Program Manager

The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is seeking a dynamic, organized, and relationship-driven Program Manager to lead and grow key programs that support LGBTQ+ and allied businesses across Wisconsin.

This role will manage a portfolio of entrepreneurship, supplier diversity, leadership development, and workplace engagement programs that help businesses start, grow, connect, and thrive. Core responsibilities include oversight of the Entrepreneur Bootcamp, LGBT Business EnterprisesÒ (LGBTBE) certification support and supplier diversity efforts, the Workplace Alliance, and the LEAD Series, along with helping strengthen related partnerships, participant engagement, and program visibility.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys program management, community-building, and working directly with businesses, corporate partners, and stakeholders. The Chamber is looking for someone who can both manage details and think strategically, while contributing as part of a small, collaborative statewide team.

This position reports to the Chief of Staff & Vice President of Programs and Partnerships. This is a full-time, salaried role. Although the position is structured as a 40-hour work week, it is not a traditional 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. job, and some early mornings and evenings are part of the role. Milwaukee is the preferred location for this position (with two in-person days per week), but we are open to candidates based elsewhere in Wisconsin who can support our statewide work. Frequent in-state travel is expected, and the selected candidate must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the state for meetings, events, and program activities.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Program Management and Execution

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of assigned Chamber programs and initiatives.
• Develop and manage timelines, work plans, logistics, and follow-up for multiple programs throughout the year.
• Ensure a high-quality experience for participants, speakers, partners, and stakeholders across all assigned programs.
• Track participation, outcomes, feedback, and other key metrics to support evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement.

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Support

• Manage the Chamber’s entrepreneurship-related programs, including the Entrepreneur Bootcamp and other small business support initiatives.
• Coordinate recruitment, registration, communications, materials, logistics, speakers, and participant engagement for entrepreneurship programming.
• Help connect small business members to resources, opportunities, and Chamber programs that support business growth and success.

Supplier Diversity and LGBTBE Certification

• Support the Chamber’s supplier diversity efforts and serve as a key point of contact for LGBTBE certification education, outreach, and support.

• Conduct site visits for NGLCC LGBT Business EnterpriseÒ (LGBTBE) Certification.
• Assist businesses in understanding the certification process and connect them with tools and resources to strengthen their applications.
• Help plan and execute programming related to supplier diversity, certification readiness, and business-to-business connections.
• Support relationship-building with certified businesses, corporate partners, and other stakeholders connected to this work.

Leadership Development and Workplace Programming

• Manage professional development and leadership-focused initiatives, including the LEAD Series and related educational programming.
• Support the planning and coordination of Workplace Alliance programming and other initiatives that engage corporate and community partners.
• Identify opportunities for new or expanded programming that reflects member needs and the Chamber’s strategic priorities.

Relationship Management and Member Engagement

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with members, participants, corporate partners, presenters, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the Chamber at meetings, programs, networking events, and community engagements connected to the role’s portfolio.
• Serve as the Chamber representative to the Ethnic & Diverse Business Coalition (EDBC)
• Support outreach and follow-up efforts that strengthen member engagement and deepen participation in Chamber programs.

Other Duties

• Participate in statewide travel, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and overnight travel as needed.
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture and support the Chamber’s mission, goals, and growth.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) Qualifications

• Strong program management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and details at once
• Ability to translate ideas and strategic priorities into actionable plans and successful program delivery
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills, including the ability to establish priorities, assess needs, and respond appropriately
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with members, small business owners, corporate partners, presenters, and community stakeholders
• Ability to think creatively, solve problems, and adapt to changing circumstances
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a small team environment
• Ability to track data, monitor outcomes, and identify opportunities for improvement
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Willingness to take initiative, manage deadlines, and support multiple organizational priorities
• Ability to represent the Chamber professionally in both in-person and virtual settings
• Willingness to travel regularly across Wisconsin for meetings, events, and program support

 Requirements

• Must possess a spirit of cooperation, flexibility, and enthusiasm
• Must be committed to the vision, mission, and values of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
• Must be committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the community and the workplace
• Minimum of 1 to 3 years of relevant experience in program management, nonprofit management, community engagement, business support, event coordination, or related work
• Experience working with entrepreneurs, small businesses, business development initiatives, or professional development programs preferred
• Must have reliable transportation and be able to travel throughout the state on a regular basis

Working Conditions

This position is hybrid and requires frequent in-person work in Milwaukee and around the state. Milwaukee is preferred as the primary work location, though candidates based elsewhere in Wisconsin will be considered. The Program Manager will be expected to travel regularly throughout Wisconsin for meetings, events, relationship-building, and program support. Some early mornings, evenings, and occasional overnight travel may be required. Reimbursement is provided for approved business travel.

Compensation

This is a salaried position. Salary is $50,000 to $55,000 annually, plus benefits including unlimited PTO, 401(k) with employer match, monthly contribution to an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement, and additional benefits.