The Director of Business and Community Operations will be a senior leader of the organization and will play a key role in furthering its commitment to improving the quality of public policy decision-making in Wisconsin. Specifically, the Director will oversee and administer the day-to-day business operations of WPF and its 11-person staff, working in close partnership with the President and Vice President/Research Director (VP).
Daily activities include working with the President to manage the organization’s $1.6 million annual budget and financial affairs; overseeing human resources policies; building relationships with diverse groups and across the ideological spectrum, including cultivating and managing relationships with foundations, corporate and institutional leaders, and financial supporters and helping to maintain relationships with key government and school district officials and business/civic organizations in Greater Milwaukee; coordinating fund development and membership activities, including managing member communications; helping to organize and implement policy discussion events and other programming for members and the public; representing WPF on various civic projects and at civic functions; and ensuring strong relationships with members of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
To the extent that the successful candidate possesses skills or background in public policy and is a strong writer, the position also may involve developing member communications and marketing materials; working with staff and Board members to set the organization’s research agenda; and reviewing and editing reports and other research content prior to publication. Otherwise qualified candidates without such a background, however, are still encouraged to apply.
Finally, the Director of Business and Community Operations will work closely with other senior staff and WPF’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors to create WPF’s strategic goals and to develop and implement the strategies and objectives necessary to achieve them.
This position is perfectly suited to a highly motivated individual who wants to be a leader in the state’s public policy realm and Greater Milwaukee’s civic community and who will find fulfillment in helping to further the mission of one of Wisconsin’s most widely respected nonprofit organizations and one of the country’s leading public policy think tanks.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
- Serve as a key public face of the Forum in Greater Milwaukee and work with the President and staff to develop and execute a strategy for serving the region. That would include but not be limited to engaging in community relations, including nonpartisan participation in appropriate community organizations; attending special events hosted by business and civic organization partners; and maintaining and managing relationships with business, civic, and governmental leaders throughout the region.
- Work with the President to create and monitor WPF’s annual budget, oversee (in cooperation with the Finance & Investments Committee) the organization’s investment portfolio and strategies, and manage its day-to-day finances.
- In conjunction with the President and VP, help lead the development and coordination of the organization’s overall research agenda and activities; help secure grant funding and sponsors to support major research projects by writing and editing grant proposals to foundations and cultivating relationships with funding organizations.
- Work with the President to develop and execute an annual fundraising plan; engage with key members and philanthropic supporters on a continual basis; recruit and support new members from across Wisconsin; organize and staff the Forum’s Membership & Development Committee; and help grow the organization’s individual donor program.
- Oversee all human resources policies and activities, including fringe benefits policies/relationships with vendors, monitoring and approval of staff time-off requests, and staff performance evaluation (in conjunction with the President and VP) with a focus on meeting WPF’s overall goals, including strong employee retention and a diverse staff.
- Organize and oversee special events, including an annual Salute to Local Government fundraising luncheon and other public programs.
- Work with Communications Director and President to develop promotional materials geared toward membership retention and recruitment, including the quarterly newsletter and annual report.
- Support the President in effectively reporting to and engaging Board leadership, including members of the Executive and Finance/Investments committees, the full Board of Directors, and the organization’s policy committees.
- Depending on the qualifications and interest of the individual selected for this position, contribute to editing and proofing of WPF publications and provide project management on some contract and grant-funded research.
Qualifications
- Substantial professional experience with demonstrated career advancement, preferably including some experience in financial management or experience working in or around the public or nonprofit sectors. Fund development or membership experience also preferred, although a proven track record of success in a managerial role may be substituted.
- Strong interest in state and local public policy issues and commitment to the organization’s mission as a reliable, objective, nonpartisan research organization; government or public policy background or experience is a plus.
- Experience and comfort working with senior-level executives; knowledge of Greater Milwaukee business, civic, institutional, and governmental entities and their key players preferred. A willingness to engage with all segments of the community and to maintain an impartial stance in our work across the ideological spectrum is a must.
- Excellent organizational and communications skills; demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively is preferred.
- Strong event planning skills or demonstrated ability to learn those skills.
- Though not required, knowledge of software packages such as the Microsoft and Google suites and additional tools such as client management software is a plus.
- Bachelor’s degree required; degree in a related field, such as business or public administration, preferred. Nonprofit or public sector management experience or education is a plus.
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. The Forum values a productive, respectful, and collegial staff culture. All positions require a positive, “can-do” demeanor.
Compensation
We will offer a competitive starting salary in the low six figures that is commensurate with this senior position’s requirements and the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. A generous fringe benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance, employer-paid life/disability coverage, employer-paid parking, and a generous matching 401(k) program will be offered.
We maintain a flexible and very family-friendly work environment that includes the opportunity to work remotely two to three days per week. The Wisconsin Policy Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values candidates with diverse backgrounds and encourages all to apply.
Position Reports to
President, Wisconsin Policy Forum
Location
Milwaukee office
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter via e-mail to Rob Henken, president, at rhenken@wispolicyforum.org.
