MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

* THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE *

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

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, serves as the public information and media liaison and builds awareness of Milwaukee Water Works’ (MWWs’) projects that improve community service and engagement.

Media, Communication and Branding

• Draft communication materials such as press releases, media advisories and official utility comments in response to various governmental agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC).
• Respond to requests for interviews and coordinate focus, content and scheduling.
• Review advance copies of articles and other media content for correction and feedback.
• Draft talking points, scripts and presentations for the Superintendent, other MWW leadership and employees.
• Compose, design, print, distribute and maintain an inventory of customer educational materials, including brochures, notices, mailings, door hangers, bill inserts and messages, signage, posters, office forms, annual reports, videos and infographics.
• Oversee the MWW website, including creating and editing webpage content and adding new features/design elements to make pages informative and user friendly.
• Coordinate the dissemination of information to the media, public, community organizations and community partners, including communication in response to emergency events.
• Collaborate with the Department of Public Works (DPW) Marketing and Communications Officer to arrange special events, news conferences and media coverage.
• Coordinate outreach and media events with the Mayor’s Office.
• Manage social media activities, including Facebook, X and YouTube.
• Photograph worksites and special events for the website, newsletter and social media. 

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Organize and facilitate public involvement and community business meetings.
• Make presentations and staff informational tables at community events and meetings.
• Coordinate participation in events involving water and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-focused agencies.
• Represent MWW with water-related organizations such as the American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water Research Foundation and The Water Council.
• Attend regular meetings to promote community engagement and outreach, including the Lead Service Line and the Safe Drinking Water Workgroups.

Employee Engagement and Outreach

• Draft and coordinate the monthly employee newsletter in collaboration with the Water Projects Manager.
• Lead the monthly new employee tours to MWW facilities.

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 marketing, communications, public relations or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Four years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications project management performing duties related to this position.
3. Valid driver's license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.  

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

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

Technical

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public and media relations.
• Ability to work effectively with the press.
• Knowledge of communications practices, including crisis communications.
• Expert-level knowledge of and ability to apply the conventions of writing.
• Expert-level skill in proofreading and ensuring documents are error-free, with exact attention to detail.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on communications issues.
• Ability to read and understand job-related documents, such as open records laws, industry publications and legal documents.
• Skill in using computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, strategies, best practices and the associated use of analytics.

Communication and Interpersonal

• 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 utility effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to identify and build relationships with business associations and community organizations.
• Ability to exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Ability to ensure mechanisms for obtaining feedback and input from persons with diverse backgrounds and to consider the role of cultural, social and behavioral factors in the accessibility, availability, acceptability and delivery of public messaging and media relations.
• Ability to work cooperatively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

• Ability to plan, organize and accomplish work, manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Skill in analyzing and solving problems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to perform well under pressure.
• Time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
• Ability to approach projects with energy, creativity and resourcefulness.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, poise and courtesy.
• Honesty, integrity and the ability to safeguard City resources and maintain a high level of confidentiality. 

The current salary range (2LX) is $90,291-$105,223 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $93,000-$108,380 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 that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) 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. Additionally, writing samples are required by the application deadline.

Please submit a resume, cover letter and writing samples via email to ahefte@milwaukee.gov by 4:45 PM on Friday, October 18, 2024:   

• Please indicate “Marketing and Communications Officer” 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must submit the following documents by the application deadline. Applications that do not include the materials listed below may be deemed incomplete and may not be considered.

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. 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.

• 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 = 208

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