INTERGOVERNMENTAL POLICY MANAGER-SENIOR

This position is exempt from Civil Service and is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the City Clerk. 

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Under the supervision of the Common Council President and the Chair of the Judiciary and Legislation Committee, the Intergovernmental Policy Manager – Senior manages and implements intergovernmental priorities as identified by City departments and elected officials, promotes and advances the City’s legislative and policy agenda at various levels of government, seeks and secures intergovernmental funding opportunities, and prepares reports on policy issues affecting the City.

Lobbying Activities

• Conduct lobbying activity at various levels of government to advance the City’s legislative agenda.
• Prepare compelling testimony and speak in support or opposition to proposed legislation before committees of the governing bodies at various levels of government.
• Assist in the effort to seek additional state and federal funds.
• Proactively develop and maintain positive relationships with elected and agency officials at various levels of government, other lobbying entities, and membership organizations, and coordinate meetings between these entities and the Mayor, Common Council, and City departments .

Agenda Development

• Participate in the development of the City’s state and federal legislative agendas.
• Assist with communicating legislative updates to the Mayor, Common Council, and City department heads.
• Draft proposed legislation per the instructions of the Common Council (Judiciary and Legislation Committee), Mayor, and the Administration Director for introduction in the State Legislature and U.S. Congress.
• Proactively seek introduction and passage of such legislation and work to obtain amendments, as needed.

Research/Reporting

• Analyze legislative bills to determine whether they affect the City and make recommendations on positions to be taken thereon, and work closely with City departments to develop and/or monitor proposed and pending legislation at various levels of government.     
• Research and prepare concise reports on local, state, and federal policy, and prepare background information for the decision-making process of the Common Council and Mayor’s Office.     
• Identify opportunities to improve the City’s fiscal capacity through external revenues and state or federal legislative change, and work with Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to include and advance those initiatives through the legislative process.

Project Management

• Manage special projects and initiatives of City-wide importance.
• Identify and develop organizational changes that improve productivity or service quality, or diversify revenues.
• Provide general policy and advocacy support for the Common Council, Mayor, and the Department of Administration. 

 We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here.

• Must be willing to work beyond standard business hours and on occasional weekends to meet departmental needs.
• Position requires travel to various sites throughout the City of Milwaukee and Wisconsin.
• Must be willing to carry a cell phone during work hours. 

1. Bachelor's degree in political science, journalism, public relations, communications or a related field from an accredited college or university. 
2. Four years of progressively responsible experience in lobbying or the development of public policy or legislation. 
3. Must be eligible for certification as a lobbyist with the State of Wisconsin at time of appointment and throughout employment.  For more information regarding State of Wisconsin Lobbyist registration eligibility requirements, please visit: https://ethics.wi.gov/Pages/Lobbying/LobbyingOverview.aspx
4. Possess a valid driver's license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

 Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will be considered.  

• Master's degree in public policy or a related field or juris doctor.

Technical   

• Knowledge of legislative and fiscal research techniques.         
• Ability to locate, read and apply written materials, including laws, statutes, regulations and ordinances.         
• Ability to interpret City policies and ordinances.        
• Ability to use standard computer software and programs, such as word processing and spreadsheet.
• Ability to perform effective web searches.         
• Ability to perform research.         

Critical Thinking, Planning, Professionalism and Judgment

• Ability to think critically and analytically to solve problems and to use sound judgment.        
• Ability to work professionally and effectively under pressure and tight time constraints to manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to exhibit exemplary professionalism. 
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy.         
• Ability to represent the department honestly and ethically, as well as to maintain confidentiality.    
• High degree of motivation and self-direction.

Communication and Interpersonal       

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with elected officials and professional staff, departmental personnel and the public.         
• Very strong communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Written communication skills to craft policies and procedures, reports and correspondence.
• Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and fairly with coworkers and City residents whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

The current salary range (2MX) is $78,527-$109,938 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $80,883-$113,236 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

• Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments, which should be detailed in a cover letter and resume.
• Cover letter and resume must be sent via email to Deputy City Clerk Dana Zelazny at d.zelazny@milwaukee.gov by 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
• Please indicate “Intergovernmental Policy Manager - Senior” in the subject line of the email.
• Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to Deputy City Clerk Dana Zelazny at d.zelazny@milwaukee.gov.
• The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process. 

INITIAL FILING DATE:

• The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after February 21 22, 2023.
• Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.