Executive Director

Lead Statewide Advocacy for Technical Education in Wisconsin.

Are you a strategic leader who knows how to build relationships, influence public policy, and bring people together around a shared mission?

The Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association (DBA) is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Executive Director to lead our statewide association and champion the role of technical education in Wisconsin’s future.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at the intersection of education, public policy, governance, and workforce development. As the chief executive officer of the DBA, you will work closely with technical college district board trustees, legislators, state agencies, and education and workforce partners to advance shared priorities and strengthen technical education across Wisconsin.

If you are a thoughtful strategist, a compelling communicator, and a relationship-builder who thrives in a leadership role with statewide influence, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

About the DBA

The Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association supports and advocates for Wisconsin’s 16 technical college district boards. Through effective governance, collaborative leadership, and strategic partnerships, the DBA helps trustees advance student success, workforce development, and the mission of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS).

The DBA serves as a voice for district board governance and works to ensure that technical education remains responsive to the evolving needs of students, employers, communities, and Wisconsin’s economy.

About the Role

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership, organizational oversight, and government relations expertise to advance the DBA’s mission and priorities.

Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads legislative advocacy, builds and maintains key stakeholder relationships, oversees organizational operations, and supports effective governance across the association’s work.

This position is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Regular on-site presence is required to effectively engage with legislators, state agencies, member boards, and partner organizations.

What You’ll Do

Lead Legislative Advocacy and Government Relations

• Develop and advance the DBA’s legislative agenda and advocacy strategies.
• Serve as the DBA’s primary lobbyist, building relationships with legislators and other policymakers, drafting proposals, and providing testimony as appropriate.
• Monitor state policy and legislative developments affecting technical education and communicate timely, relevant updates to members.
• Represent the interests and priorities of the DBA and its members in policy discussions.

Build Relationships and Represent the Association

• Serve as a trusted representative of the DBA with member boards, state agencies, legislators, and education and workforce partners.
• Strengthen collaboration, communication, and networking among district trustees and technical college leaders.
• Respond to member and stakeholder inquiries with professionalism, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Identify opportunities to build partnerships that advance the association’s mission.

Provide Strategic Leadership and Board Support

• Partner with the Board of Directors to advance the DBA’s mission, strategic plan, and organizational priorities.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board and support effective board and committee governance.
• Provide timely information, strategic insight, and recommendations to inform board decisions.
• Translate board priorities into actionable plans and organizational initiatives.

Oversee Organizational Operations

• Direct day-to-day operations, program delivery, and staff supervision.
• Lead budget development, financial planning, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Promote an ethical, inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment.
• Ensure organizational activities align with board policies, strategic priorities, and applicable requirements.

Advance Professional Excellence

• Stay informed about developments in public policy, technical and higher education, association leadership, and nonprofit management.
• Participate in relevant professional networks and bring emerging practices and insights to the organization.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the DBA’s effectiveness, member engagement, and long-term impact.

What You Bring

We are looking for a leader who combines strategic thinking with practical execution, understands the importance of strong governance, and can build trust across a diverse range of stakeholders.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; a master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• At least three years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, association, education, or public policy organization.
• Demonstrated experience in government affairs, advocacy, or legislative processes.
• Experience working with governing boards, volunteer leaders, or comparable decision-making bodies.
• Knowledge of or experience with technical education or higher education systems strongly preferred.
• A demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Skills and leadership strengths

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential information.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Proficiency with business software and digital communication tools.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, ethical leadership, and collaborative problem-solving.

Additional requirements: Travel throughout Wisconsin and occasional national travel are required.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Statewide impact: Help advance technical education, workforce development, and student success across Wisconsin.
• Meaningful advocacy: Engage directly in legislative and public policy work that affects technical colleges and the communities they serve.
• Collaborative leadership: Work with district trustees, technical college leaders, policymakers, and strategic partners.
• Organizational influence: Shape the direction, effectiveness, and long-term priorities of a statewide association.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. A benefits package is available, with details provided during the interview process.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter outlining relevant qualifications and interest in the position.
• A current resume.

Application deadline: November 15, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.

Pay: $150,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• Lobbying/Advocacy: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Madison, WI 53703 (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person