WATER MARKETING SPECIALIST

* THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE *

The Water Marketing Specialist is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Water Works Superintendent.

What Milwaukee can offer YOU… 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 old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and 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 Water Marketing Specialist develops plans and campaigns to raise awareness locally, regionally, and nationally of the benefits of Milwaukee’s water quality, quantity, and value.

• Support efforts to attract and retain businesses, especially those that use a large quantity of water and may create jobs in the area.
• Encourage water-intensive industries to relocate to Milwaukee and serve as the liaison for existing large water users.
• Devise communications, brand plan, calendar, and emergency communications templates to support utility operations.
• Prepare and evaluate customer surveys to build customer trust and satisfaction.
• Serve as the central design and production manager for internal and external communications.
• Write, design, print, distribute, and maintain inventory of customer educational materials for all sections, City departments that interface with Milwaukee Water Works (MWW), elected officials, and external partners such as Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.
• Present informational sessions at community meetings, STEM focused agencies, and MMSD for student and community outreach.
• Represent the MWW before water-related associations such as American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water Research Foundation (WRF), and The Water Council.
• Develop and draft communication materials including press releases, media advisories, opinion-editorial pieces, and bylined information for the media, the general public, community organizations, and community partners.
• Write speeches, presentations, and campaigns regarding MWW matters for the Superintendent and Section Managers.
• Work with the Department of Public Works (DPW) Marketing and Communication Officer to arrange special events, new conferences, editorial board meetings, and media coverage; coordinate staff participation as needed.
• Manage all utility-focused social media ventures, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other emerging technologies.  

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.

1. Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, public relations (PR), business administration, public administration, communications, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Two years of experience with communication plan or campaign development, PR project management, marketing, or communications related to the essential functions listed above.
3. Valid driver's license at time of appointment and throughout employment.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must submit the following documents by the application close date. All documents must be sent via email with the subject line “Water Marketing Specialist” to ahefte@milwaukee.gov. Applications that do not include college transcripts and three writing samples as described below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered; no exceptions will be made.

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. College transcripts. Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcripts must be legible and include your name, university name, degree completed, and degree completion date.
4. Three writing samples (media press releases, new stories, internal communications, or publications – any combination) that you have written (500 to 2,000 words per sample). NOTE: Do not refer to a web link. Do not send originals, as writing samples cannot be returned.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations.
• Knowledge of media relations and the ability to work effectively with the press.
• Knowledge of communications practices, including crisis communications.
• Knowledge of video production and editing software.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, strategies, and best practices.
• Skill in using computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
• Ability to read and interpret job-related documents, such as manuals, industry publications, and legal documents.
• Superior written and visual communication skills to be able to prepare compelling, audience-appropriate, and publication-ready scripts, speeches, press releases, digital content, marketing materials, reports, and correspondence.
• Oral communication and presentation skills essential to represent the department effectively before the media and the public.
• Interpersonal skills to be able to interact effectively with elected officials, City managers, and staff; other governmental officials; the news media; community partners; and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and accomplishing work within often urgent assignment deadlines; attention to detail.
• Ability to approach projects with energy, creativity, and resourcefulness.
• Professional, poised, tactful, and courteous; ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Honesty, integrity, and the ability to safeguard City resources.

The current salary range (2FX) is $48,670 - $67,616 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $50,130 - $69,644 annually. 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 that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 11 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. Additionally, academic transcripts and writing samples are required by the application deadline.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, academic transcripts, and writing samples (outlined in the minimum qualifications section above) via email to ahefte@milwaukee.gov.   

• Please indicate “Water Marketing Specialist” in the subject line.
• Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to Amy Hefter at 414-286-2805 or via email at ahefte@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 application deadline listed above. 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.

• Further information may be accessed by visiting, http://city.milwaukee.gov/jobs.
• If you would like additional assistance, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO Code = 204

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