President/Ceo Jobs

We are excited to announce the opening of a newly elevated position of President/CEO at Milwaukee Women, inc. We are seeking a visionary leader capable of adeptly navigating both strategic and tactical initiatives to advance the important mission of the organization. This role presents a unique opportunity to shape your career trajectory and achieve your fullest potential.

What is Milwaukee Women inc (MWi)?

Milwaukee Women inc is a non-profit organization of executives who are determined to change the quality and composition of corporate boards with a focus on women and women of color, to maximize the performance of public and private companies.

Now in its 21st year, the organization was formed when a group of Milwaukee women leaders met in reaction to the April 2002 Milwaukee Magazine article, “Women & Power, The 10 Most Influential Women in the City”. The discussion focused on promoting research, educating community leaders on the value of diversity in corporate governance and management, and eliminating barriers to the full inclusion of women in leadership positions.

Milwaukee Women inc (“inc” stands for inclusive) has established a strong reputation in the business community and has evolved to include 140 steering committee members and 40+ sponsoring organizations that support the mission both financially and through their active participation.

President and CEO

As President/CEO of Milwaukee Women inc, you report directly to the Chair of the Board, and are selected by the Board of Directors, which the Steering Committee elects. The President/CEO will work with the Board of Directors to ensure that the organization remains focused on driving advocacy and action to achieve increased representation of women on corporate boards of directors, as well as delivering programming and services for its 140 members to increase the visibility and the pool of board-ready women in Wisconsin. In addition, the President/CEO is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the organization, working alongside committee chairs to organize programming aligned with the strategic mission and vision, setting and achieving goals related to key initiatives, bringing value to its members, and maintaining and enhancing the already well-respected reputation of the organization in the Wisconsin business community.

How will you make an impact?

Since 2004, MWi has published an annual research report on the percentage of women serving on the boards of directors of the 50 largest Wisconsin public companies, long before diversity, equity, and inclusion received the attention it does now. The latest research report, “20 Years of Advancing Inclusive Leadership”, shows that the percentage of women on the boards of Wisconsin’s top 50 public companies has increased steadily from 9.3% in 2003 to 26.3% in 2022. The following highlights the success indicators for the position.

• Finance and Budget Oversight. Ensures the organization is adequately resourced to meet all obligations and remains financially sustainable. The organization operates on a $225K annual budget inclusive of all staff.
• Communications and External Relationships. Serves as the public spokesperson for the organization, fostering relationships with business leaders and community stakeholders
• Programs and Member Services. Ensures that members are provided with high value and remain highly connected to the mission
• Leadership and Vision. Ability to transform vision into strategy - Experience creating and executing a strategic plan
• Administration. Ensures that all significant organizational processes are developed and run efficiently and effectively.
• Board Governance. Milwaukee Women Inc is governed by a board of directors comprised of executive professionals across a range of industries and elected by the membership.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Advocacy. Engages members in and/or directs research before establishing position statements. Leads advocacy efforts, building grassroots and stakeholder support.
• Inspirational leadership. The ability to organize and inspire staff and committee chairs to deliver programming and services that serve our members and help increase the pool of potential women directors. Takes initiative and personal responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of board governance and diversity, equity & inclusion trends. Demonstrated understanding of effective board governance and trends impacting non-profit and especially public/private corporate boards.
• Analytical. Demonstrated ability to analyze data and quantitative research to drive strategy and effective decision-making.
• Administrative oversight. The ability to anticipate issues, establish plans and manage the execution of projects and programs to successful outcomes.
• Financial acumen and measured risk-taking- Excellent financial background with experience in financial budgeting, planning, and reporting.
• Entrepreneurial instincts and orientation towards innovation- Ability to provide strategic thinking and direction with a vision to achieve long-term organizational goals.
• Consultative. Develops networks, builds alliances, and acts as a resource for key stakeholders through collaboration and partnerships.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively more responsible leadership experience; prior C-Suite experience is a plus.
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. A Master’s degree is desirable.
• Must reside within the Milwaukee area
• Communications experience, including public speaking as a spokesperson on behalf of an organization.

Preferred:

• Prior experience serving on a board of directors (non-profit or corporate board) is preferred
• Fundraising/Sponsorship experience is desirable