Policy & Communications Manager

Are you a self-starter looking to leverage your communication, analytical, and leadership skills in the development and implementation of impactful policy initiatives supporting Wisconsin's workforce! Apply now to be considered for our Policy and Communications Manager position in the Division of Employment & Training.

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. Apply now to find out why there's so much to love about working for Wisconsin.

It is anticipated that this position will work a blend of remote and in-office work (at least 1 day in the office per week) at our downtown Madison location (201 E. Washington Ave.).

Our office is located near a wide variety of restaurants and food carts, live music and events, the farmer's market, B-cycle rentals, lakefront parks, the Capital City bike path, and multiple bus routes.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).

Under general direction and supervision of the Administrator of the Division of Employment & Training (DET), This position serves as a key policy developer and advisor for major division policy initiatives that have substantial impact on the division and those it serves. This position provides management with research and proposals for innovative, new programs and policies. The incumbent develops complex policies, manages key studies and projects and analyzes factors such as project and policy decisions affecting implementation of initiatives and policies. This position provides management-level liaison functions involving highly complex interactions and involvement with stakeholders. In addition, this position will be responsible for researching and developing grant applications, evaluating programs and initiatives, and supporting projects. Additional responsibilities include leading the development of all business case ideas (including budget papers); leading data collaborative initiatives; overseeing a wide array of communications-related initiatives; and supervising staff in data management, grant development, communications, policy/program development, and performance and governance.

To learn more, please review the position description.

Starting pay is between $87,000 and $97,000 per year, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefits package:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $39/month for single and $97/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.

Public service is rewarding! This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package!

The classification title for this position is Policy Initiatives Advisor - Admin (schedule 81, range 02). A 2-year Career Executive trial period is required. This position is not represented in a collective bargaining unit and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.

Travel: Occasional statewide travel with an occasional need for an overnight is required.

Remote work: Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. This hybrid-remote position will need to report to the Madison office at least once per week. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change.

Criminal histories: We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. For positions with access to sensitive federal tax information, FBI fingerprinting may also be required.

Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.

Qualifications marked with an asterisk (*) below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process. Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps.

You need to have the following experience:

• Supervising professional staff
• Researching and analyzing policy initiatives, grant opportunities, or similar
• Developing a variety of written and verbal communications on complex or technical topics (e.g. presentations, written reports, policies, or similar)
• Managing a project or initiative from conception to completion (e.g. planning timeline, allocating resources, leading project staff, communications, implementation, follow up, etc.)
• Managing tasks with competing priorities to accomplish goals and objectives
• Building relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including senior management
• Ability to work independently with little guidance

Any of the following experience would be nice to have:

• Managing grants or contracts
• Developing and implementing policy
• Developing and reviewing others' work for public distribution
• Managing programs or services related to workforce development

Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search 15795) to complete your application.

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. Please review this additional guidance on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (including a template) as you prepare to apply.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.

• Technical issues: if you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-1012 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm).
• Position questions: if you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Michelle at MSSJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov.

Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.

What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview.

DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. Email the HR contact listed in this announcement for information on how to apply under this provision. Current state employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central time) on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.