About Wisconsin Voices
Wisconsin Voices envisions a Wisconsin where every person has the means, motivation, and freedom to fully participate in a just democracy that provides opportunities for all people to thrive. The organization unifies a dynamic network of progressive nonprofits in Wisconsin around achieving shared goals to build a better democracy. It builds its partners’ capacity, amplifies their impact, nurtures new leadership, promotes racial equity, champions transparent policies, and fosters civic engagement so that everyone has an equal voice. It helps create the conditions for Wisconsinites who share its values to strengthen Wisconsin’s democracy for everyone. Wisconsin Voices plays a unique role in the progressive movement by creating the structure to empower organizations in the c3 community through:
- Capacity building.
- Ongoing year-round civic engagement.
- Convening and connecting.
- Long-term strategic planning for collective impact.
See more about the organization here.
The Opportunity
Wisconsin Voices seeks an Executive Director (ED) to be the next leader of the organization with responsibility for strategic planning, managing the operations of the organization, leading fundraising efforts, motivating and coordinating the work of staff in an inclusive and collaborative workplace, and serving as the primary spokesperson for the organization. The ED will ensure that the organization is fiscally sound, and engage with the community to build local and statewide partnerships.
The ED will have a working knowledge of organizing and the progressive landscape in Wisconsin and be a leader and manager who is adept at balancing internal management with external impact and visibility. The individual must be an outstanding communicator who is able to effectively convey the mission and activities to the community, donors, and the broader public.
The responsibilities of the ED include:
Strategic Vision and Leadership
- Create and implement a clear vision for Wisconsin Voices’ programs and outcomes;
- Operate strategically in a political and social environment where success depends on the ability to work effectively with individuals and community organizations;
- Advance the work of Wisconsin Voices by working transparently with staff, board, external partners, and stakeholders from the community.
Fundraising and Financial Management
- Lead all fundraising initiatives, building relationships with donors and other community stakeholders to ensure sustained financial support;
- Serve as a spokesperson for Wisconsin Voices and clearly articulate the organization’s work and amplify the organization's reputation to its supporters and the public at large;
- Work closely with the board of directors to align fundraising goals with organizational objectives;
- Oversee financial management, including budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with legal and financial regulations;
- Anticipate funding needs and engage staff as needed to ensure that staff have the resources they need to be successful and have a firm understanding of the finances related to their work.
Staff Leadership and Organizational Management
- Inspire, motivate, and build rapport to cultivate a cohesive staff, ensuring that there is transparent internal communication, participation, and coordination; create a positive, respectful work environment;
- Create leadership opportunities for the team, providing clear direction and guidance on roles and responsibilities;
- Establish and foster a company culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion;
- Ensure by effective management and leadership that the day-to-day operations are efficiently organized and administered.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
- Serve as the public face of the organization, cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, including local and state community leaders;
- Engage the community through advocacy efforts, promoting the organization’s mission to strengthen Wisconsin’s democracy for everyone;
- Engage with diverse communities to create opportunities for marginalized groups, ensuring inclusive practices across all programs.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics gained through lived, and/or professional or volunteer experiences, or coursework:
- Passion for creating a fair and inclusive democracy;
- Managerial experience required, preferably with a demonstrated ability to manage in a mission-driven organization; ability to translate vision into action and lead staff to execute;
- A successful track record in fundraising, specific experience working with major individual donors preferred; a successful track record in managing budgets for a similarly sized non-profit;
- Willingness and ability to learn about Wisconsin’s politics and social justice nonprofit landscape – if candidate does not already possess this knowledge;
- High emotional intelligence and proven success at working effectively and collaboratively with diverse staff as well as coalitions and community groups;
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, creatively problem-solve, exercise good judgment, and lead change; ability to transparently and honestly make and communicate decisions that advance the mission of Wisconsin Voices.
Compensation & Benefits
This position will pay an annual salary of between $110,000 - $120,000 depending on experience. Employees at Wisconsin Voices receive the following benefits:
- 11 paid holidays, plus 2 floating holidays, prorated to your start date;
- 80 hours annual sick time, prorated to your start date;
- 120 hours annual paid vacation, prorated to your start date;
- 401K participation with Wisconsin Voices Match (up to 4%);
- Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance (Wisconsin Voices pays 90% of premium);
- Partial phone and travel reimbursement.
Contact
Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Trisha Sutrisno and Amber Gomes of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest in this role please submit your materials here or email Trisha and Amber directly at [email protected] and [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
About Koya Partners
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
For more information about Koya Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com.