Director, Office of Environmental Sustainability

From "Brew City to New City" - that's today's Milwaukee. While some communities boast about quality of life, for Milwaukee, it's not bragging. It's fact.

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication - the big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We're accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming.

Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed "old world" charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals and great restaurants.

Urban easy - that's Milwaukee!

The Office of Environmental Sustainability was created by Mayor Tom Barrett to position Milwaukee as a leader in environmental sustainability and performance in the 21st century.  The Office is charged with coordinating efforts to improve Milwaukee's water quality, reduce energy consumption, and stimulate economic development in the green technology sector.  The Office of Environmental Sustainability emerged from the community input received from the Milwaukee Green Team, Commissioned by Mayor Barrett in 2004.

More information about the Office of Environmental Sustainability can be found here.

Position Overview: 

The Director manages all activities of the Office of Environmental Sustainability, reports to the Mayor of Milwaukee and has cabinet level stature.  This position advises and assists the Mayor, Common Council and City departments on strategies, policies and practices to improve Milwaukee's environmental performance related to air and water quality, energy efficiency and conservation, recycling, solid waste reduction and green sector job creation/business development. 

The Director manages the City's current sustainability initiatives and grant-funded programs and aggressively pursues additional grants and other funding sources to further Milwaukee's sustainability agenda. A key role of this position is to facilitate environmental sustainability in the broad community as well as City government.

Note: This non-civil service position is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, environmental engineering, public administration, business management, urban planning, or related field. A related graduate degree is highly desirable.
2. 5 years of leadership experience related to this position.

Desirable:

• Extensive background in water conservation, energy consumption and   green sector economic development. 
• Solid grant writing and grant administration experience.
• Working with or for federal, state or local government.

NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

• Knowledge of environmental issues including storm water management, energy efficiency, other natural resource management issues, public policy, and sustainable development.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and the ability to direct and coordinate programs and activities.
• Ability to be creative, resourceful and industrious.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas and recommendations clearly and convincingly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, other City employees, citizens, media, community organizations, the foundation community, the private sector and other agencies.
• Ability to exercise sensitive judgment and maintain composure under stress.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, diagnose problems, and formulate recommendations. Ability to compile and analyze reports and statistical data and be committed to accuracy.
• Residence in the City of Milwaukee within 6 months after appointment.

Compensation: The 2010 starting salary is $73,627 with excellent benefits and possible increases up to $103,077 per year.  Benefits:  The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes a defined benefit pension plan, 457 deferred compensation plan, health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, group life insurance, tuition benefits, paid vacation, holidays, sick leave and other leaves.

To Apply: 

Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant's education, experience, and professional accomplishments which should be detailed in a resume and cover letter.  The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to consider only the most qualified candidates for this position.

Please send or email resume and cover letter by February 12, 2010.

Timothy J. Keeley 
Department of Employee Relations 
Box ESD 
Room 706, City Hall 
200 East Wells St. 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53202-3554

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.