MKE PARKS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, we invite you to consider the following opportunity.

The MKE Parks Program Coordinator plays a key role in the development and execution of park design, improvement projects and construction.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Infrastructure maintains Milwaukee (MKE) City Parks, a neighborhood park system that offers outdoor play opportunities at over 50 locations throughout the City of Milwaukee.  

Funded through the City of Milwaukee and private donations, MKE City Parks empowers residents to recreate public spaces that reflect local needs, interests, and identity. In doing so, previously underutilized parks are transformed into enriching play environments, providing physical, social and economic impacts to the areas they serve. 

Program Coordination

• Coordinate with stakeholders involved in park design and construction projects, including residents, contractors and other City departments.
• Engage residents and stakeholders through community and private meetings, outreach events and door-to-door canvassing. Organize and lead volunteer groups and liaise with park friends’ groups.
• Manage and enhance programming for parks, ensuring activities, events, and services align with community needs and grant objectives.
• Develop and support programming to activate MKE Park Spaces.
• Coordinate all phases of park reconstruction projects, including conceptual design, development, construction documentation, bidding, and construction administration.
• Review and interpret plans, details, and specifications for site development, civil engineering, landscaping, playgrounds, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and other elements.
• Establish partnerships to support and supplement park maintenance and programming.
• Research, identify, and apply for private, state, and federal grant opportunities to secure funding for park projects and programming. Coordinate grant and funding development efforts to ensure compliance with all grant requirements and deadlines.
• Assist in fundraising initiatives to support park projects and programing.
• Foster and maintain professional relationships with stakeholders to ensure continued support and collaboration.

Administration and Public Relations

• Prepare, maintain, and organize files for records, reports, and documentation related to park construction and grant-funded projects.
• Utilize social media and other platforms to advertise MKE Parks events, programs and other engagement opportunities.
• Coordinate and participate in community events and fundraising activities.
• Coordinate and lead volunteer activities and park programming.

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.

• Must work outside of regularly scheduled hours to meet the department's needs.
• Must be able to withstand exposure to various environmental conditions, both indoors and outdoors (e.g., noise, dirt, pollen, heat, and cold).

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered. 

Technical:

• Ability to effectively utilize communication channels, including social media, traditional media, and digital platforms, to engage with the public and stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to effectively utilize computer applications and software, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Forms.
• Knowledge of and ability to accurately apply writing conventions.
• Ability to identify and pursue public and private funding and sponsorship opportunities.
• Knowledge of project management and organizational strategies.
• Ability to learn playground safety and accessibility standards.
• Ability to learn and read, interpret, and understand building plans and specifications.
• Organize, prepare and maintain accurate records, reports, and files.

Communication & Interpersonal:

• Strong and effective communication and listening skills
• Skills to build and maintain positive working relationships with multicultural and multidisciplinary staff and the public.
• Written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear and concise notes, reports, data analysis, letters, and memos.
• Ability to communicate and present information clearly and effectively.

Critical Thinking & Professionalism:

• Ability to plan, organize, and facilitate public involvement during community meetings.
• Time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism.
• Ability to represent the department positively and consistently, aligning with its mission and goals.
• Honesty, integrity, and responsible stewardship of City resources.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2HX) is $58,656-$81,507 and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $60,416-$83,952. 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:

• 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 on the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications 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. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO Code = 103

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