Executive Director

About Brady Street:

The Brady Street Business Improvement District represents Brady Street, one of Milwaukee’s most beloved and iconic districts, located in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI. With 9 blocks that run east to west from Lake Michigan to the Milwaukee River, we are home to some of the city’s finest restaurants, shops, taverns, salons, cafes, and so much more. 

The Opportunity:

Brady Street is seeking an Executive Director to grow and lead the Business Improvement District (BID). Brady Street is in a period of positive growth and change. The ideal candidate will serve as a coalition builder, bringing BID constituents with diverse interests together while also supporting and creating new opportunities for growth. The executive director will be the public face of the Brady Street BID, responsible and accountable for Brady Street’s operations, including budgeting and fundraising. 

Candidate Profile:

• Collaborate consistently and effectively with the Brady Street Board of Directors. 
• Develop internal operational systems that support effective project, contract, and record management, fundraising, and BID economic development. 
• Oversee BID staff, contractors, and vendors to ensure efficient operations and high-quality program delivery.
• Plan, organize, and execute initiatives that support economic growth, community engagement, and overall district improvement.  
• Maintain fiscal responsibility by managing the Board-approved budget, in partnership with the Board Treasurer, with transparency and efficiency. 
• Recommend policy updates and independently implement decisions in alignment with Board-authorized guidelines. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with BID members, local businesses, residents, city departments, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Act as the primary advocate and information source for Brady Street merchants and property owners.
• Lead efforts to attract new businesses, partner with property owners to fill vacant storefronts, pursue grants, and increase BID tax assessment value and economic corridor vitality. 
• Coordinate and promote special events and programs that enhance the district’s economic appeal. 
• Coordinate and staff all Board and committee meetings and report on performance metrics.
• Utilize the mission and vision for Brady Street to build a strong and recognizable identity for the BID.
• Identify and utilize shared values to bring businesses, residents, and city officials together for a thriving Brady Street. 

In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• Experience successfully stewarding projects, organizations, policy change, or coalitions. 
• Experience pursuing grants or investment for community development and/or economic growth. 
• Exceptional relationship-building and communications skills to collaboratively build consensus, support, and momentum across a wide range of stakeholders and issue areas.
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience. 
• Strategic mindset that can both cultivate a vision for the future and advance operations day-to-day.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce finished work products.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Brady Street reserves the right to amend duties, responsibilities, and requirements as necessary to meet organizational needs. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

This is a 40-hour a week position with some nights and weekends required. The salary range is $70,000 – $76,000. Starting benefits include 9 paid holidays and 10 personal vacation days. 

The compensation and benefits package are subject to change with organizational growth. As the executive director grows the organization through fundraising and partnerships there will be opportunities for increased compensation and benefits.