Recruitment #2608-5962-001
List Type Exempt
Requesting Department Department of Community Wellness and Safety
Open Date 8/13/2026 10:00:00 AM
Filing Deadline 8/31/2026 11:59:00 PM
/* counter SJQ CAO.CSS line 72 */ ul.share-buttons li a[target="_blank"]: after { content: none !important; font-family: clear !important; } ul.share-buttons{ list-style: none; padding: 0; } ul.share-buttons li{ display: inline; } ul.share-buttons .sr-only{ position: absolute; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px); padding: 0; border: 0; height: 1px; width: 1px; overflow: hidden; }
Introduction
The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a workforce committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.
- This position is exempt from civil service; the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Director of the Department of Community Wellness and Safety (DCWS). *
Purpose
The Community Wellness and Safety Deputy Director works closely with City leadership, community partners, and other stakeholders to advance departmental priorities and provides executive leadership in support of DCWS’s citywide violence prevention and community wellness mission.
Essential Functions
Executive Leadership & Operations
Provide oversight for the OCWS operations, including ensuring operational efficiency.
Direct organizational planning and policy implementation.
Oversee budgeting, fiscal planning, financial compliance, procurement coordination, and resource management.
Ensure accurate and timely grant allocation, reporting, and compliance.
Provide direct supervision to administrative and operational staff, supporting workforce development, accountability, internal coordination, and organizational effectiveness.
Lead data-informed planning, program evaluation, performance measurement, reporting, and operational analysis to support strategic decision-making.
Coordinate timely and responsive resources and support to victims of crime, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
Government & Strategic Partnerships
Serve as a primary liaison to City leadership and external stakeholders regarding departmental priorities, legislative matters, policy initiatives, and operational updates.
Coordinate with City departments, community organizations, governmental agencies, and strategic partners to advance violence prevention and community wellness initiatives.
Represent the City of Milwaukee in internal and external community meetings, councils, and other collaborations.
Provide training and professional development oversight or coordination.
Serve as an informed thought leader on issues related to community violence reduction and the promotion of community safety and healing, including supporting survivors of violence and sexual assault and offering guidance on policies and initiatives that impact affected communities.
Represent the DCWS at Common Council meetings.
Support the Mayor and Common Council in community meetings and events by providing information and follow-up on concerns.
We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.
Conditions of Employment
Must be willing to work beyond standard business hours to accomplish work and meet departmental needs.
Travel outside the City of Milwaukee, including overnight, may be required.
Must be willing to respond to time-sensitive community needs and issues.
Willingness to work throughout the City of Milwaukee.
Ability to work outdoors, stand, and walk for long periods of time.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, criminal justice, public health, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in working in community violence prevention, including three years performing operational leadership and strategic management.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered; however, the one year of experience performing duties in an operational leadership, strategic management, or supervisory capacity listed in #2 above is required and may not be substituted with education.
Desirable Qualifications
Experience providing senior-level leadership within government, public administration, public health, community safety, violence prevention, or a related field.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
Technical – Knowledge of Strategies and Resources
In-depth knowledge of evidence-informed strategies to prevent and reduce violence in major cities.
Knowledge of collective-impact principles and practices for cross-sector community engagement and impact.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and crisis intervention techniques.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to family violence prevention and victim support services.
Knowledge of community resources, social service systems, and referral networks related to family and gender-based violence prevention.
Knowledge of best practices and strategies to prevent child abuse.
Knowledge of best practices and strategies to prevent human trafficking.
Knowledge of best practices and strategies to prevent domestic violence.
Knowledge of best practices and strategies to prevent sexual assault.
Knowledge of strategies for improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents such as policies, procedures, ordinances, statutes, administrative rules, and professional publications.
Ability to navigate complex community issues and advance collaborative violence prevention and community wellness strategies.
Technical – Grant Funding, Budgeting, and Data Management
Knowledge of grant funding through public and private sources.
Ability to write grant applications, prepare reports and manage budgets.
Knowledge of the use of research products.
Analytical skills to review information and draw accurate conclusions.
Ability to use spreadsheet, database, project management, and word processing software to develop reports and summarize data.
Ability to analyze data and use insights to drive programmatic improvements and measure outcomes.
Communication and Interpersonal
Ability to understand and work within complex systems, including healthcare, law enforcement, education, social services, public health, community agencies, and faith organizations.
Excellent written communication skills to create effective briefing materials, reports, policies, procedures, and correspondence.
Ability to build and maintain positive stakeholder relationships and effectively respond to concerns.
Ability to work effectively and positively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
Communication and presentation skills to share information effectively individually and before groups, such as community events and common council meetings.
Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner.
Facilitation and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to effectively guide communities through de-escalation methods.
Ability to build effective partnerships with government agencies, community-based organizations, funders, law enforcement, and residents
Leadership
Ability to lead and manage a diverse team in a fast-paced and high-demand environment.
Lead with integrity in words and actions.
Ability to develop short- and long-term plans related to violence prevention.
Ability to effectively manage and motivate staff and volunteers.
Ability to assign duties, set performance standards, provide guidance and training, monitor work progress, evaluate performance, and make hiring recommendations.
Ability to develop processes and strategies for working efficiently.
Ability to foster an environment of inclusion and respect.
Ability to develop goals and strategies that meet measurable objectives.
Ability to apply time management techniques and prioritize responsibilities to ensure work is accomplished within project deadlines.
Skill in developing and implementing performance measurement tools to track programmatic outcomes.
Judgment and Analysis
Ability to adapt and respond to evolving community needs, regulatory changes and emerging best practices in violence prevention.
Demonstrated capacity to show empathy and resilience to support clients in distressing situations while maintaining professional boundaries.
Strong organization and project management skills, including managing multiple programs and prioritizing tasks effectively.
Ability to think critically and analytically and make informed decisions.
Ability to demonstrate discretion in the handling of sensitive information.
Ability to be creative and flexible.
Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
Ability to exercise sound judgment.
Ability to function well under pressure, including during critical incident events.
Ability to perform work duties with professionalism, honesty, and integrity.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.
Current Salary
The current salary range (Pay Range 1JX) is $104,997 - $123,106 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $109,197 - $128,030. 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 that includes the following:
Wisconsin Retirement Systems (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, resume, and college transcripts must be sent via email to Director Karin Tyler at
[email protected] by 4:45 p.m. on August 31, 2026.
Please indicate “Community Wellness & Safety Deputy Director” in the subject line of the email.
Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to Director Karin Tyler 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 August 31, 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.
Conclusion
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.
