CERTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Recruitment #2212-4433-002

Introduction

*This position is exempt from civil service; Appointment and continued employment is at the pleasure of the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) Commissioner. *

 

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.

 

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.

Purpose

The Certification and Communications Coordinator position requires a unique blend of skills. If you are experienced in public relations, have a solid grasp of advanced desktop publishing, web design, and digital production and have a keen interest in improving urban neighborhoods, you will find this role to be both challenging and rewarding.


The Certification and Communications Coordinator acts as the departmental spokesperson, oversees media relations, printed and electronic communications and facilitates continuing education requirements and credentialing for certified inspectors.


Essential Functions

Communication and Public Relations

  • Act as departmental spokesperson and oversee all communication with the media, residents, community groups, and other agencies on behalf of the DNS.
  • Respond to inquiries regarding building codes, ordinances, enforcement activity, and DNS processes and programs.
  • Produce public information campaigns, write news releases, and assist news media seeking information regarding the department.
  • Coordinate media and promotional events with other departments or public groups.
  • Produce and maintain all forms of electronic communication used by the DNS.
  • Serve as webmaster and public help desk manager for web pages and linked items on the DNS website.
  • Ensure consistency between printed and electronic documents.
  • Assist Sections in updating their web content. Produce and maintain stock of all DNS printed materials, from forms and placards to brochures and newsletters, including bilingual items. Select and work with print vendors and translators to create departmental materials.
  • Liaise with other City departments, boards, commissions, code groups, neighborhood and enforcement agencies and public and private groups regarding departmental goals.
  • Manage social media ventures, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other emerging technologies.

Coordination and Administration

  • Coordinate and facilitate the annual mandated continuing education requirements and license renewals of certified inspectors.
  • Acquire staff code books and required items as new codes are updated.
  • Coordinate the tuition benefit records for DNS staff.
  • Coordinate the department’s response to public records requests.
  • Ensure timely and accurate response to escalated requests, including gathering records and drafting communications to requesters.
  • Update and maintain the certification of licenses and training for DNS staff.
  • Manage safety equipment stock and reorders.

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 incumbent must be willing and able to work outside standard business hours to respond to emergencies and to represent the department.


Minimum Requirements

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

2.    Two years of public relations or similar experience that includes significant responsibility for using desktop publishing software to create and maintain website content.

 

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also 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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Knowledge of public relations principles and practices, including media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.
  • Ability to accommodate the production needs of local news media crews at news events.
  • Ability to set up and operate equipment such as digital cameras and video and audio recording systems. 
  • Knowledge of professional design, layout, and illustration software, and expertise creating and maintaining website content.
  • Knowledge of state-of-the-art print production techniques.
  • Proficiency using word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
  • Ability to track training and materials expenditures for the inspectional staff to maintain national accreditation.
  • Ability to read and interpret work-related documents, such as business periodicals, technical publications, and legal documents.
  • Familiarity with social media platforms, strategies, and best practices.

Communication and Interpersonal

  • Ability to prepare compelling, audience-appropriate, error-free, and publication-ready correspondence, reports, forms, and brochures.
  • Ability to field questions from the news media, various outside agencies, and residents.
  • Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a staff, City managers and elected officials, community partners, and the public.
  • Ability to work effectively with language translators and print vendors on various projects.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Organizational and Critical Thinking

  • Ability to approach projects with creativity and resourcefulness.
  • Critical thinking skills, including analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Decision-making skills and sound judgment.
  • Planning, organizational, and project management skills to be able to accurately maintain a large volume of records, handle multiple assignments simultaneously, adjust to changing priorities, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
  • Professionalism, honesty, and integrity, as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 2JX) is $71,341- $90,796 annually, and the resident incentive starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $73,482 - $93,520 annually. 

 

Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon qualifications and experience 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 Paternal 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/benefits.

Selection Process

SELECTION PROCESS:

  • 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, resume and transcripts (if applicable).
  • Cover letter, resume, and college transcripts must be sent via email to DNS Human Resources at: DNSJobs@milwaukee.gov by 4:45 p.m. on February 10, 2023.
  • Please indicate Certification and Communication Coordinator in the subject line of the email.
  • Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to DNS Human Resources by email at DNSJobs@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.

Additional Information

  • Interested parties will be contacted to schedule an interview with the department.  Final approval of the appointment is subject to review by the department of Employee Relations.
  • If you have additional questions about this posting, please contact DNS Human Resources via email at: DNSJobs@milwaukee.gov

Conclusion

EEO 204

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