Director of Communications

Milwaukee Parks Foundation Overview:

Our Parks are in desperate need of support. Without additional public funding, Milwaukee County Parks will have no local tax funding dollars left by 2027. Today, due to this decrease in public funding, our Parks Department has less than 1/3 of the staffing it had back in the 1980s. With 15,300+ acres of land to manage, that means each Parks employee is responsible for managing 28 Lambeau Fields. Milwaukee Parks Foundation (MPF) was founded in December 2019 to combat these fiscal challenges with an equity lens through awareness, advocacy, philanthropy, volunteering and partnerships. 

***TO APPLY PLEASE EMAIL RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO INFO@MKEPARKSFOUNDATION.ORG

Job Summary:

The Director of Communications will build a strategic and comprehensive communications plan to raise awareness not only of MPF, but also of the challenges facing our county parks system. The Director of Communications will build on MPF’s existing foundation to significantly raise the profile of MPF. The Director of Communications will join a three-person team of the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, serving as a critical advisor to the ED and supporting the ED In building infrastructure for MPF to support the future of our incredible parks system. Essential functions include:

• Branding and Digital Marketing – In tandem with marketing consultant, build on existing brand to amplify the MPF mission, create a cohesive look and voice for MPF, and launch an effective digital marketing campaign. 
• Communications Strategy – Establish goals, metrics, roles and responsibilities, and the overall focus of MPF’s communications plan. 
• Community Engagement Support – Assist the Director of Strategic Partnerships with planning MPF engagement events and supporting their engagement strategy for MPF. Media – Support ED in managing media relationships, and composing and dispersing press releases to media outlets. 
• Fundraising Communications – Alongside the Executive Director, assist in creating and implementing fundraising communications strategies including grant writing, donor appeals, etc. 
• Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Ensure all decisions are made with a justice, equity, diversity and inclusion lens. 
• Administrative Support – Until additional support can be hired, the three person MPF team will be working together to complete the administrative functions of the organization.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communication, Journalism, Design, Sales/Marketing, Business, Public Relations, Nonprofit management or related field OR seven (7) years of relevant experience in a related field.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal 
• Ability to create, implement and evaluate, strategic communications plans 
• Familiarity and/or experience with Blackbaud eTapestry, Squarespace, Instagram, and Facebook 
• Connection to and passion for Milwaukee Parks and Milwaukee residents 
• Strong focus on equity and inclusion 

Salary: $68,000-$73,000

Benefit Allowance: Milwaukee Parks Foundation currently provides a benefit allowance of $425.00 per pay period for all full time employees. This is intended to cover the cost of any benefit in which the employee chooses to enroll including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, disability or any other related benefit. The stipend is paid by payroll bi-weekly. Milwaukee Parks Foundation intends to research and provide a comprehensive benefit package for staff in the near future. Details on the benefit package will be provided once available. The benefit allowance will end once the benefit package becomes available.

Paid Time Off: 11 paid Federal holidays Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues at beginning of employment Employees accrue 120 hours/15 days of PTO each year

Bereavement leave – 3 days off in addition to PTO Jury duty leave – time off in addition to PTO

Professional Dev.: Paid and unpaid opportunities available

Worker’s Comp: Full coverage for injuries which occur while working