Placemaking Planner

Position Introduction

Do you have a passion for creating vibrant, active, authentic communities with a sense of place?  We are offering an opportunity to develop and implement a dynamic program to attract and retain the next generation.

Can you lead an effort to enhance economic development and prosperity by attracting talent and knowledge businesses?  Can you create and launch a marketing and communication program that utilizes social media and draws people to live and work in Sauk County?  Are you looking for an opportunity that provides daily challenges, allows you to develop and work with skilled teams, and helps communities achieve success?   As Sauk County’s Placemaking Planner, you will have the opportunity to craft a new initiative by being creative, engaging, and a catalyst to helping Sauk County build communities around people!

About Sauk County

Located in southcentral Wisconsin, Sauk County is known for its magnificent landscapes, vast forested land, vibrant communities, and well-known arts and cultural events.   Sauk County offers a unique quality of life and includes a mix of urban and rural lifestyles, thriving family-oriented communities, quality schools, and highly valued natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities.  To learn more about Sauk County see the placemaking planner below.

Purpose of the Position

The Placemaking Planner is a two-year project position* and will provide strong, strategic leadership to achieve measurable results and continuous implementation of Sauk County’s Placemaking Initiative.

Develop and implement a robust, multifaceted placemaking program for Sauk County that distinguishes it from all other counties. 

Develop a marketing and communication program to attract desired employers and workforce to Sauk County municipalities. 

Work closely with municipalities to reflect Sauk County’s Placemaking Initiative in their own marketing programs and develop a community marketing effort. 

Identify and develop a sense of place for each of Sauk County’s communities that collectively distinguishes Sauk County as a premier place to live and work.

Develop partnerships with public, private, non-profit, and community organizations that will collectively work together to position Sauk County as a premier location for new residents.

Persuade and assist municipalities to develop, adopt and implement their own unique placemaking initiatives.

Work closely with participating municipalities to develop action-oriented projects that advance Sauk County’s Placemaking Initiative.

* Depending on the outcomes of this project, the duration of this position may be extended or made permanent.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:  Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, Marketing, Urban/Community Design or related field, three years related experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Preferred:  Master’s degree or combination of equivalent experience. Certified Planner certification issued by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred, however, applicants who do not meet eligibility requirements for AICP are still encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates will be asked to demonstrate their use and understanding of social media at an interview.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range is $56,065 - $59,266 plus a comprehensive benefits package including health and life insurance and Wisconsin Retirement Fund.  Additional voluntary life, supplemental, dental, vision, accident, short-term disability plans are available along with deferred compensation.  To apply, submit an application package, resume, and cover letter to the Sauk County Personnel Director online employment page at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/saukwi/default.cfm

Applications must be received by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time May 1, 2016.