Executive Director for Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Organization and Position Overview

Founded in 1995, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign (WDC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan watchdog that tracks and exposes money in politics in Wisconsin. The WDC provides the premier searchable database of campaign donations in the state. They are the only group that systematically tracks election spending by outside groups. They post original stories on money and politics on our website, and work with the media to convey our information and educate the public. The WDC advocates for transparency and for reforms that level the electoral playing field. They defend our civil rights and liberties. They offer a vision of a democracy with equal participation, racial equity, and economic justice. The WDC’s data on campaign finance is quoted regularly by Associated Press, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Wisconsin State Journal, Wisconsin Public Radio, the Wisconsin Examiner, and national news outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The New Yorker also covered our work in the lead up to the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Wisconsin’s premier Campaign Finance Database lets you conduct your own investigation into campaigns for state office in Wisconsin using a variety of criteria. You can now do the same for contributions from PACs and other political committees. www.wisdc.org/follow-the-money

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for leading WDC as a nonpartisan nonprofit watchdog that advocates for reforms that strengthen democracy (such as an end to gerrymandering and getting dark money out of politics), systematically tracks election spending, and defends access to the vote. The ED serves as the public voice of WDC regularly interacting with the media through interviews and the general public through speaking engagements throughout the state; its lead lobbyist; and its primary fundraiser. In addition to the duties with WDC, the ED interacts with coalition partners in statewide pro- democracy work. The ED also oversees the budget, serves as editor for press releases, news articles, and online content, and attends to the Board. The ED keeps members informed and up to date on WDC’s staff work, works cooperatively with the Board to receive and integrate comments and concerns as well as new ideas and project proposals.

To learn more, please visit us at: www.wisdc.org.

Essential Responsibilities

• Initiates and builds relationships and collaborations connected to WDC’s mission and purpose.
• Implements policies, programs, goals, and objectives as established by the Board.
• Serves as a visible and effective communicator and spokesperson for WDC’s mission through the media and speaking engagements.
• Lead the overall resource and fund development strategies for WDC.
• Prioritizes and cultivates an internal culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Oversees the organization’s financial operations and budgetary processes, ensuring sound financial controls are in place.
• Regularly travel across Wisconsin to promote and share WDC’s vision.
• Enhances Board participation in strategic planning, creating visibility, and fund development.
• Supports effective operations by engaging the Board in meaningful participation to further the organization’s goals, including policy formation, goal setting, and providing direction and leadership for the organization’s philosophy and mission.
• Serves as the organization’s external face and participates in press conferences, fields media requests, and participates in community events.
• Ensures that day-to-day operations are efficiently organized and conducted.

Qualifications, Attributes, and Experience

• Commitment to advancing WDC’s values, mission, goals, policies, and programs.
• A history of being a team player who inspires collaboration, functions decisively, and is flexible and well organized.
• A minimum of three years of increasing responsibility supervising a staff or team
• Experience working with, or participating on, boards of directors – nonprofit boards is a plus.
• Excellent oral, written, and digital communications skills, including public speaking and informal interpersonal communication.
• Appreciation of the nuances of working with the media.
• Thorough understanding of fiscal management and nonprofit compliance requirements
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of racial equity and economic justice.
• Participation in successful strategic/business planning processes(es).
• Involvement with diverse collaboration and coalition building.
• A track record of successful fundraising through grants and private donations.
• Appreciation for and commitment to the structure and ideology of nonpartisanship.
• Deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing pro-democracy organizations in Wisconsin and across the nation.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US, have a valid driver’s license, and be able to relocate to Madison, Wisconsin.
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, is preferred.

Instructions for Applicants

Please click the “Learn How to Apply” button below for application instructions.

Commitments from WDC

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to arrest or conviction, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations with the application process to contact us in advance.

• The annual salary range for this leadership position starts at $75,000.
• Health, dental and long-term disability insurance plans are 100% employer paid. The company contributes to an employee retirement fund. Paid time off is 15 vacation days for the first two years, 20 days thereafter; 12 sick days; and 10 holidays.
• Some remote work within Wisconsin is an option.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of thorough background and reference checks.
• All inquiries about and interactions with candidates are kept in strict confidence.
• This position will remain open until filled.

This leadership transition is being facilitated by Leading Transitions. Leading Transitions is committed to the vitality of a diverse representation of mission-based, nonprofit, philanthropic, and community-centered efforts and organizations, and their leaders. The firm’s inclusive practices provide the flexibility and creativity necessary to adapt to the intricacies and dynamics of any community. We believe that periods of change are transformational and bring great new opportunities.