COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT 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 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.

The Community Relations and Engagement Director is responsible for increasing the number of library patrons engaged with the library, bridging the gap between the available library resources and the potential audiences who can benefit from those resources.

Community Engagement

• Engage the community by directing the development and execution of an annual marketing plan that aligns with the library’s strategic plan and annual priorities.
• Lead and manage the library’s awareness campaign, in collaboration with the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation (MPLF) and community partners.
• Manage the project budget, coordinating with partners on media planning, buying, and design production.
• Work with consultants and staff on major events and outreach strategies.
• Plan and execute all marketing and communication related to the Neighborhood Library Redevelopment Campaign, including special events such as media previews, ground-breakings, and Opening Day Celebrations.
• Direct the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) social media strategy and collaborate on the design of the library’s website.
• Gather and analyze community feedback through surveys, focus groups, and other data-gathering techniques. Use acquired feedback and relevant data to develop appropriate and effective communication plans.

Branding and Communications

• Oversee all official communication, including press releases, articles, signage, web-based content, and social media.
• Plan and produce an annual report of library activities for distribution to stakeholders in collaboration with the MPLF.
• Oversee the design and supply of all printed collateral, including flyers, reports, stationery, posters, and calendars.
• Oversee photography to ensure sufficient resources to document activities and to create a library of work for the production of publications; manage collection of images.
• Direct editorial work including content, writing, and editing.
• Write for the Library Director and others as directed, including speeches, PowerPoint presentations, internal messaging, and crisis response.
• Oversee and manage the Library’s brand, ensuring that all communication, messaging, and design have a consistent look. Develop realistic plans and methods for protecting the library’s brand and train staff on use of the MPL Style Guide.

Planning and Administration

• Serve on the Director’s Executive Team, helping to set strategic priorities and develop appropriate capital and operating budgets related to marketing and communications.
• Seek improvements in practices and policies to streamline operations and achieve cost savings.
• Proactively plan for annual jobs, deadlines, and priority projects and initiatives, while leaving room for last-minute requests.
• Oversee the performance and development of direct reports, providing team members with meaningful work and opportunities for growth, innovation, and leadership development.
• Analyze the demand for services and seek appropriate levels of resources to meet the priorities of the library and the needs of the community.
• Develop budgets for grant applications and ongoing service programs.
• Assume command of the library in the absence of the Library Director, Deputy Library Director, and Associate Library Directors. Assume other administrative responsibilities and projects as assigned by the Library Director.

Public Relations

• Represent the Library in the community; maintain relationships.
• Direct Public & Media Relations efforts, using methods and practices to build trust and exposure to target markets.
• Select library staff for media interviews and train them in effective techniques and presentation skills for public and media appearances.
• Manage requests for commercial filming and photography in library buildings.

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/User/jkamme/Policies/FinalCOVID-19VaccinationPolicy9.1.2021-final.pdf.

• The Community Relations and Engagement Director is required to file a statement of economic interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.

1. Bachelor's degree in marketing or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Five years of experience in marketing, including three years in a supervisory or management position.
3. Valid driver’s license and the availability of a properly insured vehicle for use on the job at time of appointment and throughout employment (private automobile allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code.).

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Technical

• Knowledge of professional marketing techniques and practices, visual design principles, and public relations best practices.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on communications issues.
• Proficient in computer skills, including the use of internal electronic files and databases, reporting tools, and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, strategies, best practices, and the associated use of analytics.
• 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.
• Ability to identify and build relationships with business associations and community organizations related to the work of the department.

Leadership and Management

• Ability to execute the full spectrum of management/supervisory duties, including ability to interview, onboard, train, coach, motivate, discipline, and evaluate staff with proper documentation and a focus on staff development.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
• Knowledge of budgeting processes.
• Ability to schedule, prioritize, and meet short- and long-term goals and deadlines.
• Communication and Interpersonal
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; ability to work effectively as part of a team and individually with diverse staff, patrons, and community partners.
• Excellent verbal communication skills; ability to effectively present ideas and information clearly, concisely, and logically both one-on-one and before groups.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

• Ability to plan, organize, and accomplish projects, manage multiple assignments simultaneously, meet deadlines, and manage shifting priorities.
• Skill in short- and long-term strategic planning.
• Ability to approach projects with energy, creativity, and resourcefulness.
• Skill in analyzing and solving problems, as well as the ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to perform well under pressure.
• Honesty, integrity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. 

The current salary range (Pay Range 1FX) is $71,341-$90,796 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $73,482-$93,520. 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 which includes:

• 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.
• Cover letter and resume must be sent via email to MPLJobs@milwaukee.gov by 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, APRIL 12, 2023.
• Please indicate “Community Relations and Engagement Director” in the subject line of the email.
• Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to Danielle Wrobleski, HR Representative, MPLJobs@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 4/12/2023.
• 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.

EEO CODE = 102

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