This position is exempt from Civil Service and is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Department of Administration Director.NOTE: The start date for this position will be on or before October 9, 2026.PurposeThe Government Relations Manager- Senior promotes and advances the City of Milwaukee's legislative and policy agenda at various levels of government.
Essential FunctionsResearch and Analysis - Analyze legislative bills to determine whether they affect the City of Milwaukee and make recommendations on positions to be taken thereon.
- Work closely in coordination with other City departments to develop and/or monitor proposed and pending legislation at various levels of government.
- Research and prepare concise reports on local, State, and Federal policy.
- Prepare background information to educate the decision-making process of the Common Council and the Mayor's Office.
- Support the Legislative Liaison Director in the development of the State and Federal legislative agendas.
- Assist the Legislative Liaison Director in communicating legislative updates to the Mayor, Common Council, and City department heads.
Lobbying - Draft proposed legislation per the instructions from the Legislative Liaison Director, Mayor, and Common Council (Judiciary and Legislation Committee) for introduction in the State Legislature and U.S. Congress. Proactively seek introduction and passage; obtain amendments as necessary.
- Conduct lobbying activity at various levels of government to advance the City's legislative agenda as directed by the Legislative Liaison Director.
- Prepare compelling testimony and speak in support or opposition to proposed legislation before committees of the governing bodies of various levels of government.
- Assist in the effort to seek additional State and Federal funds.
- Proactively develop and maintain positive relationships with elected and agency officials at various levels of government, as well as other lobbying entities and membership organizations. Coordinates meetings between these entities and the Mayor, Common Council, and City departments.
- Assist in identifying opportunities to improve the City's fiscal capacity through State or Federal Legislative change.
- Work with the Intergovernmental Relations Division (IRD) to include and advance those initiatives through the Legislative process as appropriate.
- Prepare concise background documentation on policy and legislative issues.
Administration - Create supporting information for press releases, letters, resolutions, and ordinances.
- Draft letters on behalf of the Mayor, members of the Common Council, and City department heads.
- Manage special projects and special initiatives of City-wide importance.
- Identify and develop organizational changes that improve productivity, service quality, or diversify revenues.
- Provide general policy and advocacy support for the Mayor, Common Council, and Department of Administration.
- Identify and track ongoing external revenues that come to the City from the State, Federal, or other levels of government.
- Track the status of legislation that affects those funding sources and identify opportunities to secure or increase funding as appropriate through the legislative agenda.
- Identify other external funding sources and coordinate with the City's Grant Manager.
Conditions of Employment - Must work beyond standard business hours and on occasional weekends to meet departmental needs.
- Position requires travel to various sites throughout the City of Milwaukee, the City of Madison, and Wisconsin.
- Must carry a cell phone during work hours.
- Must file a statement of economic interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.
Minimum Requirements - Bachelor's degree in political science, journalism, public relations, communications, public or business administration, economics, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
- Four years of progressively responsible experience in a public policy, advocacy, legislation, political campaign, or lobbying-related position.
- Must be eligible for certification as a lobbyist with the State of Wisconsin at the time of appointment and throughout employment. For more information regarding State of Wisconsin Lobbyist registration eligibility requirements, please visit: https://ethics.wi.gov/Pages/Lobbying/LobbyingOverview.aspx
- Ability to travel independently around the State of Wisconsin by public transportation, biking, or driving.
Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will be considered.
Desirable Qualifications - Master's degree in public policy or a related field or Juris Doctor.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other CharacteristicsTechnical - Knowledge of legislative and fiscal research techniques.
- Knowledge of governmental processes, governmental finance, legislative analysis, and public policy.
- Knowledge of governmental budgeting, grants, and funding sources.
- Ability to locate, read, interpret, and apply written materials, including laws, statutes, regulations, and ordinances.
- Ability to use standard computer software and programs, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
- Ability to perform effective web searches.
- Ability to perform research and analysis.
- Ability to monitor and stay informed of State and Federal aid.
Communication and Interpersonal - Ability to build and maintain relationships with elected officials and professional staff, departmental personnel, and the public.
- Very strong communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
- Written communication skills to craft policies and procedures, reports, and correspondence.
- Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and fairly with coworkers and City residents whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.
- Ability to consolidate complex materials into concise and informative reports.
- Ability to persuasively communicate and advocate for City goals and objectives.
Critical Thinking, Planning, Professionalism and Judgment - Ability to think critically and analytically to solve problems and to use sound judgment.
- Ability to work professionally and effectively under pressure and tight time constraints to manage multiple assignments.
- Ability to exhibit exemplary professionalism.
- Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to represent the department honestly and ethically and to maintain confidentiality.
- High degree of motivation and self-direction.
- Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.
Current SalaryThe current salary range (20X) is
$116,493-$131,235 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is
$121,153-$136,484 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.
BENEFITS
The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:
- Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Health and Dental Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Comprehensive Wellness Program
- Onsite Clinic Services
- Onsite Employee Assistance Program
- Alternative Work Schedules
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Tuition Benefits
- Paid Vacation
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
- Flexible Spending Arrangement
- Commuter Value Pass
For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.
Selection Process - 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 cover letter and resume.
- Cover letter and resume must be sent via email to Intergovernmental Relations Director Jordan Primakow at [email protected] by September 9, 2026.
- Please indicate "Government Relations Manager- Senior" in the subject line of the email.
- Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to Intergovernmental Relations Director Jordan Primakow at [email protected]
- The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.
INITIAL FILING DATE: - The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after September 9, 2026.
- Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.
