At UW–Madison, we understand that career opportunities for both members of a dual career couple are an important part of joining and thriving at the university. Our Dual Career Couple Programs offer two complementary services: the Hiring Initiative, which helps recruit and retain tenured and tenure-track faculty by working with campus partners to explore employment options for their spouses and partners and, when possible, may include funding support to facilitate an appointment, and the Assistance Program, which offers guidance, networking support, and access to resources to help spouses and partners navigate their job search. Together, these programs reflect our commitment to supporting faculty and their families as they build their careers and life in Madison.
Our Services
Dual Career Couple Hiring Initiative
The Dual Career Couple Hiring Initiative is designed to help UW–Madison recruit and retain outstanding faculty (primary hire) by providing support for the employment of their spouses and partners. We recognize that career opportunities for both members of a dual career couple are an important factor in choosing and staying at an institution. This program reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where faculty and their families can thrive. While we can’t guarantee employment, we work collaboratively across campus to explore opportunities that align with each partner’s professional goals and meet a university hiring need.
Eligibility
Funding is available to support the following circumstances:
- Recruitment of new and early – career tenured or tenure-track faculty (faculty within their first three years at UW–Madison)
- Retention of current tenured or tenure-track faculty
Position Types
Funding is used to help place a spouse or partner into a faculty, academic staff, university staff, or postdoctoral position at UW–Madison. These are typically new positions, often structured to provide a three-year opportunity that allows the spouse or partner to establish themselves in Madison. While many of these roles continue well beyond three years, continuation is determined by the needs and resources of the hiring unit.
Funding Structure
The model for support is structured as a three-year cost-sharing plan:
- Year one: funded by the primary hire’s department
- Year two: funded by the spouse or partner’s hiring department
- Year three: funded by the Office of the Provost
This model provides a bridge of support and helps units plan for long-term sustainability. Any deviations from this model must be discussed and approved in advance.
Getting Started
The dean, associate dean, or department chair, may initiate a request by completing the Dual Career Couple Request Form. The Office of the Provost reviews requests on a rolling basis and will typically reach out to the requestor within 5–7 business days to begin the engagement and discuss next steps.
Transfer of Funds
Depending on the timing of the hire, funds from the Office of the Provost may be added to the school, college, or division’s annual budget allocation or transferred immediately.
Dual Career Couple Assistance Program
At UW–Madison, we recognize that a successful transition for new faculty often includes supporting their spouses or partners in finding meaningful employment. The Dual Career Couple Assistance Program offers guidance and resources to help spouses and partners of tenured and tenure-track faculty as they navigate their job search.
Program Services
Through this program, we:
- Share information about campus and community job search resources
- Initiate introductions to professional networks across campus and the broader Madison community
- Provide personalized support to connect spouses and partners with resources that align with their professional goals
While we cannot guarantee employment, provide financial support, or influence hiring decisions, we are committed to helping spouses and partners explore opportunities and make connections that may support their career journey in Madison.
Getting Started
The dean, associate dean, department chair, or tenured/tenure-track faculty member may initiate a request by completing the Dual Career Couple Request Form. The Office of the Provost reviews requests on a rolling basis and will typically reach out to the requestor within 5–7 business days to begin the engagement and discuss next steps.