VISION ZERO POLICY DIRECTOR

Recruitment #2301-4276-001

Introduction

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE.

The Vision Zero Policy Director is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Director of Administration.

 

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.

Purpose

Vision Zero

Reckless driving and traffic violence are urgent issues in Milwaukee. In 2022 alone, traffic violence killed over 80 people in our city and injured over 400 more. The City of Milwaukee is committed to eliminating all fatalities and serious injuries from traffic violence. Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.

 

The Position

On behalf of the Mayor, the Vision Zero Policy Director leads the City’s efforts to end traffic violence by coordinating comprehensive, systems-level approaches to eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The incumbent will develop and coordinate the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan through a collaborative process with residents, City of Milwaukee departments, state and local governments, and other agencies. In this capacity, the Vision Zero Policy Director works to identify and eliminate barriers to underserved and marginalized individuals and groups.

Essential Functions

Leadership

·       Develop policies to be implemented by departments citywide and direct departmental commissioners/heads to implement policies, including the Department of Public Works (DPW), Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), Milwaukee Health Department (MHD), Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD), and Department of City Development (DCD).

·       Lead the creation of the City’s Vision Zero Working Group with internal and external stakeholders and serve as staff liaison.

·       Develop, update, and coordinate implementation of the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan through a collaborative process with residents, City of Milwaukee departments, elected officials, other governmental entities, and community-based organizations.

·       Facilitate a two-way flow of information between external groups and internal team members.

·       Lead internal policy changes and educational campaigns.

·       Set performance targets for the Vision Zero program in coordination with the Vision Zero Working Group.

 

Strategic Communications

·       Assist with developing the messaging, graphics, and narratives of websites, brochures, annual reports, and other communications.

·       Disseminate general information about Vision Zero to neighborhood leaders, advocacy groups, and the public through grassroots outreach.

·       Engage in media relations related to Vision Zero.

·       Attend internal and external stakeholder meetings related to Vision Zero and reckless driving.

·       Maintain working relationships with a diverse range of neighborhood and community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and members of the public.

 

Research, Data Analysis, and Reporting

·       Collect input from community stakeholders on traffic safety issues.

·       Monitor and track the performance of key metrics.

·       Analyze and summarize data.

·       Provide reports on a regular basis.

·       Identify opportunities where modifications to current state and federal laws, regulations, or policies would help advance the City’s Vision Zero goals.

·       Assist with identifying and applying for grants and other funding opportunities.

 

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.

Conditions of Employment

·       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.

·       The Vision Zero Policy Director must be able to work non-standard hours frequently to participate in community meetings and events related to Vision Zero and reckless driving.

Minimum Requirements

1.    Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban studies, public health, public administration, public policy, engineering, geography, sociology, or related field from an accredited college or university.

2.   Three years of progressively responsible experience in transportation engineering, public policy, city planning, public health, public safety, or a comparable field performing duties related to traffic safety.

3.   The ability to travel independently throughout the City of Milwaukee by public transportation, walking, bicycling, or driving.

 

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

 

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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

·       Knowledge of the principles of Vision Zero and systems-level change.

·       Knowledge of community engagement and coalition-building strategies.

·       Knowledge of the structure of local government and intergovernmental coordination.

·       Ability to learn and implement necessary changes related to City of Milwaukee plans, policies, and procedures as they relate to transportation and mobility.

·       Knowledge of climate change, health equity, and national and international best practices related to innovative transportation planning and design that supports safe streets.

·       Knowledge of research methods, data analysis, and reporting.

·       Knowledge of budgeting processes, grants, and other potential funding sources.

·       Ability to read and interpret a variety of work-related documents, such as technical publications, governmental regulations, and City ordinances.

·       Proficiency using word processing, spreadsheet, and database software to prepare correspondence and reports.

 

Leadership and Interpersonal

·       Ability to direct staff, department heads, and external stakeholders in leadership roles regarding various tasks related to achieving Vision Zero.

·       Facilitation skills to be able to lead and participate in meetings, both formal and informal.

·       Project management skills to be able to develop and coordinate implementation of the Vision Zero Action Plan.

·       Ability to work effectively with City managers and staff, elected officials, community groups, and residents from all socioeconomic, educational, and cultural backgrounds.

·       Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.

 

Strategic Communications

·       Knowledge of public relations and strategic communications principles.

·       Ability to work effectively with the media as a representative of the City.

·       Proficiency using presentation and design software to create educational materials and presentations.

·       Ability to plan and deliver educational and promotional programs accessible to people of varying cultures and educational levels.

·       Written communication skills to be able to write clear correspondence, policies, and reports.

·       Verbal communication skills to be able to share information in a clear and concise manner with the public.

 

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

·       Critical thinking skills to be able to creatively address challenging, multifaceted problems, make sound decisions, and marshal City resources for the benefit of the community.

·       Organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet frequent deadlines.

·       Professionalism, honesty, integrity, and responsible stewardship of City resources.

·       Commitment to staying apprised of developments in traffic safety initiatives.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 2MX) is $95,163-$109,938 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $98,017-$113,236 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

·       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 http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of an evaluation of related education, experience, and accomplishments, interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Administration reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to participate in the selection process. Information from the selection process will be used to make a hiring decision.

 

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.

  • Please send your cover letter and resume via email to KRURBAN@milwaukee.gov by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023.
  • Please indicate “Vision Zero Policy Director” in the subject line.
  • Inquiries regarding the selection process may be directed to Kristin Urban by calling 414.286.8643 or by sending a message to KRURBAN@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 the deadline date. 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.

Conclusion

EEO Code 201

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