Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications
Apply NowCompany: Dane County, WI
Location: Madison, WI 53711
Description:
Salary: $51.95 - $69.10 Hourly
Location : Madison, WI
Job Type: Full time (1.0FTE)
Job Number: 2025-00155
Department: County Board
Opening Date: 02/21/2025
Closing Date: 3/7/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MGR
Description
The Dane County Board Office has a current full time (1.0 FTE) Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications. 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 INCLUSION
As 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.
DEFINITION
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff of the Dane County Board, the Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications serves as the non-partisan division head, managing the policy, outreach and communications staff. Serves as a key member of the County Board office management team, working closely with the Chief of Staff, the Manager of Legislative Support Services and the County Board Chair. Helps drive the County Board's efforts by overseeing and delivering policy, outreach and communications work to the County Board and other key stakeholders. Actively collaborates with elected officials and county staff at the highest level of the organization.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Manages and oversees the planning, organization, coordination, and prioritization of staff activities within the division. Participates in hiring and disciplinary actions. Promotes organizational change by managing and providing independent research and analysis to the County Board and key stakeholders in the areas of policy, communications and outreach. Negotiates and administers contracts related to Division activities and consults with the Corporation Counsel on legal matters. Builds collaborative relationships with internal and external partners in regard to data sharing and legislative development as it relates to County Board initiatives. Develops and sustains relationships and partnerships with County Board supervisors, department heads, community stakeholders and staff to move projects and policies forward. Prepares legislative drafting, correspondence, press releases, outreach materials and reports to support the County Board initiatives. Develops outreach opportunities to support the work of the Dane County Board. Performs special projects and additional duties as required to support the objectives of the County Board Office.
Education, Experience and Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:
Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, or a related discipline. Must also possess four (4) years of experience in legislative policy including supervision of professional and administrative staff.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver's license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Availability to work as required occasionally during evening meetings and special events as needed. Also refer to the "Physical and Environmental Work Requirements" section below.
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 the functions, organization, procedures, law, ordinances, and regulations involved and related to the activities of county departments and how they relate to the County Board Office. Thorough knowledge of local government operations, including budgeting. Experience in legislative drafting, planning outreach events, and managing and editing communications materials including press releases. Exhibit strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex projects. Ability to evaluate policies and processes and recommend effective changes. Strong interpersonal, written and oral communications skills. Ability to develop private and public communications and maintain positive public relations. Ability to both work within a leadership team and manage the work of others with effective supervisory skills. Ability to meet deadlines and work on multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to ensure accuracy in data collection and analysis. Ability to exercise independent judgment and conduct thorough examination and analysis of potential consequences of County Board actions. Meticulous attention to detail and ability to timely achieve goals and objectives 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.
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.
Like our Facebook page:
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 political science, public administration, or a related discipline?
02
Do you possess four (4) years of experience in legislative policy including supervision of professional and administrative staff?
03
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?
05
If you used AI-generated content or tools, do you have an approved request from Dane County's ADA Coordinator to do so?
06
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 questions.
07
THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. Under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff of the Dane County Board Office, the Manager of Policy, Outreach and Communications directly manages the policy, outreach and communications division of the Dane County Board Office. This division is responsible for working with Dane County Board members and the Board Chair to meet all policy, communications and outreach needs of the Board. Please describe your training, education and work experience that have prepared you for the position of Manager of Policy, Outreach and Communications. 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, organize, coordinate, set priorities, assign and manage the work of staff engaged in the division's activities including full-time employees and limited term employees/interns. This assisting in training and ongoing employee job development. Describe your experience managing and training staff, including the number of staff and their roles. Explain your management style and approaches to job development and team building. Please be specific as to dates, scope, and responsibilities.
09
THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. The Manager of Policy, Outreach and Communications position serves as a key member of the County Board office management team, working closely with the Chief of Staff and the Manager of Legislative Support Services, and the County Board Chair. The Manager helps drive the County Board's efforts by overseeing and delivering policy, outreach, and communications on behalf of the Dane County Board. The Manager will both oversee the work of staff and conduct their own complex policy research and legislative drafting. Please outline your experience conducting complex policy research and legislative drafting. Please outline your communications and outreach experience.
Required Question
Location : Madison, WI
Job Type: Full time (1.0FTE)
Job Number: 2025-00155
Department: County Board
Opening Date: 02/21/2025
Closing Date: 3/7/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MGR
Description
The Dane County Board Office has a current full time (1.0 FTE) Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications. 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 INCLUSION
As 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.
DEFINITION
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff of the Dane County Board, the Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications serves as the non-partisan division head, managing the policy, outreach and communications staff. Serves as a key member of the County Board office management team, working closely with the Chief of Staff, the Manager of Legislative Support Services and the County Board Chair. Helps drive the County Board's efforts by overseeing and delivering policy, outreach and communications work to the County Board and other key stakeholders. Actively collaborates with elected officials and county staff at the highest level of the organization.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Manages and oversees the planning, organization, coordination, and prioritization of staff activities within the division. Participates in hiring and disciplinary actions. Promotes organizational change by managing and providing independent research and analysis to the County Board and key stakeholders in the areas of policy, communications and outreach. Negotiates and administers contracts related to Division activities and consults with the Corporation Counsel on legal matters. Builds collaborative relationships with internal and external partners in regard to data sharing and legislative development as it relates to County Board initiatives. Develops and sustains relationships and partnerships with County Board supervisors, department heads, community stakeholders and staff to move projects and policies forward. Prepares legislative drafting, correspondence, press releases, outreach materials and reports to support the County Board initiatives. Develops outreach opportunities to support the work of the Dane County Board. Performs special projects and additional duties as required to support the objectives of the County Board Office.
Education, Experience and Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:
Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, or a related discipline. Must also possess four (4) years of experience in legislative policy including supervision of professional and administrative staff.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver's license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Availability to work as required occasionally during evening meetings and special events as needed. Also refer to the "Physical and Environmental Work Requirements" section below.
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:
*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 the functions, organization, procedures, law, ordinances, and regulations involved and related to the activities of county departments and how they relate to the County Board Office. Thorough knowledge of local government operations, including budgeting. Experience in legislative drafting, planning outreach events, and managing and editing communications materials including press releases. Exhibit strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex projects. Ability to evaluate policies and processes and recommend effective changes. Strong interpersonal, written and oral communications skills. Ability to develop private and public communications and maintain positive public relations. Ability to both work within a leadership team and manage the work of others with effective supervisory skills. Ability to meet deadlines and work on multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to ensure accuracy in data collection and analysis. Ability to exercise independent judgment and conduct thorough examination and analysis of potential consequences of County Board actions. Meticulous attention to detail and ability to timely achieve goals and objectives 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.
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.
Like our Facebook page:
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 political science, public administration, or a related discipline?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you possess four (4) years of experience in legislative policy including supervision of professional and administrative staff?
- Yes
- No
03
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?
- Yes
- No
05
If you used AI-generated content or tools, do you have an approved request from Dane County's ADA Coordinator to do so?
- Yes
- No
06
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 questions.
07
THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. Under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff of the Dane County Board Office, the Manager of Policy, Outreach and Communications directly manages the policy, outreach and communications division of the Dane County Board Office. This division is responsible for working with Dane County Board members and the Board Chair to meet all policy, communications and outreach needs of the Board. Please describe your training, education and work experience that have prepared you for the position of Manager of Policy, Outreach and Communications. 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, organize, coordinate, set priorities, assign and manage the work of staff engaged in the division's activities including full-time employees and limited term employees/interns. This assisting in training and ongoing employee job development. Describe your experience managing and training staff, including the number of staff and their roles. Explain your management style and approaches to job development and team building. Please be specific as to dates, scope, and responsibilities.
09
THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. The Manager of Policy, Outreach and Communications position serves as a key member of the County Board office management team, working closely with the Chief of Staff and the Manager of Legislative Support Services, and the County Board Chair. The Manager helps drive the County Board's efforts by overseeing and delivering policy, outreach, and communications on behalf of the Dane County Board. The Manager will both oversee the work of staff and conduct their own complex policy research and legislative drafting. Please outline your experience conducting complex policy research and legislative drafting. Please outline your communications and outreach experience.
Required Question