City of Milwaukee Wisconsin
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
City of Milwaukee Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53244
Introduction
* THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE *
The Marketing and Communications Officer is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner of Publics Works.
The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.
Purpose
The Marketing and Communications Officer plans and implements the marketing, social media, communication, and media relations campaigns for the City of Milwaukee's Streetcar System, The Hop.
Essential Functions
Branding and Marketing
Serve as the lead in all communications, marketing, and branding for The Hop, implementing all short and long-term initiatives. Design and create Department of Public Works (DPW) branded materials, including public engagement meeting flyers, handouts, pamphlets, brochures, presentations, comment cards and project summaries. Develop, allocate and monitor the marketing budget and plans; Make media buying decisions. Work collaboratively with The Hop's operations service provider to support an efficient customer service for riders. Coordinate marketing activities with other City departments; collaborate with marketing partners and coordinate with vendors and partners for ad production and installation. Direct The Hop's market research and data analysis, including new programs, approach, and concepts. Evaluate information, make recommendations and support implementation related to transit activities such as service policies; Write reports and present information to the Streetcar Manager. Direct copy writing activities, layout, and production of The Hop's paid advertisements and print materials. Oversee The Hop's advertising program, including the streetcar wraps, platform ads, digital placements, and advertising sales. Plan and execute marketing, advertising, and promotional campaigns to promote events, milestones, and service updates. Stay current on digital marketing trends. Community Engagement and Outreach
Serve as the DPW spokesperson for The Hop at public meetings, media events, community walks, and task force groups. Represent The Hop to local businesses and organizations. Serve as the primary liaison for educating and informing business improvement districts, neighborhood groups, and businesses in communicating services, service changes, public outreach and education for compliance efforts and any changes or impacts to services affecting key stakeholders. Secure sponsorship and maintain established relationships with current sponsors. Connect with the community to advocate for The Hop and the transit's zero-carbon free actions. Establish and develop strategic partnerships under the supervision of the Streetcar Manager. Media and Communication
Manage The Hop's website, including creating and editing page content and design elements to ensure the pages are informative and user-friendly and to increase online engagement. Maintain and update The Hop's social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and X. Oversee digital and social media marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness, engagement, and meet ridership goals. Review and coordinate the dissemination of information to elected officials, the media, the general public, community organizations, and community partners. Review and edit public documents used by The Hop to ensure readability and professionalism of materials; Coordinate language and accessibility translation of all written materials shared with the public. Prepare communications regarding The Hop for the Commissioner, Director of Operations, and Streetcar Systems Manager. Organize special events, news conferences, media coverage, and coordinate staff and resources as appropriate. Assist as media resource and provide consultation to the Lead Marketing and Communications Officer on media and public relations aspects. 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
The Marketing and Communications Officer must be willing and able to:
Work extended hours, weekends, and holidays to accommodate emergency operations. Work in all weather conditions. Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Four years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications project management performing duties related to this position. Valid driver's license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may 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.
Desirable Qualifications
Prior related experience in public transportation. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
Technical
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public and media relations. Ability to work effectively with the press. Knowledge of communications practices, including crisis communications. Ability to provide strategic advice on communications issues. Knowledge of graphic design, web content design, and content management. Ability to develop and maintain websites and social media accounts. Familiarity with social media platforms, strategies, best practices and the associated use of analytics. Expert-level knowledge of and ability to apply the conventions of writing. Expert-level skill in proofreading and ensuring documents are error-free, with exact attention to detail. Ability to read and understand job-related documents, policies, and publications. Ability to learn and be familiar with city neighborhoods, districts and boundaries. Ability to learn and understand the Department of Public Works, city rules, ordinances, and applicable policies. Skill in using computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. Communication and Interpersonal
Superior written and visual communication skills to prepare compelling, audience-appropriate and publication-ready scripts, speeches, press releases, digital content, marketing materials, reports and correspondence. Highly developed verbal communication and presentation skills to represent the department effectively. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences. Ability to identify and build relationships with business associations and community organizations. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with managers, other City staff, elected officials, community partners, and outside agencies. Ability to exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity. Ability to ensure mechanisms for obtaining feedback and input from persons with diverse backgrounds and to consider the role of cultural, social and behavioral factors in the accessibility, availability, acceptability and delivery of public messaging and media relations. Ability to work cooperatively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own. Judgment and Professionalism
Skill in analyzing and solving problems. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Ability to identify areas of improvement and develop strategic plans to address them. Ability to plan, organize and accomplish work, manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet deadlines. Ability to perform well under pressure. Ability to approach projects with energy, creativity and resourcefulness. Ability to demonstrate professionalism, poise and courtesy. Honesty, integrity and the ability to safeguard City resources and maintain a high level of confidentiality. Current Salary
The current salary range (Pay Range 2LX) is
$90,291-$105,223
and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is
$93,000-$108,380 . Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.
BENEFITS
The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:
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 of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.
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 and resume.
Please email a cover letter and resume by
4:45 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025 , to: mmporte@milwaukee.gov. Please indicate " Marketing and Communications Officer " in the email's subject line. Questions about the selection process may be directed to Human Resources Administrator, Makisha Porter at mmporte@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 listed above. Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the city's needs have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.
Conclusion
EEO 208
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.
* THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE *
The Marketing and Communications Officer is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner of Publics Works.
The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.
Purpose
The Marketing and Communications Officer plans and implements the marketing, social media, communication, and media relations campaigns for the City of Milwaukee's Streetcar System, The Hop.
Essential Functions
Branding and Marketing
Serve as the lead in all communications, marketing, and branding for The Hop, implementing all short and long-term initiatives. Design and create Department of Public Works (DPW) branded materials, including public engagement meeting flyers, handouts, pamphlets, brochures, presentations, comment cards and project summaries. Develop, allocate and monitor the marketing budget and plans; Make media buying decisions. Work collaboratively with The Hop's operations service provider to support an efficient customer service for riders. Coordinate marketing activities with other City departments; collaborate with marketing partners and coordinate with vendors and partners for ad production and installation. Direct The Hop's market research and data analysis, including new programs, approach, and concepts. Evaluate information, make recommendations and support implementation related to transit activities such as service policies; Write reports and present information to the Streetcar Manager. Direct copy writing activities, layout, and production of The Hop's paid advertisements and print materials. Oversee The Hop's advertising program, including the streetcar wraps, platform ads, digital placements, and advertising sales. Plan and execute marketing, advertising, and promotional campaigns to promote events, milestones, and service updates. Stay current on digital marketing trends. Community Engagement and Outreach
Serve as the DPW spokesperson for The Hop at public meetings, media events, community walks, and task force groups. Represent The Hop to local businesses and organizations. Serve as the primary liaison for educating and informing business improvement districts, neighborhood groups, and businesses in communicating services, service changes, public outreach and education for compliance efforts and any changes or impacts to services affecting key stakeholders. Secure sponsorship and maintain established relationships with current sponsors. Connect with the community to advocate for The Hop and the transit's zero-carbon free actions. Establish and develop strategic partnerships under the supervision of the Streetcar Manager. Media and Communication
Manage The Hop's website, including creating and editing page content and design elements to ensure the pages are informative and user-friendly and to increase online engagement. Maintain and update The Hop's social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and X. Oversee digital and social media marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness, engagement, and meet ridership goals. Review and coordinate the dissemination of information to elected officials, the media, the general public, community organizations, and community partners. Review and edit public documents used by The Hop to ensure readability and professionalism of materials; Coordinate language and accessibility translation of all written materials shared with the public. Prepare communications regarding The Hop for the Commissioner, Director of Operations, and Streetcar Systems Manager. Organize special events, news conferences, media coverage, and coordinate staff and resources as appropriate. Assist as media resource and provide consultation to the Lead Marketing and Communications Officer on media and public relations aspects. 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
The Marketing and Communications Officer must be willing and able to:
Work extended hours, weekends, and holidays to accommodate emergency operations. Work in all weather conditions. Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Four years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications project management performing duties related to this position. Valid driver's license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may 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.
Desirable Qualifications
Prior related experience in public transportation. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
Technical
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public and media relations. Ability to work effectively with the press. Knowledge of communications practices, including crisis communications. Ability to provide strategic advice on communications issues. Knowledge of graphic design, web content design, and content management. Ability to develop and maintain websites and social media accounts. Familiarity with social media platforms, strategies, best practices and the associated use of analytics. Expert-level knowledge of and ability to apply the conventions of writing. Expert-level skill in proofreading and ensuring documents are error-free, with exact attention to detail. Ability to read and understand job-related documents, policies, and publications. Ability to learn and be familiar with city neighborhoods, districts and boundaries. Ability to learn and understand the Department of Public Works, city rules, ordinances, and applicable policies. Skill in using computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. Communication and Interpersonal
Superior written and visual communication skills to prepare compelling, audience-appropriate and publication-ready scripts, speeches, press releases, digital content, marketing materials, reports and correspondence. Highly developed verbal communication and presentation skills to represent the department effectively. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences. Ability to identify and build relationships with business associations and community organizations. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with managers, other City staff, elected officials, community partners, and outside agencies. Ability to exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity. Ability to ensure mechanisms for obtaining feedback and input from persons with diverse backgrounds and to consider the role of cultural, social and behavioral factors in the accessibility, availability, acceptability and delivery of public messaging and media relations. Ability to work cooperatively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own. Judgment and Professionalism
Skill in analyzing and solving problems. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Ability to identify areas of improvement and develop strategic plans to address them. Ability to plan, organize and accomplish work, manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet deadlines. Ability to perform well under pressure. Ability to approach projects with energy, creativity and resourcefulness. Ability to demonstrate professionalism, poise and courtesy. Honesty, integrity and the ability to safeguard City resources and maintain a high level of confidentiality. Current Salary
The current salary range (Pay Range 2LX) is
$90,291-$105,223
and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is
$93,000-$108,380 . Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.
BENEFITS
The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:
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 of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.
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 and resume.
Please email a cover letter and resume by
4:45 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025 , to: mmporte@milwaukee.gov. Please indicate " Marketing and Communications Officer " in the email's subject line. Questions about the selection process may be directed to Human Resources Administrator, Makisha Porter at mmporte@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 listed above. Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the city's needs have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.
Conclusion
EEO 208
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.