Public Communications Manager
City of New Berlin Department of Community Development, New Berlin, Wisconsin, United States, 53151
General Overview of the Position
This position develops implements proactive strategies that strengthen transparency, trust, and collaboration across the organization and the community. This position leads a division that integrates public information, marketing, community engagement and internal communication into a cohesive system supporting the City’s mission, core values and strategic goals.
This position also serves as the City’s lead for crisis and reputation communication, ensuring the organization anticipates potential risks, responds quickly and accurately to emerging issues, and maintains public confidence through consistent, credible, and timely messaging. May serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) within the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during significant incidents to coordinate accurate and unified messaging in collaboration with emergency management personnel.
Examples of Essential Duties
Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for communication, engagement, and reputation management aligned with the City’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan.
Anticipate and identify potential risks or issues that could impact the City’s credibility, prepare mitigation and response plans.
Advise the Mayor and leadership team on messaging, engagement, and issue management.
Develop systems to monitor public sentiment, media coverage, and engagement data to inform decisions.
Manage news release, press inquiries, interviews, and public statements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and state media outlets.
Lead integrated marketing, publications, presentations, conferences, events and other public relations activities that highlight City initiatives, employees, and community impact.
Responsible for creating and maintaining digital platforms, social media, and newsletters to ensure consistent, timely, and engaging content.
Create a public relations productions plan with department leadership for approval and maintain a consistent posting schedule while adapting to trends of high engagement.
Maintain brand and style standards to ensure a unified voice and visual identity across all communications.
Design and implement strategies that strengthen two-way communication and increase public participation in City initiatives, projects and decision making.
Coordinate community outreach campaigns, public meetings, surveys, and digital engagement tools to gather meaningful input.
Partner with departments to make complex projects understandable and accessible to the public through clear, inclusive communication.
Tracks engagement outcomes and recommend data-driven improvements to enhance reach, representation and trust.
Lead internal communication strategies that promote alignment, transparency, and employee engagement.
Reinforce a culture of innovation, adaptability, and service excellence across all departments by promoting effective internal communication practices.
Serve as the City’s lead for crisis communication, developing and executing plans during high-impact or sensitive situations.
Coordinate timely, accurate messaging during crises or emerging issues to protect public trust.
Provide training and guidance to departments on proactive communication and media interaction.
Ensure compliance with law and policies governing public information, records and accessibility.
Attends City-sponsored events as directed, photographs activities, and coordinates public promotion of such events.
All other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Strong knowledge of content strategy, public engagement, and cross-platform communication.
Advanced understanding of strategic communication, community engagement, and crisis-response principles, with the ability to anticipate and manage reputational risks.
Knowledge or community engagement frameworks, participatory methods, and best practices in public involvement.
Exceptional writing, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills using a variety of media.
High emotional intelligence, sound professional judgment, and the ability to work with sensitive and confidential information.
Proficient with digital communication tools, analytics platforms, social media channels, and content management systems.
Strong organizational, analytical, and project-management skills.
Knowledge of communication, marketing, graphic design principles, and website management.
Knowledge of local government functions, public-sector operations, and political environment.
Ability to lead, supervise, and evaluate staff, as well as coordinate work across teams.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, community partners, boards/commission, and the public.
Ability to develop and manage budgets, think strategically, solve problems, perform multiple tasks under diverse conditions and deadlines.
Understanding or modern office methods, procedures and equipment.
Ability to perform multiple tasks under diverse conditions.
Ability to present a positive image of the department and the City.
Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public engagement, public affairs, or marketing.
Demonstrated experience in crisis communication, issues management, and organizational reputation management.
Minimum three (3) years of supervisory or team leadership experience, including managing projects and cross-functional teams.
Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
Experience working in government, municipal, public sector, or other complex stakeholder environments.
Experience working with diverse forms of media inquiries.
Experience in development, project management, and execution of Public Relations.
Position Specific Information Physical Requirements
Tasks involve extended period of sedentary work.
Times where exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Task involves extended period of time at a keyboard.
Environmental Requirements
None. This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Sensory Requirements
The task requires close visual acuity to perform various activities.
The task requires oral communications ability.
The task requires sound perception.
Full‑Time Employee Full‑time employment status with standard benefits and a competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Benefits 2026
Benefits are subject to change and may not be enrolled in without meeting qualifying event deadlines and necessary eligibility. All benefits are determined by the applicable plan documents in effect.
Health Insurance Employees have the option of enrolling in a High Deductible Health plan offered by the City with a $2,000 single deductible and a $4,000 family deductible. The effective date of coverage is the employee's start date.
Employee Monthly Cost Single
$141.08
Family
$366.78
Health Savings Account The city's health insurance is an HSA plan. The city contributes to the employee's Health Savings Account with a total of $300/year for those on an individual plan and $600/year for those on a family plan.
HERO Program The City offers a voluntary spousal health reimbursement program for employees who are currently enrolled in another group health plan.
Dental Insurance Employees have the option of enrolling in Delta Dental with employee premiums paid entirely by the City. Employees can choose to purchase coverage for Spouse or Dependents at the listed rates. Dental coverage would be effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Employee Monthly Cost Employee
$0
Employee + 1
$37.84
Family
$100.32
Vision Insurance Employees have the option of enrolling in Delta Vision/Eyemed Network with employee premiums paid entirely by the City. Employees can choose to purchase coverage for Spouse or Dependents at the listed rates. Vision coverage would be effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Employee Monthly Cost Employee
$0
Employee + 1
$4.80
Family
$10.54
Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Accounts This plan allows you to make pre‑tax payroll contributions to use for the reimbursement of qualified out‑of‑pocket dental and vision expenses. The 2026 contribution limit is $3,400. Coverage begins on the first of the month following the date of hire.
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 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 $7,500 per year from your paycheck for child and/or elder care. Coverage begins on the first of the month following the date of hire.
Life Insurance Life Insurance is provided to each City employee at no cost. Coverage is one time the annual salary rounded up to the next thousand with double indemnity for accidental death. Life insurance policies go into effect on the first of the month following the date of hire.
Supplemental 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 the date of hire.
Voluntary Worksite Benefits City of New Berlin offers supportive voluntary benefit options for Accident Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance. These benefits help pay for unexpected medical costs and other expenses. Each offering is a la carte so you can select the plan that is right for you and your family. Payroll deductions for the Voluntary Supportive benefits are only offered as after‑tax deductions, so any benefits received under these plans are tax‑free.
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) 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 City of New Berlin 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 (Section 457 Plan) The City of New Berlin offers access to a 457 Deferred Compensation program that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This is a completely employee‑funded program. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time. Employees may contribute on a pre‑tax or Roth basis.
Free ReCPASS City of New Berlin employees are able to receive a complimentary Gym and Track ReCPASS! RecPASS is a membership that allows for unlimited visits to any drop‑in programs at the New Berlin Activity and Recreation Center. Drop‑in programs currently include the walking track, open gym, open pickleball, open volleyball and cardio & strength equipment.
Electronic Direct Deposit 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 City of New Berlin, 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 In the event you are subpoenaed for jury duty you will be eligible for paid leave.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) City of New Berlin 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 six (6) visits in person or telephonically with an EAP Provider per clinical issue per 12 months at no cost.
Holidays New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Good Friday, Day after Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Christmas Eve, Independence Day, Christmas Day, Labor Day, New Year’s Eve.
Vacation Regular full‑time eligible employees are allocated vacation “up‑front” calculated on a fiscal year basis (January 1 - December 31). Employees will earn vacation on the first full month of employment and then on 1/1 of each year thereafter. Vacation will be prorated based on the first day of work for the first year. After one (1) year of employment 12 days. After three (3) years of employment 13 days. After five (5) years of employment 15 days. After seven (7) years of employment 17 days. After ten (10) years of employment 20 days. After fourteen (14) years of employment 23 days. After fifteen (15) years of employment 24 days. After nineteen (19) years of employment 27 days. After twenty (20) years of employment 29 days.
Sick Time An employee will earn 8 hours of sick time per month assuming they work the majority of the workdays in that month.
Flex Time Individual departments may use a flex time work schedule subject to the conditions outlined in the FLSA policy.
Comp Time Comp time may be accrued per FLSA Policy.
Bereavement Leave Employees may attend funerals with pay for the following: Immediate family: up to 5 days with pay (includes spouse, child, stepchild, parent, brother, sister, mother‑in‑law, father‑in‑law). Close family: up to 3 days with pay (includes grandparent, grandchild, stepbrother/stepsister). Relative: 1 day with pay (includes brother‑in‑law, sister‑in‑law, uncle/aunt).
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This position also serves as the City’s lead for crisis and reputation communication, ensuring the organization anticipates potential risks, responds quickly and accurately to emerging issues, and maintains public confidence through consistent, credible, and timely messaging. May serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) within the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during significant incidents to coordinate accurate and unified messaging in collaboration with emergency management personnel.
Examples of Essential Duties
Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for communication, engagement, and reputation management aligned with the City’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan.
Anticipate and identify potential risks or issues that could impact the City’s credibility, prepare mitigation and response plans.
Advise the Mayor and leadership team on messaging, engagement, and issue management.
Develop systems to monitor public sentiment, media coverage, and engagement data to inform decisions.
Manage news release, press inquiries, interviews, and public statements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and state media outlets.
Lead integrated marketing, publications, presentations, conferences, events and other public relations activities that highlight City initiatives, employees, and community impact.
Responsible for creating and maintaining digital platforms, social media, and newsletters to ensure consistent, timely, and engaging content.
Create a public relations productions plan with department leadership for approval and maintain a consistent posting schedule while adapting to trends of high engagement.
Maintain brand and style standards to ensure a unified voice and visual identity across all communications.
Design and implement strategies that strengthen two-way communication and increase public participation in City initiatives, projects and decision making.
Coordinate community outreach campaigns, public meetings, surveys, and digital engagement tools to gather meaningful input.
Partner with departments to make complex projects understandable and accessible to the public through clear, inclusive communication.
Tracks engagement outcomes and recommend data-driven improvements to enhance reach, representation and trust.
Lead internal communication strategies that promote alignment, transparency, and employee engagement.
Reinforce a culture of innovation, adaptability, and service excellence across all departments by promoting effective internal communication practices.
Serve as the City’s lead for crisis communication, developing and executing plans during high-impact or sensitive situations.
Coordinate timely, accurate messaging during crises or emerging issues to protect public trust.
Provide training and guidance to departments on proactive communication and media interaction.
Ensure compliance with law and policies governing public information, records and accessibility.
Attends City-sponsored events as directed, photographs activities, and coordinates public promotion of such events.
All other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Strong knowledge of content strategy, public engagement, and cross-platform communication.
Advanced understanding of strategic communication, community engagement, and crisis-response principles, with the ability to anticipate and manage reputational risks.
Knowledge or community engagement frameworks, participatory methods, and best practices in public involvement.
Exceptional writing, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills using a variety of media.
High emotional intelligence, sound professional judgment, and the ability to work with sensitive and confidential information.
Proficient with digital communication tools, analytics platforms, social media channels, and content management systems.
Strong organizational, analytical, and project-management skills.
Knowledge of communication, marketing, graphic design principles, and website management.
Knowledge of local government functions, public-sector operations, and political environment.
Ability to lead, supervise, and evaluate staff, as well as coordinate work across teams.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, community partners, boards/commission, and the public.
Ability to develop and manage budgets, think strategically, solve problems, perform multiple tasks under diverse conditions and deadlines.
Understanding or modern office methods, procedures and equipment.
Ability to perform multiple tasks under diverse conditions.
Ability to present a positive image of the department and the City.
Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public engagement, public affairs, or marketing.
Demonstrated experience in crisis communication, issues management, and organizational reputation management.
Minimum three (3) years of supervisory or team leadership experience, including managing projects and cross-functional teams.
Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
Experience working in government, municipal, public sector, or other complex stakeholder environments.
Experience working with diverse forms of media inquiries.
Experience in development, project management, and execution of Public Relations.
Position Specific Information Physical Requirements
Tasks involve extended period of sedentary work.
Times where exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Task involves extended period of time at a keyboard.
Environmental Requirements
None. This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Sensory Requirements
The task requires close visual acuity to perform various activities.
The task requires oral communications ability.
The task requires sound perception.
Full‑Time Employee Full‑time employment status with standard benefits and a competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Benefits 2026
Benefits are subject to change and may not be enrolled in without meeting qualifying event deadlines and necessary eligibility. All benefits are determined by the applicable plan documents in effect.
Health Insurance Employees have the option of enrolling in a High Deductible Health plan offered by the City with a $2,000 single deductible and a $4,000 family deductible. The effective date of coverage is the employee's start date.
Employee Monthly Cost Single
$141.08
Family
$366.78
Health Savings Account The city's health insurance is an HSA plan. The city contributes to the employee's Health Savings Account with a total of $300/year for those on an individual plan and $600/year for those on a family plan.
HERO Program The City offers a voluntary spousal health reimbursement program for employees who are currently enrolled in another group health plan.
Dental Insurance Employees have the option of enrolling in Delta Dental with employee premiums paid entirely by the City. Employees can choose to purchase coverage for Spouse or Dependents at the listed rates. Dental coverage would be effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Employee Monthly Cost Employee
$0
Employee + 1
$37.84
Family
$100.32
Vision Insurance Employees have the option of enrolling in Delta Vision/Eyemed Network with employee premiums paid entirely by the City. Employees can choose to purchase coverage for Spouse or Dependents at the listed rates. Vision coverage would be effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Employee Monthly Cost Employee
$0
Employee + 1
$4.80
Family
$10.54
Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Accounts This plan allows you to make pre‑tax payroll contributions to use for the reimbursement of qualified out‑of‑pocket dental and vision expenses. The 2026 contribution limit is $3,400. Coverage begins on the first of the month following the date of hire.
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 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 $7,500 per year from your paycheck for child and/or elder care. Coverage begins on the first of the month following the date of hire.
Life Insurance Life Insurance is provided to each City employee at no cost. Coverage is one time the annual salary rounded up to the next thousand with double indemnity for accidental death. Life insurance policies go into effect on the first of the month following the date of hire.
Supplemental 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 the date of hire.
Voluntary Worksite Benefits City of New Berlin offers supportive voluntary benefit options for Accident Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance. These benefits help pay for unexpected medical costs and other expenses. Each offering is a la carte so you can select the plan that is right for you and your family. Payroll deductions for the Voluntary Supportive benefits are only offered as after‑tax deductions, so any benefits received under these plans are tax‑free.
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) 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 City of New Berlin 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 (Section 457 Plan) The City of New Berlin offers access to a 457 Deferred Compensation program that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This is a completely employee‑funded program. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time. Employees may contribute on a pre‑tax or Roth basis.
Free ReCPASS City of New Berlin employees are able to receive a complimentary Gym and Track ReCPASS! RecPASS is a membership that allows for unlimited visits to any drop‑in programs at the New Berlin Activity and Recreation Center. Drop‑in programs currently include the walking track, open gym, open pickleball, open volleyball and cardio & strength equipment.
Electronic Direct Deposit 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 City of New Berlin, 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 In the event you are subpoenaed for jury duty you will be eligible for paid leave.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) City of New Berlin 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 six (6) visits in person or telephonically with an EAP Provider per clinical issue per 12 months at no cost.
Holidays New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Good Friday, Day after Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Christmas Eve, Independence Day, Christmas Day, Labor Day, New Year’s Eve.
Vacation Regular full‑time eligible employees are allocated vacation “up‑front” calculated on a fiscal year basis (January 1 - December 31). Employees will earn vacation on the first full month of employment and then on 1/1 of each year thereafter. Vacation will be prorated based on the first day of work for the first year. After one (1) year of employment 12 days. After three (3) years of employment 13 days. After five (5) years of employment 15 days. After seven (7) years of employment 17 days. After ten (10) years of employment 20 days. After fourteen (14) years of employment 23 days. After fifteen (15) years of employment 24 days. After nineteen (19) years of employment 27 days. After twenty (20) years of employment 29 days.
Sick Time An employee will earn 8 hours of sick time per month assuming they work the majority of the workdays in that month.
Flex Time Individual departments may use a flex time work schedule subject to the conditions outlined in the FLSA policy.
Comp Time Comp time may be accrued per FLSA Policy.
Bereavement Leave Employees may attend funerals with pay for the following: Immediate family: up to 5 days with pay (includes spouse, child, stepchild, parent, brother, sister, mother‑in‑law, father‑in‑law). Close family: up to 3 days with pay (includes grandparent, grandchild, stepbrother/stepsister). Relative: 1 day with pay (includes brother‑in‑law, sister‑in‑law, uncle/aunt).
#J-18808-Ljbffr