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Job description
JOB: Chief Executive Officer
LOCATION: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
COMPANY: WRTP | BIG STEP
Chief Executive Officer
WRTP | BIG STEP | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lead a respected workforce institution into its next chapter.
WRTP | BIG STEP is seeking an accomplished, strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead an organization with a fifty-year history of connecting employers, labor, education, government, philanthropy, and communities to expand access to family-supporting careers and strengthen Wisconsin's workforce.
This is an opportunity for a leader who can build on a strong foundation while bringing clarity, alignment, and momentum to the organization's next chapter.
The Opportunity
Reporting to an engaged Board of Directors, the CEO will provide overall leadership for:
Organizational strategy and execution
Staff leadership, culture, and performance
Financial stewardship, budgeting, and sustainability
Fundraising, grants, foundations, and revenue development
Board partnership and governance
Employer, labor, education, government, philanthropic, and community relationships
Public representation and industry leadership
The CEO will be a highly visible ambassador for WRTP | BIG STEP, engaging regularly with staff, employers, labor leaders, funders, policymakers, government officials, community partners, and the public.
The Leader
The ideal candidate will bring:
5-7+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in a complex, mission-driven environment
A record of leading people and organizations through change, growth, or transition
Strong financial, budgeting, and organizational management skills
Experience with fundraising, grants, foundations, government funding, or revenue development
Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors
Exceptional communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills
The ability to navigate diverse perspectives and build common ground across stakeholders
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience; advanced degree preferred
Experience in workforce development, economic development, education, labor-management partnerships, skilled trades, manufacturing, public-sector workforce initiatives, philanthropy, or nonprofit leadership is strongly preferred.
Most importantly, WRTP | BIG STEP seeks a leader who combines strategic thinking with practical execution, executive presence with humility, and strong business judgment with a genuine passion for mission.
What Success Looks Like
Clear strategic direction and organizational alignment
A confident, engaged, and accountable team
Strong financial sustainability and diversified revenue
Expanded philanthropic, government, corporate, and strategic partnerships
A strong Board/CEO partnership
Measurable workforce and economic mobility impact
Continued growth in WRTP | BIG STEP's statewide and national influence
Location & Travel
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Approximately 10-20% travel, primarily throughout Wisconsin, including Madison and other statewide locations, with periodic national travel, including Washington, D.C.
Evening and occasional weekend commitments should be expected.
Benefits:
Health, vision, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and retirement contribution.
WRTP | BIG STEP is an equal opportunity and ADA-compliant employer.
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.