CEO: Lead Workforce Innovation & Economic Mobility

WRTP | BIG STEP; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

WRTP | BIG STEP is seeking a seasoned Chief Executive Officer to guide a fifty-year-old workforce nonprofit into its next chapter. You will set strategy, lead staff, ensure financial sustainability, and steward fundraising, grants, and partnerships with employers, labor, government, philanthropy, and education sectors.

As the external ambassador, you will advance workforce development initiatives, strengthen board relations, and build broad stakeholder support while maintaining a bold focus on

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in a complex, mission-driven environment.
• A track record of leading people and organizations through change, growth, or transition.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for organizational strategy and execution.
• Lead staff, culture, and performance.
• Oversee financial stewardship, budgeting, and sustainability.
• Drive fundraising, grants, foundations, and revenue development.
• Manage Board partnership and governance; build relationships with employers, labor, education, government, philanthropy, and communities.
• Serve as an external ambassador engaging with staff, partners, funders, policymakers, and the public.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising

Board governance

Public speaking

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Team building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

WRTP | BIG STEP is seeking a seasoned Chief Executive Officer to guide a fifty-year-old workforce nonprofit into its next chapter. You will set strategy, lead staff, ensure financial sustainability, and steward fundraising, grants, and partnerships with employers, labor, government, philanthropy, and education sectors.

As the external ambassador, you will advance workforce development initiatives, strengthen board relations, and build broad stakeholder support while maintaining a bold focus on