Description

Are you passionate about connecting with people and building strong relationships? Do you have a flair for crafting compelling messages that inspire action and drive change? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you!

As the Parks and Land Use Department's Public Communications Coordinator, you will...

• be responsible for developing and executing creative communication strategies that engage our stakeholders, raise awareness of our mission, and inspire our community;
• be responsible for establishing business relationships to achieve strategic departmental goals for increased volunteerism and community financial support for projects;
• work cooperatively across County departments in the development and approval for the planning, organizing, and executing of public information campaigns;
• advise management on public relations/public information issues;
• assist in the development and implementation of department strategic plan;
• serve as the department's Public Information Officer and spokesperson for all media inquiries including during emergency and crisis events;
• you will supervise the Public Communication Specialist and the development, planning, coordination, and execute activities of communicating and educating the public about department services; and, most importantly,
• you will have the support and resources you need to succeed and work alongside a team of passionate individuals who share your commitment to making a positive impact.

This position is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about serving their community, is naturally friendly, and isn’t afraid of a little hard work.

Compensation and Benefits: The 2023 starting hourly rate range is $29.14 to $38.52 (depending on qualifications) coupled with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, generous paid time off, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, amongst many other benefits, employees are recognized and valued through a pay for performance system. Employee well-being is promoted through a balanced work-life culture and through an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health, including an on-site health & wellness clinic.

Example of Duties

Establish business relationships to achieve strategic departmental goals for increased volunteerism and community financial support for projects, supervise the Public Communication Specialist, lead the planning, development, coordination, and execution of public information campaigns, serve as the department's Public Information Officer and spokesperson for all media inquiries including during emergency and crisis events, and to perform other duties as required.

• 
  Develops and executes strategies for outreach and educational activities for the Department.
• Oversees involvement in departmental special events; media relations and news conferences; presence on the internet and other electronic media, and other informational and promotional documents; to ensure adherence to department protocol, confidentiality laws, and brand standards, and to ensure that a unified, consistent message/theme is delivered in all department publications for consumers, community stakeholders, county board supervisors, and legislators.
• Oversees the department's intranet and internet layout and for writing content in coordination with department divisions.
• Produces internal communications including departmental and countywide newsletters, department emails and presentations, and intranet content.
• Serves as the primary department contact/Public Information Officer and liaison with media representatives; upon consultation with the County Executive's Office, respond to requests from the media for official statements with respect to the County's position on department issues/incidents of public interest; develops relationships with media, community and business representatives to promote coverage of department issues, activities and accomplishments, and ensure involvement by various constituencies and communities.
• Coordinates the department's overall public information plan and strategies for increasing public awareness of department services, activities, and accomplishments; coordinates the gathering and analysis of demographic, market and other information necessary for formulating and evaluating the effectiveness of the department's overall public information plan; and leads the evaluation of the results of public information activities.
• Assists in the development and implementation of emergency preparedness communication methods and crisis PR communication statement and messaging.
• Assists in the implementation of the department's social media policies and procedures, leveraging department's online presence through digital marketing, and monitors Department staff compliance.
• Coordinates the development of the Department's environmental and strategic plan; assists with monitoring of the execution of the strategic plan; assists with development of measurement tools and necessary dashboards.
• Develops departmental and divisional online surveys and protocols.
• Conducts behavioral public relations research of internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with task forces and non-profits on common missions/objectives with the department.
• Provides project management assistance for inter and intra-departmental marketing communications initiatives.
• Serves on internal department committees to facilitate department-wide communications and to enhance employee job satisfaction and improve department operations.
• Establishes and maintains effective public and working relationships with County staff, elected officials, other units of government, community organizations, the media, and the general public.
• Performs emergency government duties as assigned in event of Waukesha County Emergency Government declaration.
• Develops and fosters community relationships to maximize community support for Department services.
• Maintains and updates the Departmental Partnership Engagement Plan.
• Researches and identifies potential sponsors and partners based on their giving strategies and the relevance to Department needs.
• Secures donations from individuals, businesses, and community organizations to support the events, programs, and projects.
• Collaborates on the planning/promotion of programs, projects and events with coworkers, partners, and community groups.
• Participates in Department Strategic Planning.
• Serves as project team member for various new projects that require fund-raising activity.
• Coordinates and leads meetings with County staff, elected officials and community members as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Essential Knowledge and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the function and operation of department services, other county department services, and community resources.
• Comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning principles and procedures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of public information, outreach, public relations, and promotion of programs and activities.
• Considerable knowledge of survey, research, and statistical methods and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of project management principles and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of various methods of verbal, written, and audiovisual presentation techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of computerized department program software, graphic design software, internet access, database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs.
• Working knowledge of emergency preparedness communications and Incident Command System (ICS) protocols.
• Ability to assist in planning, organizing, and coordinating projects with input from numerous agencies and individuals.
• Ability to work with shared leadership and cross-divisional teams; and to coordinate special events.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate the efforts of staff in the development and design of department strategic plan, and policies and procedures.
• Ability to objectively analyze and interpret complex and detailed data and materials, and to prepare recommendations.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing; to prepare, write, and orally present information on department programs and activities; and to write press releases and deal with media.
• Ability to design and execute communications and public relations activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective public and working relationships with County staff, elected officials, other units of government, community organizations, the media, and the general public.
• Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles.

You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, communications, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of responsible professional work experience in marketing, communications, public relations, media-related activities, legislative or policy research, or a closely related field, preferably in the public sector.
  • A master's degree in an area listed above may substitute for one year of the required work experience.

Supplemental Information

ABOUT US: Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"

Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.
LOCATION: Located in the City of Waukesha, our campus offers an on-site café and fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, Wave, Marquette University Golden Eagles and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Basketball programs.

Waukesha County's pay plans, group insurance programs, and other benefit policies comprise a package that is highly competitive and satisfies the needs of its employees. This is intended to give only a brief summary of the employee benefit package. Additional information will be provided at the time of hire. Benefits for part-time positions are pro-rated.

Health Insurance
High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment (not to exceed ninety (90) days). However, newly hired or eligible FLSA-exempt employees may have the waiting period for health coverage waived providing that no double coverage exists. Requests will be reviewed, and approved or denied, on a case-by-case basis. Dependent upon participation in a health risk assessment, employees may be eligible for an employer contribution to their Health Savings Account.

Waukesha Employee Health & Wellness Center
Employees of Waukesha County and their dependents (ages 2+) who are enrolled in health insurance have access to an onsite medical clinic operated by Everside Health. The clinic is located at 615 W. Moreland Blvd in Waukesha. Patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance as all staff are employees of Everside Health. Providers of the clinic include a Board-Certified Physician, three Physician Assistants, one Physical Therapist, and one Health Coach.

The clinic is open Monday - Friday and has early morning to evening appointment times. Patients should be able to schedule same day or next day appointments for service. Services available include: health coaching, preventative/wellness care, non-preventative (illness/injury visits), immunizations, lab work, disease management, physical therapy, medication dispensing, and work-related injuries.

Office Visit Fees Cost
Preventative Care Free
Non-Preventative Care $28.00 per visit (After Deductible Met Copay is $0)
Physical Therapy $28.00 per visit (After Deductible Met Copay is $0)
Medication No separate charge
Medication Refill Appointments No Cost
Health Coaching No Cost
Office visit fees are applied towards health plan deductible and out-of-pocket maximums.

Employee Wellness Activities, Program and Fitness Center
24/7 access to a wealth of health tools and information on the wellness portal. On-going education programs, fitness challenges and classes. On-site fitness center.

Health Care Flexible Spending Account
This plan allows you to make pre-tax payroll contributions to use for the reimbursement of qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. The 2023 contribution limit is $3,050. This benefit is not available for employees enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
This plan allows you to make pre-taxed payroll contributions to use for reimbursement of your dependent care expenses. The IRS allows you to contribute up to $5,000 per year from your paycheck for child and/or elder care. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Dental Insurance
Waukesha County offers you a choice of two dental insurance plans. Coverage will begin on the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Vision Insurance
Coverage will begin the first of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Premium Option Plan
Employees are automatically enrolled in this pre-tax option. This plan allows you to pay your share of the health, dental, and vision insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. This means you pay less state, federal, and FICA taxes, thus saving you money. You can elect to pay on a post- tax basis if you prefer.

Vacation
Waukesha County’s vacation plan allows you time off with pay during your first calendar year of employment. You may earn and use eight (8) hours of vacation for each month worked up to a maximum of eighty (80) hours. You will receive eighty (80) hours of vacation for use in your second calendar year and one hundred twenty (120) hours for use in your third calendar year.

Salaried Full-Time Vacation Accrual Schedule

Holidays
Employees are eligible for eleven (11) paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, The Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day, and Two (2) Floating Holidays that are earned on February 1 and June 1 of each year.

Sick Leave
The Sick Leave Plan is designed to provide you with salary continuation in the event of personal injury or illness. Regular full-time employees are credited with ninety-six (96) hours of sick leave immediately upon employment. Thereafter, sick leave is earned at the rate of eight (8) hours for each month of work up to a maximum of nine hundred sixty (960) hours.

Long-Term Disability
Waukesha County pays the full premium on employee’s behalf for this benefit. The long-term disability insurance plan provides for a monthly income in the event of a disabling injury or illness which renders you incapable of performing your job. Coverage will begin the first of the month after hire date.

Life Insurance
Waukesha County pays the full premium cost on your behalf. You will be insured for an amount equal to two (2) times your prior year gross wages rounded to the next higher thousand dollars. In addition, you are insured for Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefits. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Voluntary Worksite Benefits
Waukesha County offers supportive voluntary benefit options for Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance. These benefits help pay for unexpected medical costs and other expenses. Each offering is ala carte so you can select the plan that is right for you and your family. Monthly payroll deductions for the Voluntary Supportive benefits are only offered as after-tax deductions, so any benefits received under these plans are tax-free.

Dependent Life Insurance
You may choose to elect dependent life insurance for your spouse and/or eligible dependents. Employees pay the full premium cost for dependent life insurance. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance
You may choose to purchase additional supplemental term life insurance. Employees pay the full premium cost for supplemental term life insurance. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Wisconsin Retirement System - Pension Plan
As a full-time employee, you will automatically be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System. This pension is administered by the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds. You will be required to pay the employee’s share of contributions to the fund, while Waukesha County contributes the employer’s share. Employees are vested in their portion of contributions immediately and after five years of creditable service for the employer contribution.

Deferred Compensation
Waukesha County offers access to a 457 Deferred Compensation program that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This completely employee funded. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time. Employees may contribute on a pre-tax or Roth basis.

Payroll Roth IRA
Waukesha County offers access to a payroll Roth IRA that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This completely employee funded. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time.

Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan
This is a benefit funded by Waukesha County. Waukesha County will contribute up to $550 per year into an employee’s RHS account. Funds are available to the participant following separation of employment and can be used for reimbursement of qualified medical expenses or qualified insurance premium payments that occur post-employment. Contributions begin the first month after date of hire.

Social Security
During your working years, you regularly contribute a certain percentage of your income toward Social Security. Waukesha County matches your contribution, dollar for dollar.

Electronic Direct Deposit Program
Employees will be required to have their paychecks electronically deposited into the financial institution and account of their choice. Participants will receive a statement of earnings each payday as opposed to a payroll check.

Worker’s Compensation
As an employee of Waukesha County, you are protected under the Worker’s Compensation Act, which provides for hospital, medical, surgical care, and income loss payments for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Jury Duty & Witness Service
In the event you are subpoenaed for jury duty or subpoenaed to serve as a witness in connection with an incident occurring while at work, you will be eligible for paid leave.

Funeral Leave
In the event of a death in your immediate family, you will be allowed up to twenty-four (24) hours of leave with pay to attend the funeral.

Employee Assistance Program
Waukesha County offers access to a free confidential Employee Assistance Program for all employees and members of their household. The program provides a helping hand with such problems as stress, family & relationship concerns, alcohol or drug dependency, workplace conflicts, work life balance, depression and anxiety, parenting concerns, grief or loss, crisis situations, child or elder care resources, and convenience resources. Participants can receive up to eight (8) visits in person or telephonically with an EAP Provider per clinical issue per 12 months at no cost.

Tuition Assistance Program
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees who have passed a 6-month employment period are eligible for this program. The County will reimburse 75% of eligible educational costs up to $400 per semester (up to $800 per calendar year). Courses must be job-related and of direct benefit to the County or in a designated program to qualify.

Employee Discount Programs
Waukesha County offers discounts on Dell products, cellular service through U.S. Cellular, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, and discounted rates on Microsoft 365 through Microsoft Home Use Program.

Pay for Performance
Employees are eligible for performance based merit awards with exceptional and commendable performance ratings.

Student Loan Forgiveness
Employees may qualify to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Special Programs - MyFedLoan).