President & CEO

The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) is a statewide organization comprising a diverse membership, including professionals from various sectors of economic development. Our members include local and regional economic developers, city, county, town, and tribal officials, community planners, state and federal agency staff, university and technical college representatives, utility company staff, workforce development professionals, bankers, chamber of commerce staff, construction companies, economic development consultants, engineering companies, and residential, commercial, and retail developers. Our primary objective is to enhance the effectiveness of individuals involved in economic development and serve as the industry’s voice by promoting education, advocating for robust economic development policies, creating membership development programs, and advancing the profession throughout the state.

The President & CEO leads and oversees the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, acting as the public representative and supporting the organization in achieving its mission. This self-directed role requires economic development experience, project management, fundraising, communication (both internal and external), and relationship-building skills.

The President & CEO position reports to the Board President and Board of Directors, and will have a direct employment relationship with WEDA’s contracted Association Management Firm.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are core to this position. These are not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned.

General Management & Supervision

Lead daily operations of the Association, including communication with officers, board members, and general membership.
Implement policies, by-laws, programs, and procedures.
Oversee staff team at Association Management Firm and other vendors responsible for membership management, communications, events, governance, advocacy, and finance.
Assist the Board of Directors in forming and delivering the organization’s fiscal budget, annual nominations process, and executing board activities.

Represent the Organization

Represent WEDA at public forums related to WEDA-sponsored studies and public policy matters.
Promote a positive image of the Association and avoid conflicts of interest.
Serve as a spokesperson for the Association to members, other trade organizations, and the general public.

Long-Range Planning

Lead the Board of Directors in developing and implementing a long-range strategic plan.
Recommend and implement new value-added initiatives.
Evaluate and recommend possible programs to better serve the membership and/or grow revenue for the Association.

Maintain Effective Public Relations

Develop and cultivate public/private partnerships.
Prepare and deliver public presentations, including testimony to the state legislature.
Provide information to media representatives, business and industry representatives, civic groups, service organizations, and government officials.
Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to maintain and enhance WEDA’s brand.

Develop and Lead Educational, Service, and Program Offerings

Research top trends, topics, and needs for WEDA members and develop corresponding opportunities or assign them to approved contracted staff.
Manage programs and relationships connected to the WEDA Academy, Wisconsin Economic Development Institute, Wisconsin Basic Economic Development Course, CRA Network, Partner MOU management, and Community and Economic Development Awards.

Membership Retention & Recruitment

Lead the Association and its Membership Committee in planning and implementing membership and corporate sponsor recruitment efforts.
Prepare and review annual membership and corporate sponsor recruitment and marketing materials.
Explore membership growth in various industry sectors related to economic development.

Fundraising

Secure corporate sponsorships and ensure the budget is met for all conferences, events, and meetings.
Fundraise for special projects and other organizational needs.
Ensure fundraising plans achieve the long term financial success of the organization and routinely explore other revenue strategies to develop long-range funding plans for WEDA.

Meetings and Events

Attend corporate and networking events as a representative of the Association.
Attend Association Board and Executive Committee meetings.
Prepare and present pertinent reports and information to the assn. and executive board during its regular meetings
Work with the Board and Association Committees to plan, coordinate, and implement the Association’s annual conferences and meetings.
Oversee all conferences and meetings, including the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development and the Fall Best Practices Conference.

Legislative Advocacy

Advocate for the Association’s Legislative Agenda and other issues valuable to the profession and membership, in collaboration with the Legislative Affairs Director.

Other

Sub-contracting for services requires prior approval from the Executive Committee before retaining any additional representatives for the Association.

Position Details

Reporting and Supervision

The President & CEO position is “at will” and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Report to the Association’s Board President for day-to-day operational issues.
This position will have a direct employment relationship with an Association Management Firm contracted by WEDA.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Bachelor’s degree in economic development, business, urban/regional planning, public administration, finance, or a related field.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in community and economic development, program development/operation and administration, or sales, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Master’s degree desired.
CEcD and/or EDFP certifications preferred.
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license or access to transportation required.

Supportive Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Economic Development: Proven success in project leadership, management, and execution; commitment to regionalism; ability to lead diverse economic development activities.
Political Awareness: Ability to build and maintain relationships with key business and civic leaders; navigate organizational and political realities.
Building Relationships: Experience in building strong relationships with legislators, business professionals, and other stakeholders.
Change Agent: Experience facilitating organizational change; high energy, trust, and integrity; effective in group dynamics and consensus-building.
Business Acumen: Understanding of business operations and trends; ability to apply business tactics effectively.
Fundraising: able to identify prospects, describe value and manage relationships.
Organizational Skills: Managing meeting schedule, preparing for meetings, providing information for members to make timely decisions, managing records, facilitation and project management.
Drive for Results: Consistently meet or exceed goals; motivate self and others to achieve success.

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Strong interpersonal communication and public speaking skills.
Ability to lead and adapt to change, build consensus, and advise on policies and procedures.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
Financial acumen and basic understanding of economic development financing, non-profit management, and related compliance.
Ability to interpret descriptive statistical reports and exercise judgment in program direction and planning.
Dedication to meeting stakeholder expectations and building effective relationships marked by trust and respect.

Work Schedule Expectations

Flexible work schedule defined by position duties; early morning and evening meetings may be necessary.
Responsiveness to member/stakeholder needs in a timely fashion.

Travel Expectation

Statewide travel required for client services, professional development, corporate sponsor relations, seminars, and conferences.
Occasional out of state travel.

Compensation and Benefits

For the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt.
The expected pay range for this position is $110,000-140,000, depending upon experience
Simple IRA with match up to 3%
PTO
Health insurance
Professional development allowance