DER Marketing and Communications Officer

This position is exempt from Civil Service, and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Employee Relations Director.

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 DER Marketing and Communications Officer manages functions associated with marketing and communications, media and community relations, and graphics/web services for the Department of Employee Relations (DER).

MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

·       Serve as the spokesperson for the department.

·       Respond to inquiries from the media and the public.

·       Develop and implement media relations and public relations strategies.

·       Represent the department and serve as a liaison with other City departments and the Mayor’s Office communications staff.

·       Attend events on behalf of the Employee Relations Director.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

·       Create marketing campaigns to assist with recruitment efforts on behalf of the City of Milwaukee.

·       Develop communication tools such as the annual report and strategic plan.

·       Write, develop, and produce communications, including E‑Notify, press releases, speeches, and presentations.

·       Work closely with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to promote activities and events.

·       Manage social media and other mediums for the Department.

·       Manage the departmental website.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

·       Stay apprised of trends and development in the field by reading and conducting research.

·       Participate in training and professional development related to public relations, media, marketing, and communications.

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: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/derAuthors/Policies/COVID-19EmployeeVaccinationPolicy.pdf.

·       The DER Marketing and Communications Officer must be willing and able to work beyond standard business hours on occasion to meet departmental needs.

1.   Bachelor’s degree in media relations, communications, marketing, journalism, public administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

2.   Four years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, marketing, media or public relations, or communications performing duties related to this position.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: College transcripts are required and must be sent as email attachments to Kristin Hennessy Urban via email at krurban@milwaukee.gov by the application period closing date and time (see “Selection Process,” below). Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed, and the date completed.

·       Experience in strategic communications and social media management.

TECHNICAL

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, communications, and media affairs.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on communications issues.
• Ability to oversee digital media strategy, social media marketing, and website management.
• Skill in using computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation.
• Ability to read and interpret job-related documents, such as manuals and industry publications.
• 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.
• Expert-level skill in proofreading to ensure that documents and digital content are error-free. 

The current salary range (Pay Range 2JX) is $69,943-$89,016, and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $72,041-$91,686. 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.

• Please send the following via email to krurban@milwaukee.gov by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022:

1. cover letter

2. resume

3. college transcripts

·       The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO 208

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