Executive Director - Milwaukee Women, Inc.

ORGANIZATION
Milwaukee Women Inc. (MWi) is a catalyst for change through its benchmarking research, education and advocacy, and providing resources and programs that can help Wisconsin companies and organizations move the needle even further. MWi is committed to being a trusted resource to business leaders and boards of public and private companies to increase diversity in corporate governance, changing the impact of leadership and, ultimately, the performance of the Wisconsin business community. Over the past 20+ years, MWi’s annual research has shown a steady, upward trend in women on Wisconsin boards. The percentage of women on the boards of the top 50 Wisconsin public companies has increased from 9.3% in 2003 to 30.5% in 2024, slightly above the national average of 30%. In addition, 98% (49/50) of the top public companies in Wisconsin have at least one-woman board member. While growth has slowed more recently, this is a pivotal moment to accelerate momentum with renewed focus and bold strategies.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic vision and hands-on operational management for Milwaukee Women, Inc. Working in close partnership with the Board Chair, other Board of Directors, and stakeholders, the Executive Director will drive the successful implementation of the organization’s mission and strategic plan and cultivate relationships with key external stakeholders to maintain and enhance the already well-respected reputation of the organization in the Wisconsin business community. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, collaborative leader who can balance operational excellence with thoughtful innovation, ensuring that MWi thrives in the years ahead. The role is an approximately 80% part-time Executive Director position that will flex hours and schedule over time, based on organizational needs, events, and meetings.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Oversight
· Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization to ensure efficiency, quality, and alignment with organizational goals.
· Develop, implement, and manage the organizational budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximum resource utilization.
· Ensure that all organizational activities are compliant with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.

Fundraising and External Relations
· Build and nurture strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, community partners, and sponsors.
· Lead or support fundraising and development efforts, such as major gift solicitations and special events.
· Act as a public representative and spokesperson for the organization at events and in the media.

 Strategic Planning and Leadership
· Serve as a strategic thought partner and lead the organization’s strategic plan.
· Provide visionary leadership, direction, and collaboration with committee chairs, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
· Analyze organizational performance and market trends to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education And/Or Experience
· Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in a related field preferred
· Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, with a proven track record of achieving strategic objectives
· Experience in specific areas relevant to the position, e.g., major gift fundraising, program design, financial management
· Familiarity with nonprofit compliance or evaluation tools
· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences
· Self-motivated and self-directed
· Proven experience in financial oversight, budget management, and reporting
· Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
· This position is approximately 80% full-time with the need to flex time based on important meetings and events.


COMPETENCIES & ATTRIBUTES

Board Engagement
· Run/support board meetings
· Align with diverse board member styles
· Nonprofit experience
· Confidence
· Clarity
· Strategic planning
· Expectation setting

Strategic Vision, Planning, and Opportunity Development
· Strategic thinking and planning
· Identifying and developing opportunities for sponsorship and membership
· Membership engagement
· Ideation
· Curiosity
· Creativity
· Adaptability
· Learnability
· Planner

Operational and Financial Management Excellence
· Manage day-to-day operations
· Manage membership development and maintenance
· Ability to manage budgets
· Forecasting
· P&L
· Fiscal responsibility
· Steward of resources
· Ensure sustainability

External Relations, Fundraising, and Stakeholder Engagement
· Fundraising
· Strong interpersonal skills
· Building relationships
· Understanding of local business community
· Identifying sponsorship and partnership opportunities
· Public speaking
· Executive presence
· Confidence


COMPENSATION
Compensation range is $70,000 - $80,000 at approximately 80% full-time (estimated 32 hours/week) with ability to flex based on work demands.

While there is no designated MWi physical office space, the Executive Director must reside in the greater Milwaukee area to enable regular connections with board and steering committee members, as well as to cultivate relationships with business leaders and sponsors.

Limited travel will be required, primarily to Madison, the Fox Valley and Green Bay as needed.

There is a plan to include part-time administrative services to support the Executive Director.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Lisa Maddox, Executive Search Consultant
Lisa@spanopratt.com
-OR-
Lindsey Kriete, Practice Director
lkriete@spanopratt.com