions Coordinators Network, Board Member, 2008, 2012, Supported and mentored volunteers working to connect with prospective students in the Midwest
Timeline
Writer/Communications Specialist
University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Education
01.2020 - Current
Programs and Communications Manager
Wisconsin Center for the Advancement of Postsecondary Education (WISCAPE), UW–Madison
01.2013 - 01.2020
Communications Manager
Center on Wisconsin Strategy, UW–Madison
01.2008 - 01.2013
Marketing Director
Community Shares of Wisconsin
01.2004 - 01.2007
Media Editor
World Book Publishing
01.2000 - 01.2001
Assistant Editor
Pearson Education
01.1998 - 01.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre
Smith College
Master of Arts - Business-Arts Administration
University of Wisconsin–Madison, School of Business