Commissioner Department of Neighborhood Services
The Position
The City of Milwaukee invites candidates with a record of leadership and innovation in urban development, building inspection or construction, code enforcement, and/or neighborhood redevelopment to apply for this exceptional, executive-level opportunity. The Commissioner-DNS will continue to lead the implementation of innovative solutions to build and maintain vibrant and healthy neighborhoods.
The Department
With an annual operating budget of over $20 million, the DNS enhances neighborhood improvements by enforcing standards for buildings, property, and land use. The DNS uses its financial and educational resources to encourage investment in housing and other buildings in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. Various inspection and enforcement activities ensure compliance with building and property codes, supporting an attractive investment environment, and fostering reinvestment into neighborhoods. Through its Permit and Development Center, the DNS supports economic investment in Milwaukee that is sustainable and inclusive.
The DNS employs approximately 240 individuals within its seven divisions: Plan Examination and Permitting, Construction Trades, Commercial Inspection, Residential Inspection, Special Enforcement, Court and Support Services. The Commissioner–DNS staffs the Standards and Appeals Commission.
Current Initiatives
The Commissioner and the DNS team play a key role in transforming the City’s landscape, including the following current projects and initiatives:
- Milwaukee Public Museum- Located in the city’s Haymarket district, the new Museum will be the largest cultural project in Wisconsin’s History.
- The Iron District Stadium- This 8000-seat soccer stadium will be home to the City’s yet-to-be named United Soccer League (USL) Championship team.
- Bronzeville Center for the Arts- This world class art and cultural center will celebrate Milwaukee’s African American heritage.
- Northwestern Mutual Life (NML) North Office Building- NML will solidify its Milwaukee presence with a $500 million investment into its downtown campus.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Standards and Strategic Leadership: Provide direction and policy guidance; establish and enforce accountability mechanisms for all divisions in the DNS. Lead the DNS in organizational and strategic planning and monitor progress and informatics toward goals. Lead efforts relative to assessing enforcement and revitalization needs, developing policy, and ensuring public/private collaboration to advance initiatives.
- Compliance and Accountability: Direct the full cycle of development, including plan review, permit issuance, inspection, and occupancy issuance. Evaluate and ensure efficient and equitable implementation and administration of a wide variety of enforcement programs. Ensure complaints and concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
- Management of Leadership Team: Direct staff in all matters, including those involving human resources, budgeting, public relations and inspection. Coach, support, and assess managers to help them achieve organizational and professional improvement goals; identify and implement measures of success and accountability. Create and promote leadership development and succession planning opportunities. Continuously monitor organizational climate to ensure accountability for processes and outcomes.
- Community Engagement and Collaboration: Communicate regularly and responsively with managers, staff, policy makers, and other stakeholders, including community groups, the Milwaukee Police Department, realtors, alderpersons, and landlords. Ensure access and accountability for DNS functions and services. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the DNS, or identify other subject matter experts for that role, based upon the topic.
- Customer Service: Continue to uphold the department’s commitment to providing outstanding customer service, including clear and timely communication with constituents, customers, elected officials, and community representatives. Facilitate and foster an environment of clarity and trust.
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.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, building construction, urban planning, public administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
- Five years of management experience in architecture, building construction, code enforcement, urban planning, urban redevelopment, public administration and/or a closely related field. Management experience must include strategic planning, development of programming and budgets, supervision of staff and creation and implementation of policies and procedures.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.
CURRENT SALARY
The current salary range (1OX) is $115,161-$161,221 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $118,616-$166,058 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. For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits.
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.