Executive Director,
Wisconsin Literacy

 

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

​

​

Founded in 1985, Wisconsin Literacy is a nonprofit, statewide coalition of literacy agencies. Wisconsin Literacy strengthens literacy statewide through training and consultation, literacy agency capacity building and program support, health literacy, workforce connections, and advocacy.

​

With the retirement of longtime Executive Director Michele Erikson (see press release), Wisconsin Literacy is seeking a leader with a passion for adult education who can inspire staff, learners, and volunteers.

​

​

​

​

See the detailed job brochure:

​

​

 

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary:

​

• The Executive Director is the organization’s chief executive officer. The position’s responsibilities include hiring and supervising staff (currently 10 in Madison and 10 in regional offices around Wisconsin); managing the organization’s budget (currently $2 million); and ensuring the successful operation of the office. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.
   

To fulfill Wisconsin Literacy’s mission, the Executive Director:

​

• Promotes adult and family literacy and the work of Wisconsin Literacy’s member agencies through various external communication venues, including press releases, newsletters, media interviews, legislative visits, and presentations.
   

• Advocates for adult literacy funding from elected officials and state agency heads.
   

• Possesses knowledge of and keeps current with health literacy/health equity issues, forming partnerships at the state and national levels.
   

• Develops new partnerships and programs that benefit adult literacy organizations.
   

• Provides resources and professional development opportunities for adult literacy program staff.
   

• Works with the Development Director to secure funding through writing grants, soliciting donations, pursuing corporate sponsorships for special events, and participating in workplace giving campaigns through the organization’s membership in Community Shares of Wisconsin.
   

• Prepares necessary documents and reports for 6 board meetings per year.
   

• Works with the full board and 4 board committees to facilitate board activities.
   

• Works closely with the board treasurer and agency controller to prepare an annual budget and monitor daily finances.
   

• Manages the Leadership Team and oversees the management and hiring of staff.

​

​

Minimum Qualifications:

​

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public administration, or related field; or comparable experience.
   

• Three to five years of experience in adult literacy, workforce development, or a related field.
   

• Experience working in or volunteering for a non-profit, community-based organization.
   

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and multi-task.
   

• Excellent researching, writing, public speaking, and advocacy skills.
   

• Successful grant writing and corporate sponsorship experience.
   

• Three-to-five years of experience managing staff.

​

​

Preferred Qualifications:

​

• Master’s degree in education, public administration, or a related field.
   

• Five years of experience in adult literacy, workforce development, or a related field.
   

• Demonstrated understanding of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act and the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act.
   

• Experience representing agency needs with elected officials.

 

 

For more information:​

​

• See the detailed job brochure.