Executive Strategy Partner & Board Liaison

Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association; Madison, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with 10% match

Hybrid work model

Job summary

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) seeks a Chief of Staff to partner with the CEO in shaping strategy and guiding operations across governance, communications, and donor relations. This hybrid role requires weekly presence in Madison, WI and a proven track record in leading complex initiatives with cross-functional teams.

You will steward board processes, align priorities with UW–Madison’s mission, and craft executive communications that engage donors, alumni, and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in advancement, communications, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in strategic planning, governance, and board relations.
• Exceptional executive communication skills, with experience drafting speeches and donor messaging.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders effectively.
• High-level problem-solving abilities and the capacity to navigate complex challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Act as strategic thought partner to the CEO, offering insights and recommendations on key decisions and initiatives.
• Partner with the CEO to develop and implement WFAA's strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with WFAA and UW's missions.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that drive organizational excellence and innovation.
• Facilitate decision-making and priority setting among the executive leadership team.
• Monitor key performance metrics and report on progress toward strategic goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the WFAA board, ensuring strong governance practices and board engagement.
• Oversee board onboarding, training, and engagement to ensure strong fiduciary oversight.
• Plan and execute board meetings, preparing materials and briefing leadership.
• Support board committees in developing and executing strategic initiatives.
• Facilitate communication between board members, executive leadership, and university stakeholders.
• Lead the strategies for and development of executive communications, including speeches, reports, presentations, and messaging for internal and VIP audiences.
• Oversee crisis communications efforts and response teams.
• Ensure that the messaging aligns with WFAA mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Work directly with the CEO to define, develop, and implement the CEO's executive brand.
• Partner internally to plan and track and help execute CEO touchpoints with key donors, alumni, and other external strategic partners.
• Work closely with university leadership, donors, and external partners to strengthen relationships and enhance collaboration.
• Represent WFAA leadership team at events, meetings, and key board engagements.
• Provide executive oversight of critical projects, ensuring timely execution and impact.
• Identify and address operational bottlenecks, enhancing overall efficiency.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, offering insights and recommendations on key decisions.
• Oversee executive support teams and functions.
• Represent WFAA at high-level meetings, events, and alumni/donor engagements as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Board relations

Executive communications

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) seeks a Chief of Staff to partner with the CEO in shaping strategy and guiding operations across governance, communications, and donor relations. This hybrid role requires weekly presence in Madison, WI and a proven track record in leading complex initiatives with cross-functional teams.

You will steward board processes, align priorities with UW–Madison’s mission, and craft executive communications that engage donors, alumni, and partners.