Community Engagement + Public Relations (PR) Specialist

The Community Engagement and PR Specialist will assist with the marketing team by making connections in the Milwaukee community and representing Milwaukee Recreation at various events. Additionally, the individual will assist the Marketing Supervisor – Print and PR with various public relations efforts as assigned. This position is a crucial part of the Milwaukee Recreation marketing team and will allow the team to reach new and existing customers through various channels.

As of November 1, 2021, all MPS employees are required to be fully vaccinated. The health and safety of our staff and students is our number one priority. As a result, all offers of employment are contingent on the candidate showing proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (currently one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine) to pass the pre-employment requirements. Individuals with medical issues or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may request an accommodation from the vaccine requirement.

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Develop strategies designed to represent Milwaukee Recreation favorably and make positive contributions to the community through grassroots and other personalized efforts. 
• Manage Milwaukee Recreation booth request form and work with Milwaukee Recreation team to ensure the events are staffed and all details are communicated. 
• Cultivate relationships with community stakeholders by participating in and assisting with community events on behalf of Milwaukee Recreation. 
• Coordinate with Milwaukee Recreation Twilight team to set up booth opportunities at lunch hours/after school to assist in recruitment. 
• Assist in the writing of media advisories and connect with local media outlets to pitch Milwaukee Recreation stories. 
• Create and utilize a public relations calendar to track and review upcoming events and assist Marketing Supervisor with media coordination efforts. 
• Work with Milwaukee Recreation marketing team members to identify newsworthy stories/people within our department and write follow-up web stories to highlight individuals, programs, events, etc. 
• Utilize SEO capabilities within web stories to increase traffic to Milwaukee Recreation website 
• Additional responsibilities can be added based on candidate’s knowledge and prior work experience.

SUPERVISION REQUIRED:

• Works under the direction of the Marketing Supervisor – Print and PR

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Be at least 21 years of age. 
• Able to meet the scheduling needs required for this position. 
• Access to reliable transportation. 
• Must possess a valid driver's license, good driving record and the MPS required level of personal auto liability insurance.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English or a related field. 
• Solid understanding of marketing and branding. 
• Preferable: experience in networking and community outreach, including the use of social media methods and tools with a variety of racially and ethnically diverse communities. 
• Proven ability to increase customer engagement and drive revenue through marketing efforts. 
• Must have exceptional organizational skills and project management skills. 
• Must have exceptional communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong writing and editing ability, along with the good judgment to represent a trusted nonprofit brand directly to the public. 
• Ability to foster positive working relationships. 
• Excellent decision-making skills and ability to carry out verbal and written instructions.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• This environment includes walking, climbing, standing for long periods of time, and possible loud noises when exposed to activities in the gym or similar environment.

• Part-time
• 20-30 hours per week
• Starting pay rate: $17 per hour