What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications & Marketing Specialist position at Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District?
Under the general supervision of the Communications & Public Affairs Manager, the Communications & Marketing Specialist supports the District’s strategic communication, outreach, and engagement goals, advising on strategies and identifying new opportunities for District communications and outreach. This position develops, executes, and evaluates communications and marketing strategies that promote the District’s programs, initiatives, brand identity, and community presence.
This role collaborates closely with the Communications & Public Affairs Manager, District leadership, and staff across departments. It also provides cross-support with other Communications & Marketing Specialist(s) to ensure continuity and coverage for ongoing work. This position will collaborate with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to ensure the District has a positive brand image. The incumbent will possess a growth mindset to support our mission-driven organization, while maintaining a focus on fostering a positive work culture.
Who We Are
Established in 1930 to protect the lakes and streams of the upper Yahara watershed, the District is a wastewater collection and treatment utility serving about 435,000 people in 24 Madison-area owner communities covering about 190 square miles.
The District owns and operates 150 miles of pipe and 18 regional pumping stations that convey approximately 37 million gallons of wastewater to the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant daily. Through the treatment process, we recover valuable resources before returning clean water to the environment.
Our mission is to protect public health and the environment. We are dedicated to service, reliability, and sustainability, and our tradition of innovation has positioned us as a leader among clean water utilities.
Working at the District is more than just a paycheck—it is about taking care of our community and protecting one of our most valuable resources: water.
When you think about your career and what you want to accomplish in your lifetime, choose to do Work Worth Doing!
* All application materials must be received by Monday, January 19, 2026.
As part of our screening and selection process for this role, selected candidates will be asked to provide a digital portfolio with three to five examples showcasing their work. If you are requested to provide this, more information regarding the submission process will be sent.
This role collaborates closely with the Communications & Public Affairs Manager, District leadership, and staff across departments. It also provides cross-support with other Communications & Marketing Specialist(s) to ensure continuity and coverage for ongoing work. This position will collaborate with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to ensure the District has a positive brand image. The incumbent will possess a growth mindset to support our mission-driven organization, while maintaining a focus on fostering a positive work culture.
Who We Are
Established in 1930 to protect the lakes and streams of the upper Yahara watershed, the District is a wastewater collection and treatment utility serving about 435,000 people in 24 Madison-area owner communities covering about 190 square miles.
The District owns and operates 150 miles of pipe and 18 regional pumping stations that convey approximately 37 million gallons of wastewater to the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant daily. Through the treatment process, we recover valuable resources before returning clean water to the environment.
Our mission is to protect public health and the environment. We are dedicated to service, reliability, and sustainability, and our tradition of innovation has positioned us as a leader among clean water utilities.
Working at the District is more than just a paycheck—it is about taking care of our community and protecting one of our most valuable resources: water.
When you think about your career and what you want to accomplish in your lifetime, choose to do Work Worth Doing!
* All application materials must be received by Monday, January 19, 2026.
As part of our screening and selection process for this role, selected candidates will be asked to provide a digital portfolio with three to five examples showcasing their work. If you are requested to provide this, more information regarding the submission process will be sent.
Duties:
The successful Communications & Marketing Specialist will have the following qualities:
Creative Thinker- Generates innovative and engaging content across multiple platforms; stays current with industry trends.
Digital-Proficiency- This position plays a significant role in managing the District’s social media and digital presence under the guidance of the Communication and Public Affairs Manager. The ideal candidate will have strong social media and digital marketing skills and demonstrate the ability to create engaging content across various mediums. The ideal candidate will also have website management experience.
Communication Excellence- Demonstrates exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills tailored to diverse audiences.Self-Direction & Initiative- Works independently with accuracy, strong time management, and accountability.
Agile and Adaptable- Responds quickly to shifting priorities, multitasks effectively, and adjusts to fast-paced environments.
Duties
25% – Communications & Marketing Strategy
- Develop, implement, and evaluate integrated marketing campaigns, communication plans, and public outreach initiatives.
- Support campaign budgeting, planning, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
- Conduct audience research, stakeholder analysis, and message testing to inform strategy.
- Identify communication opportunities and recommend proactive outreach approaches.
- Coordinate cross-departmental communication efforts to ensure alignment with District goals.
- Track campaign metrics and prepare reports summarizing outcomes, insights, and recommendations.
- Maintain awareness of industry trends and best practices to strengthen District communication efforts.
25% — Content Creation & Editorial Management
- Write, edit, and produce content for press releases, articles, website pages, newsletters, reports, and other communication materials.
- Provide copy editing and proofreading using District style guidelines and plain-language principles.
- Coordinate content development with internal teams.
- Assist with staff presentation materials.
- Develop content for outreach campaigns, including brochures, fact sheets, and informational materials.
- Ensure accessibility compliance (e.g., readability, alt text, formatting) across all written materials.
- Manage review and approval workflows for content, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
- Support storytelling efforts by gathering information, interviewing staff, and highlighting District initiatives.
25% — Digital & Social Media Management
- Manage District social media platforms, including content planning, posting, monitoring, and analytics reporting.
- Create engaging written, visual, multimedia, and interactive content tailored to digital platforms.
- Maintain digital content calendars and coordinate timing with broader communication initiatives.
- Monitor online conversations, respond to inquiries, and escalate issues as needed.
- Track performance metrics and recommend strategies to enhance digital reach and engagement.
- Support website updates, content maintenance, and user experience improvements.
- Ensure digital content meets accessibility standards and follows District branding.
- Explore new digital tools, platforms, and trends to expand communication opportunities.
15% — Branding & External Relations
- Maintain and promote District brand consistency across all communication materials and platforms.
- Support media relations, including responding to inquiries, preparing materials, and coordinating interviews.
- Assist in developing media kits, fact sheets, and background materials.
- Coordinate design and creative production with internal staff and external vendors.
- Review materials for brand alignment, visual consistency, and message accuracy.
- Support community engagement events, public meetings, and outreach activities.
- Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, community groups, and stakeholders.
- Assist in crisis communication and rapid-response messaging.
- Assist in managing photography, videography, and other creative assets.
10% — Internal Communications & Collaboration
- Support development and distribution of all user announcements, internal newsletters, and staff-facing communication materials.
- Collaborate with departments to understand communication needs and provide guidance on messaging, format, and delivery.
- Assist with internal campaigns, staff events, and organizational updates.
- Maintain internal communication channels, such as intranet pages.
- Provide communication support for cross-functional projects and initiatives.
- Help ensure staff are informed about District programs, policies, and priorities.
- Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and collaborative workgroups.
- Contribute to a positive, service-oriented communications culture.
A cover letter and resume are required to apply. Ensure your application materials clearly illustrate your experience with each of the qualifications listed.
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in creating and delivering professional communications and marketing materials for business purposes.
- Experience with social and/or digital media creation and implementation of social and/or digital campaigns.
Preferred:
- Experience with public sector communications, environmental or utility sector messaging
- Experience collaborating with stakeholders and staff to develop, refine, and deploy complex communications initiatives, translating technical information, etc.
- Experience developing integrated marketing campaigns, communication plans, and/or public outreach initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of principles and practices of strategic communications, marketing, and public outreach.
- Ability to develop and implement communication plans, marketing campaigns, and outreach strategies that support organizational goals.
- Knowledge of techniques for writing, editing, and producing clear, engaging, and accessible content tailored to diverse audiences and their needs.
- Knowledge of digital communication tools, including content management systems, email marketing platforms, and social media management tools.
- Knowledge of best practices for social media engagement, analytics, and platform-specific content strategies.
- Knowledge of branding principles, visual identity systems, and creative production workflows.
- Knowledge of public-sector communication considerations, including transparency, equity, and community engagement.
- Skills in strong writing, editing, and proofreading proficiency.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
- Ability to create engaging digital content, including graphics, short videos, and multimedia assets.
- Ability to conduct research, synthesizing information, and translating complex topics into clear, accessible messages.
- Skills in monitoring analytics and using data to inform communication strategies and improve performance.
- Skills in collaborating with internal teams, external partners, and vendors to produce communication materials.
- Skills in providing excellent customer service and responsive communication to staff and community members.
- Skill in exercising sound judgment, especially when handling sensitive or time-critical information.
- Skills in maintaining brand consistency and upholding organizational standards across all materials.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, leadership, media representatives, and community partners.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, emerging issues, and new communication technologies.
- Ability to think creatively and proactively identify opportunities to enhance communication effectiveness.
Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with occasional visits to field or plant locations. The position requires one to be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time. This role involves the extended use of standard office equipment, including computers. Noise levels may vary depending on the work location.??
A hybrid schedule, including both remote and in-office work, may be available based on operational needs and job responsibilities.?
Salary : $79,144 - $91,915