Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator

Salary :

41.61 - $55.41 HourlyLocation :

Madison, WIJob Type :

Full time (1.0FTE)Job Number :

2025-00156Department :

County BoardOpening Date :

02 / 14 / 2025Closing Date :

2 / 28 / 2025 11 : 59 PM CentralFLSA :

Non-ExemptBargaining Unit :

1871

Description

The Dane County Board Office has a current full time (1.0 FTE) Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within the next six (6) months.Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSIONAs an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open / honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITIONThe Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator works under general supervision of the Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications and works closely with the Sustainability and Program Evaluation Coordinator. Develops and implements communications strategies for the Dane County Board, including media advisories, press releases, social media materials and press events. Plans and coordinates community engagement outreach efforts on behalf of the Dane County Board members, including event organization, coordination of speakers, and development and maintenance of the County Board website. Provides research and analysis on budget, operational and public policy issues to assist the Board in carrying out its policy-making responsibilities. Drafts legislation on behalf of the Dane County Board members, including resolutions and special matter resolutions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIESDrafts communications materials, plans outreach efforts, and works on policy matters on behalf of the Board and the Chair of the Board. Drafts press releases, media advisories and social media content to highlight key initiatives, policy updates, and important events. Develops and implements a comprehensive social media strategy to enhance and promote the work of the Dane County Board. Maintains and updates the Dane County Board website, ensuring that all content is current, accurate, and accessible. Assists County Board members in determining creative and appropriate outreach approaches to maximize participation and foster a more transparent, accessible County Board. Conducts research, drafts legislation, and prepares memorials, recognition resolutions, and certificates on behalf of County Board members, as assigned by the Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications.Education, Experience and Special Requirements

Education, Training and Experience

Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, political science, public administration or a related area. Must possess at least three (3) years of experience in policy, outreach, and / or communication strategies.

Special Requirements

Must have a valid driver's license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Availability to work as required during some evening meetings and special events as needed.

Background Check Statement : Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions : Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.

• If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications / examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position's bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements

This position functions in an environment of sensitivity and political issues. Professional office work environment. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching within normal ranges. Prolonged computer and phone use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of local government operations and the legislative process. Experience in legislative drafting, planning outreach events, and managing and editing communications materials including press releases. Strong written and oral communications skills and editing experience. Meticulous attention to detail and ability to achieve goals and objectives in a timely manner to advance the mission of the Dane County Board. Basic computer skills, including efficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, and Power point) and other office software. Ability to effectively establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, public officials, and the general public.Become a part of the Dane County Team!

We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees / pro rated for part time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short / long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program. For further details on insurance benefits visit

Bilingual Pay : Employees who work in bilingual designated positions receive an additional $2.00 per hour.

Undesirable Hours Premium Pay : Employees may receive undesirable hours pay of $2.00 for anytime worked between 6 : 00 p.m. and 6 : 00 a.m and for anytime on Saturday and / or Sunday. (not applicable with all employee groups).

Paid Parental Leave : Dane County also provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.

Caregiver Leave : Dane County offers 80 hours of paid leave to care for an ill family member.

Telecommuting : Telecommuting allows employees to work remotely for all or part of their workweek. Dane County considers telecommuting to be a viable, flexible option when both the employee and the job are suited to such an arrangement. Dane County will permit telecommuting when it benefits the productivity of the employee and their department and if determined by employee's department that telecommuting is not detrimental to either the County or the employee.

Student Loan Forgiveness : If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

WI Retirement System : Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired.

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Dane County participates in E-Verify. For more information see the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters here" and then the 'here' links to this page : 01

Do you have any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, political science, public administration or a related area?

YesNo

Do you possess at least three (3) years of experience in policy, outreach, and / or communication strategies?

YesNo

If you answered Yes to Question 2, please explain.04

Did you use artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content or tools in any part of this position's job application process?

YesNo

If you used AI-generated content or tools, do you have an approved request from Dane County's ADA Coordinator to do so?

YesNo

If you used AI-generated content or tools to complete any part of the job application process, please list in which sections of the application process you did so, including responses to graded questions07

THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. The Policy, Outreach and Communications Coordinator works under general supervision of the Manager of Policy, Outreach and Communications and works closely with the Sustainability and Program Evaluation Coordinator. The Policy, Outreach and Communications Coordinator develops and implements communications strategies for the Dane County Board, including media advisories, press releases, social media materials and press events. Please describe your training, education and work experience that have prepared you to coordinate communications work on behalf of the Dane County Board. Be specific as to dates, job titles, and duration of experience.08

THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. A key responsibility of this position is to plan and coordinate community engagement outreach efforts on behalf of the Dane County Board members. This work will include event organization, coordination of speakers, and development and maintenance of the County Board website. Please describe your training, education and work experience that have prepared you to coordinate outreach work on behalf of the Dane County Board. Be specific as to dates, job titles, and duration of experience.09

THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. The Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator will assist with policy work and legislative drafting on behalf of the Dane County Board members. This may include drafting of resolutions and special resolutions. Additionally, much of aforementioned communication and outreach work will focus on legislation and will require a solid understanding of the legislative process. Please provide details about your experience in policy and legislative drafting, including specific dates, job titles, and the duration of your experience. Additionally, describe your understanding of the legislative process and the steps involved.Required Question

Salary : $42 - $55