Assistant Manager - Public Affairs

Full Job Description

This is not a Civil Service Position. DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.

Applicants for open positions at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

SUMMARY:

The Assistant Manager – Public Affairs will serve as the infrastructure communications lead for the department.

The assistant manager is responsible for strategy, implementation and coordination of outreach to and engagement with customers and the general public related to capital construction projects including but not limited to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Lead Service Line Replacement Program and Stormwater Management Projects.

This professional will also coordinate outreach with other city agencies, regional authorities and other organizations planning and performing construction within the city of Detroit boundaries that are related to water, sewerage and stormwater assets.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
This professional will possess the capacity to build relationships, both internal and external, including with project managers, contractors, city officials, neighborhood associations, community groups and block club leaders to carry-out the construction-related community outreach and engagement. He/she will collaborate with colleagues in the Public Affairs division to develop and update communication materials, both print and digital, and staff community meetings. The manager will also perform other communication and outreach duties as assigned by the Public Affairs Officer.
RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS:
Engage with internal and external staff on project planning to determine the outreach and engagement steps. Monitor construction projects and related engagement. Review communication materials related to construction projects and other programs. Schedule community meetings within the project area in advance of construction, and during construction depending on the length of the project. Monitor and provide reporting to DWSD and City staff as requested. May also participate in writing grants or providing information for grants.

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Customer service
• Community outreach
• Public relations
• Government affairs
• Water, sewer and stormwater systems
• Lead service line replacement
• Data investigation and monitoring
• Project management
• Business writing and ability to write public communications
SKILL TO:
• Articulate professionally with customers in person, by phone and e-mail
• Use advanced technology
• Interact with diverse audiences from residents to project managers to contractors
• Detect opportunities to improve outreach and engagement
• Perform government communications and marketing tasks
• Capacity to write to the audience
• Ability to present internally and to community groups
• Work effectively in a team-based, flexible workforce with minimal supervision
• Service customers in a professional manner, internal and external
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Communicate frequently with team members and other units across the Department about processes,
equipment or potential problems
• Develop proficiency in unit specific operations and software
• Determine locations and schedule community meetings
• Direct team activities or to work as team member
• Maintain records such as outreach analytics, canvassing journals, general and subsidiary
ledgers, registers or other auxiliary records
• Provide on the job training
• Attend training sessions and conferences
• Interact with customers in person, by phone and email
• Answer escalated customer requests and complaints
• Research departmental records for information related to work orders, service requests, and
construction workflows
• Complete mandatory training requirements
• Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties
• Perform work related duties as assigned

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (position requirements at entry)
• Bachelors degree in communications, public relations, public administration or business
• At least three years with municipal government or utility experience

Additional Information

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This position may require sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time, light to moderate
lifting, reaching, pulling, and carrying. Manual dexterity and audiovisual/linguistic acuity is
required.

Environmental Working Requirements:
Work may be physically performed in, but not limited to, an office environment, in the field, in
public settings or from employee’s home office, with exposure to computer screens and noise, as
well as construction activities. The employee will be provided with issued personal protective
equipment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Michigan Driver’s License and transportation that allows the individual to staff community
meetings and other assigned activities throughout the city. Reimbursement will be provided for
work-related mileage per IRS guidelines.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned
to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other
than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.
Employees in this class are required to
undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation.