Self-Advocate Education and Leadership Project Manager

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) seeks a Program and Policy Analyst-Advanced to conduct comprehensive public policy analysis, research, and evaluation impacting people with developmental disabilities. Based in Madison, this role supports self-advocates and communicates policy positions to the Legislature and stakeholders.

You will work with partners on training, resources, procurement procedures, and technical assistance, helping to shape statewide policy.

Qualifications

• Experience with serving people with developmental disabilities and families.
• Experience developing trainings and resources for systemic needs.
• Experience with contracting and procurement procedures.
• Experience analyzing policies in Wisconsin’s long-term care system and engaging decision-makers.
• Experience with plain language and co-creation of materials with self-advocates.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive public policy analysis, research, planning and evaluation to determine impacts on people with disabilities.
• Provide technical assistance and communicate policy positions to the Legislature, other advocates and the public.

Skills

Disability services

Policy analysis

Contracting

Training materials

Self-advocates

Job description

Introduction

Make a difference by working to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities in Wisconsin!

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD), located in downtown Madison, advocates on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, fosters welcoming and inclusive communities, and improves the disability service system. BPDD’s mission is to help people with developmental disabilities become independent, productive, and be included in all facets of community life. Visit the BPDD website to learn more!

This position is headquartered at the Department of Administration State Office Building, 101 E Wilson Street, Madison, WI.

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Executive Director of the Board on People with Developmental Disabilities (Board), this position performs comprehensive public policy analysis including research, planning and evaluation to determine impacts on people with disabilities. This position works with the Board in supporting the development of well-informed self-advocates who can advise on and impact statewide policy for people with disabilities. This position also provides technical assistance to Wisconsin’s statewide advocacy self-advocacy organization. This position also works with the Board and its partners to provide communications on the Board's policy positions to the Legislature, other advocates and the public. This position requires a thorough knowledge of state and federal legislation relating to people with developmental and physical disabilities.

Salary Information

Starting salary for the Program and Policy Analyst-Advanced position (07-03) be between $28.24 - $46.59 hourly, plus excellent benefits. Salary will be determined by applicant qualifications. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

Job Details

Due to the nature of the position, BPDD will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. BPDD 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.

All employees are expected to live and work in Wisconsin. Certain positions may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.

Qualifications

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

Qualified applicants will have experience with each of the following:

• Experience in a professional role working with people with developmental disabilities and their family members.
• Experience developing training and resources that respond to systemic needs.
• Experience with contracting and procurement procedures.
• Experience analyzing policies and programs in Wisconsin’s long-term care system and working with decision-makers.
• Experience with plain language and co-creation of resources, including training and communication materials, with self-advocates.

Well-qualified applicants will also have experience with at least one of the following:

• Experience with writing and administering federal grants, including federal grant writing software, implementation of federal grants and reporting requirements.
• Experience with impacting policy decisions and advanced understanding of Medicaid waiver services.
• Experience with providing technical assistance to community-based organizations and professionals with lived experience.

Deadline to Apply

Application materials are due by 11:59pm CST on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.