MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE

Appointment and continued employment are at the pleasure of the Commissioner of City Development.

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.

The Marketing and Communications Officer plans and implements media and public relations activities for the Department of City Development, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee, and the Port of Milwaukee.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

• Initiate and respond to external contacts, including from news media.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and media resource for the Department of City Development (DCD), the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM), and the Port Milwaukee.
• Coordinate and develop information required to respond to external requests for information. 
• Provide strategic advice regarding media inquiries.
• Monitor, analyze, and track media coverage.
• On behalf of the DCD, RACM and Port Milwaukee, coordinate responses to sensitive requests for information generated by media representatives through the Wisconsin Open Records law. 
• Represent the DCD and the RACM in regular meetings with other City communications officers.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Write speeches (with associated visual support, such as PowerPoint presentation), op-ed pieces, and statements for the DCD, the RACM and Port Milwaukee. Provide support for press conferences.
• Serve as a liaison with the Mayor’s Office, other City departments, other units of government, business owners, and business associations regarding economic development activity and the related communications. 
• Write annual communications plans for the DCD, the RACM, and Port Milwaukee.
• Develop communication tools such as annual reports, content for print and the web, social media channels, press releases and reports.
• Write, develop and produce the quarterly Port newsletter.
• Work with the Port Director to execute advertising and marketing strategies and brand recognition.

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.

• Position will require working variable hours as required by the needs of the department, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Will require travel to various sites throughout the City of Milwaukee as needed.

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field.
2. Four years of experience in media affairs, public relations, marketing or communications experience performing duties closely related to this position. 
3. Valid driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
4. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issues by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within six months of appointment and maintained throughout employment. 

Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not include your academic transcripts with your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Knowledge of City governmental operations.
• Experience in strategic communications and social media management.

TECHNICAL

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, communications, and media affairs.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, strategies, and best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret job-related documents, such as open records laws, industry publications, and legal documents.
• Ability to oversee and implement the digital media strategy, social media marketing, and website management.
• Skill in using computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on communications issues. 
• Expert-level skill in proofreading to ensure that documents and digital content are error-free. 
• Skill in short- and long-term strategic planning.

INTERPERSONAL AND CULTURAL COMPETENCE

• Superior written and visual communication skills to prepare compelling, audience-appropriate, and publication-ready scripts, speeches, press releases, digital content, marketing materials, reports, and correspondence.
• Highly developed verbal communication and presentation skills to represent the department effectively.
•  Ability to effectively communicate to a wide variety of audiences (e.g., public, news media, residents, business owners, developers, elected officials, and governmental officials).
• Ability to identify and build relationships with business associations and community organizations related to the work of the department.
• Ability to build relationships with managers, colleagues, staff, elected officials, news reporters, and the public.
• Ability to exhibit an exemplary level of cultural competence and work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM

• Honesty, integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Skill in analyzing and solving problems.
•  Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to plan, organize, and accomplish work, manage multiple assignments simultaneously, meet deadlines, and manage shifting priorities.
• Ability to approach projects with energy, creativity, and resourcefulness.
• Ability to perform well under pressure.

The current salary range (2JX) is $71,341-$90,796 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $73,482-$93,520. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

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/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, resume and writing samples.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

• Please send a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (media press releases, new stories, and/or publications of 500 to 1,500 words per sample) by email to the Human Resources Administrator Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov by 4:45 p.m. on October 13, 2023.
• Please indicate “Marketing and Communications Officer” in the email message subject line.
• Inquiries regarding the selection process may be directed to Vanessa Armstrong by calling 414-286-6076 or via email at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of City Development 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 October 13, 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 selection process at the time and place designated by the Department of City Development.

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