Executive Director of Fair Wisconsin

Job Title: Executive Director
Employer: Fair Wisconsin
Location: Madison, Wisconsin

More information about the organization and position are in the job brochure: bit.ly/fair-job

Fair Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s only statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights political advocacy organization with the mission to advance,  protect, and achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) Wisconsinites.

Fair Wisconsin is seeking a vocal champion for LGBTQ+ equality who can strategize and drive change through advocacy, organizing, and coalition-building.

The Executive Director works with Fair Wisconsin’s two Boards of Directors to develop and implement Fair Wisconsin’s vision, implement its strategic plans, manage its staff and all aspects of its operations, and serve as the public face of the organization.

The position is open until filled. It was posted on March 5, 2024. Rather than setting an application deadline, we are considering applications and holding interviews on a rolling basis. For best consideration, please apply promptly, and complete all questions in the application. Our goal is to fill this position by the end of May 2024.

The Executive Director’s job responsibilities include:

  • Accounting & finances: Has sole spending authority for all entities; works with the Accountant to develop and maintain organizational finances; Works with Accountant on payroll, check signing, company audits and the creation and maintenance of entity-specific fiscal year budgets and cash flow.
  • Fundraising: Principal for major donor, grant and organizational fundraising relationships and solicitations; works with staff to develop fiscal year fundraising plans for all entities; approves all fundraising communications including direct mail solicitations, fundraiser invitations and related materials, grant LOIs, proposals and reports, and all other fundraising materials; leads direct mail fundraising program.
  • Communications: Primary spokesperson; works with staff to develop organizational communications and media strategies; approves all public communications, such as press releases, emails, blog posts, direct mail solicitations, website content, etc.
  • Legislative advocacy: Main legislative strategist; manages any contract lobbyists; registered lobbyist; works with staff to coordinate and implement communications and organizing strategies to support legislative efforts.
  • Field organizing: Works with staff to develop outreach, grassroots organizing, electoral strategies, and communications programs to support field efforts.
  • External relationships: Represents Fair Wisconsin at coalition tables: America Votes Executive Committee, Wisconsin Progress, Equality Federation and Equality Federation Institute Board of Directors, Equality Federation Membership and Governance Committee, and other coalitions and LGBTQ+ grantors as necessary.
  • Human resources: Responsible for all hiring and terminations; maintains employee policy handbook and other staff policies as necessary; works with the Accountant to manage human resources policies and procedures.
  • Internal operations: Works with staff to maintain Fair Wisconsin’s internal operations.
  • Board governance: Main Boards of Directors contact for organizational communications; manages Board Committees and regularly scheduled Board meetings; works with Board Fundraising Chair to track Board giving and fundraising.

Experience sought:

A strong candidate would have some combination of these experiences and skills:

  • Demonstrated passion for Fair Wisconsin’s mission of LGBTQ+ equality.
  • Significant political advocacy experience, including legislative lobbying, grassroots organizing, and electoral strategy work.
  • Excellent public speaking, writing, and media engagement skills.
  • Successful track record of fundraising from cultivating major donors, securing grants, and executing small-donor campaigns.
  • Demonstrated success building coalitions with other organizations dedicated to social justice.
  • Strong team leadership and management skills, with an ability to engage, mentor and develop staff.
  • General management experience overseeing budgets and organizational administration.

Again, the above is a shortened version of a more detailed job description found in the job brochure: bit.ly/fair-job

To apply: bit.ly/fair-apply

Fair Wisconsin is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to apply regardless of perceived experience or qualifications.