Executive Director

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 135,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

The Educational Communications Board (ECB) is seeking an Executive Director to work in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison to operate Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin, ensuring the delivery of public media and education services to a statewide audience. This is a full-time unclassified position.

The Executive Director is appointed by the Board of Directors and will share joint oversight of PBS Wisconsin and the WPR networks with the executive director of the division of

Qualifications

• Experience leading an organization or business unit and managing staff.
• Ability to develop strategic direction and budget strategies.
• Understanding of complex, multi-fund budgets.
• Experience building external relationships and fundraising partnerships.
• Knowledge of statutory frameworks for agency operations.
• Experience analyzing complex situations and making senior-level decisions.
• Experience creating continuity of operations plans.
• Experience in broadcasting or related industry is a plus.
• Experience serving a large geographic area is a plus.
• Experience interpreting federal and state laws pertaining to broadcasting is a plus.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Staff management

Operations management

Policy understanding

Decision making

Continuity planning

Stakeholder relations

Job description

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The Educational Communications Board (ECB) is a state agency that delivers educational, noncommercial, and public safety media via Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin.

We are seeking an Executive Directorto work in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to operate Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) and PBS Wisconsin, ensuring the delivery of public media and education services to a statewide audience.

The Executive Director is appointed by the Board of Directors (Wis. Stats. 15.57). The Board meets quarterly to review, advise and approve the activities of the agency, and conducts an annual review of the Executive Director’s performance. The Executive Director shares joint oversight of PBS Wisconsin and the WPR networks with the executive director of the division of Wisconsin Public Media (WPM) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

This is a full-time unclassified position. Starting salary will be between $135,200.00 and $165,547.20 annually, based on candidate qualifications plus excellent benefits .

Due to the nature of the position, ECB will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. ECB does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT (Optional Practical Training) employer for F-1 international students. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form.

This position is headquartered at 3319 W Beltline Hwy, Madison WI.

Qualifications

It is critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated job qualifications.

Qualified candidates will have:

• Experience leading an organization or business unit, this may include:
  • developing strategic direction
  • developing state and budget strategies
  • managing operations of a business unit
  • understanding of complex, multi-fund source budgets
  • managing staff and implementing personnel policies
  • managing workforce development and employee engagement strategies
  • understanding statutory frameworks for agency or organizational operations
  • analyzing complex situations and making senior level decisions
  • creating or implementing continuity of operations plans
• Experience developing and maintaining positive working relationships with external stakeholders. This may include:
  • developing and implementing a legislative advocacy strategy
  • working positively with fundraising organizations
  • working constructively with key partners to deliver high-quality products or services.

Well-qualified candidates may also have:

• Experience in the broadcasting or related industry
• Experience with an organization providing services over a large geographic area
• Experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the broadcast industry

How To Apply

The steps to apply online are quick and easy! Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Be advised that there will be no opportunity to change your application materials once you have clicked “Submit.”

Your cover letter is limited to a maximum of two (2) typed pages, single-spaced, no smaller than 10-point font, with 1-inch margins. Resumes should be limited to no more than two (2) pages (no format requirements). Pages more than the specified limits may not be evaluated. References are not necessary at this stage of the process.

Applicant materials are due by 11:59pm on Monday, September 28, 2026.