Workforce Culture and Strategic Support Specialist

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wisconsin Historical Society is seeking a Workforce Culture and Strategic Support Specialist to advise on advanced program analysis, strategic planning, and implementation of complex workforce initiatives across WHS. This role collaborates with DBS, HR, and executive leadership to translate data into practical strategies.

The position leads cross‑divisional projects, develops policy frameworks, and supports organizational change efforts, including staff development and wellness initiatives.

Qualifications

• Coordinating or managing workforce, organizational development, communications, training, policy, strategic planning, or comparable organizational programs or initiatives.
• Analyzing organizational, program, policy, workforce, or operational information and using that information to develop recommendations or support decisions.
• Developing or implementing programs, policies, procedures, communications, guidance, or organizational initiatives.
• Working collaboratively across departments, programs, teams, or organizational units to coordinate and implement initiatives.
• Communicating effectively through written communications, presentations, facilitation, training, briefing materials, or other professional communications.
• Managing multiple projects or priorities with responsibility for planning, coordination, implementation, and follow-up.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a portfolio of strategic support services across workforce planning, internal communications, wellness, and leadership development.
• Analyze organizational needs, assess risks and gaps, develop program alternatives, and provide recommendations to agency leadership.
• Develop administrative frameworks, policies, procedures, and evaluation methods for agencywide programs and initiatives.

Job description

Introduction

The Wisconsin Historical Society, considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS’ mission, vision, and core values.

WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.

Click here for more information about working for WHS.

Position Summary

The Workforce Culture and Strategic Support Specialist serves as an agencywide advisor responsible for advanced program and policy analysis, strategic planning, program development and evaluation, and implementation support for complex workforce and organizational initiatives at WHS.

The position leads and coordinates a portfolio of strategic support services that includes workforce planning and programs, internal communications and organizational change support, talent and partnership development, volunteer program strategy, employee wellness initiatives, and supervisor and employee professional development. The position works across divisions to analyze organizational needs and issues, evaluate existing programs and practices, identify risks and gaps, develop program and policy alternatives, and provide recommendations to agency leadership.

The position develops administrative frameworks, policies, procedures, implementation strategies, and evaluation methods for assigned agencywide programs and initiatives. Work requires extensive knowledge of assigned programs and the ability to independently translate complex organizational, workforce, policy, and operational information into practical recommendations and implementation strategies.

The position has access to and participates in confidential matters affecting the employer-employee relationship, including workforce planning, organizational changes, staffing strategies, employee relations considerations, and leadership deliberations involving personnel and workforce decisions. The position conducts analysis and develops recommendations and materials used by management in considering and implementing these matters.

The Specialist works closely with the Division of Business Services (DBS) Division Administrator, DBS Deputy Administrator, Human Resources, executive and senior leadership, and program leaders throughout WHS. The position exercises significant independent judgment and delegated responsibility for assigned programs and strategic initiatives, including identifying issues, developing and evaluating alternatives, recommending courses of action, and making program and implementation decisions within established policy and leadership direction.

Salary Information

The salary will be between $35.00 - $42.00 per hour plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment for current or former state employees may vary according to the applicable pay provisions found in the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 07, range 03. The classification for this position is Program and Policy Analyst-Advanced. A 12-month probationary period will be required.

Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits: https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx

Job Details

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

Interested permanent classified state employees should complete this application process to apply.

WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Certain positions within WHS 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

Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.

• Coordinating or managing workforce, organizational development, communications, training, policy, strategic planning, or comparable organizational programs or initiatives.
• Analyzing organizational, program, policy, workforce, or operational information and using that information to develop recommendations or support decisions.
• Developing or implementing programs, policies, procedures, communications, guidance, or organizational initiatives.
• Working collaboratively across departments, programs, teams, or organizational units to coordinate and implement initiatives.
• Communicating effectively through written communications, presentations, facilitation, training, briefing materials, or other professional communications.
• Managing multiple projects or priorities with responsibility for planning, coordination, implementation, and follow-up.

In Addition To Meeting Minimum Qualifications, a Well-qualified Candidate Will Have Demonstrated Experience In at Least Four Of The Following Areas:

• Developing, implementing, or evaluating workforce, organizational development, employee engagement, wellness, volunteer, or other organization-wide programs.
• Conducting program, policy, workforce, or organizational analysis and developing recommendations, policies, procedures, frameworks, or implementation strategies.
• Developing or implementing internal communication strategies, organizational change initiatives, or employee engagement efforts.
• Developing or coordinating supervisor development, employee training, professional development, organizational learning, or similar programs.
• Advising senior or executive leadership and preparing analyses, recommendations, briefing materials, presentations, or communications to support decision-making.
• Leading cross-functional projects or strategic initiatives involving multiple departments, divisions, programs, or partner organizations.
• Developing or managing talent pipelines or partnerships with colleges, universities, technical colleges, community organizations, or other workforce partners.
• Using qualitative or quantitative information, including surveys, program metrics, or employee feedback, to evaluate programs, identify organizational needs, and recommend improvements.

WHS is an Equal Opportunity and Aff ... Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Questions may be directed to [e-mail]. or [phone].

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The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Deadline to Apply

Applications are due at 11:59PM on September 29, 2026.