A Chief Executive Officer provides overall direction for companies and private and public sector organizations. Develops and defines company policies. Plans and directs operational activities, with the help of management executives and staff managers.
| Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lead a respected workforce institution into its next chapter. WRTP |
BIG STEP
is seeking an accomplished, strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead an organization with a fifty-year history of connecting employers, labor, education, government, philanthropy, and communities to expand access to family-supporting careers and strengthen Wisconsin's workforce. This is an opportunity for a leader who can build on a strong foundation while bringing clarity, alignment, and momentum to the organization's next chapter. The Opportunity Reporting to an engaged Board of Directors, the CEO will provide overall leadership for: Organizational strategy and execution Staff leadership, culture, and performance Financial stewardship, budgeting, and sustainability Fundraising, grants, foundations, and revenue development Board partnership and governance Employer, labor, education, government, philanthropic, and community relationships Public representation and industry leadership The CEO will be a highly visible ambassador for WRTP | BIG STEP, engaging regularly with staff, employers, labor leaders, funders, policymakers, government officials, community partners, and the public. The Leader The ideal candidate will bring: 5-7+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in a complex, mission-driven environment A record of leading people and organizations through change, growth, or transition Strong financial, budgeting, and organizational management skills Experience with fundraising, grants, foundations, government funding, or revenue development Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors Exceptional communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills The ability to navigate diverse perspectives and build common ground across stakeholders Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience; advanced degree preferred Experience in workforce development, economic development, education, labor-management partnerships, skilled trades, manufacturing, public-sector workforce initiatives, philanthropy, or nonprofit leadership is strongly preferred. Most importantly, WRTP |
BIG STEP
seeks a leader who combines strategic thinking with practical execution, executive presence with humility, and strong business judgment with a genuine passion for mission. What Success Looks Like The CEO will help create: Clear strategic direction and organizational alignment A confident, engaged, and accountable team Strong financial sustainability and diversified revenue Expanded philanthropic, government, corporate, and strategic partnerships A strong Board/CEO partnership Measurable workforce and economic mobility impact Continued growth in WRTP | BIG STEP's statewide and national influence Location & Travel Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Approximately 10-20% travel, primarily throughout Wisconsin, including Madison and other statewide locations, with periodic national travel, including Washington, D.C. Evening and occasional weekend commitments should be expected.
Benefits:
Health, vision, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and retirement contribution. WRTP |
BIG STEP
is an equal opportunity and ADA-compliant employer. We Make it Easy Founded in 1901, MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves more than 4,000 employers, covering more than one million employees. As one of the largest employer associations in the nation, MRA helps its member organizations thrive by offering the most comprehensive assortment of HR services, information, education, and resources to help build successful workplaces and a powerful workforce. We partner with these companies working directly with their HR department and leadership to hire their talent. We are a direct line to the company, not an agency recruiter.
