The opportunity Help shape the future of growth and development across Greater Madison. Smart Growth Greater Madison, Inc. (SGGM), a nonprofit membership organization, is seeking an Executive Director to lead advocacy, strengthen member relationships, deliver high-value programs, and guide the organization's day-to-day operations. With the current Executive Director retiring, this is an opportunity for a collaborative, self-directed leader to build on SGGM's established presence and expand its impact throughout the region. As SGGM's sole employee and public representative, you will have meaningful ownership of the organization's priorities and a visible role in the community. You will work closely with the Board of Directors, President, Executive Committee, and volunteer committees. This role will appeal to a resourceful relationship-builder who enjoys moving between public policy, member engagement, events, communications, and organizational leadership. The Executive Director is a full-time, in-person position. About Smart Growth Greater Madison Founded in 2002 as Smart Growth Madison, SGGM brings together commercial, residential, and nonprofit real estate developers, along with the businesses that help shape the built environment across Greater Madison. Members include contractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, environmental consultants, lenders, accountants, attorneys, commercial real estate professionals, insurers, property managers, and others.
Our mission:
"Advocating and providing resources to empower individuals, groups, and businesses that contribute to building the Greater Madison area. Together we are creating a strong and thriving community for all." What you'll lead Your work will span the following areas. These allocations reflect the anticipated emphasis of the role, with priorities evolving based on organizational needs and Board direction. Public policy and government relations | 40%
- Build and maintain productive relationships with elected and appointed officials, municipal staff, and partner organizations, particularly in Madison and the surrounding communities.
- Monitor local government plans, ordinances, policies, and meetings to identify developments affecting the real estate industry; brief the Board and members on relevant issues.
- Coordinate SGGM's advocacy on proposed ordinances and policies through testimony, meetings, written communications, member engagement, and other Board-directed outreach.
- Work with the Board and Public Policy Committee to develop constructive policy proposals and engage local officials; coordinate the work of any outside lobbyist.
- Attend, and sometimes speak at, public meetings, educational events, and networking opportunities, some of which are in the evening.
- Organize educational opportunities for local officials and staff as directed by the Board; maintain relationships with allied organizations. Member and Board communications | 20%
- Provide timely member updates on policy developments, events, and sponsorship opportunities through a regular email report and additional communications as needed.
- Plan and support at least quarterly Board meetings and meetings of the Public Policy and Events & Membership committees.
- Provide monthly financial updates to the Board, maintain the SGGM website, and support organizational communications. Events and programs | 20%
- Plan and execute the annual golf outing, annual member meeting, and holiday party, with attention to participation and financial results.
- Coordinate approximately one additional networking, community, or educational event each month, as well as timely programs on emerging topics. Media and public communications | 5%
- Develop relationships with local media and serve as a knowledgeable, responsive spokesperson on development-related matters.
- Prepare opinion pieces, press releases, media briefings, and social media content as directed by the Board. Organizational and financial management | 15%
- Administer membership dues, invoicing, sponsorships, and other revenue opportunities; support member recruitment and retention.
- Manage expenses, payroll, accounting records, and financial controls in accordance with SGGM policies.
- Prepare the annual budget in September/October for Board approval by December 15; monitor revenues and expenses against the approved budget.
- Coordinate required federal and state tax and corporate filings; complete applicable lobbying registration and compliance responsibilities. What you'll bring Essential qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with decision-makers, present ideas persuasively, and communicate professionally.
- Sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to handle organizational finances responsibly.
- An associate degree (two-year degree) or higher.
- Ability to register as a lobbyist with the City of Madison if offered the position. Additional qualifications that would be valuable
- Experience communicating with local elected officials and government staff, or knowledge of land-use and real estate development entitlement processes from the public or private sector.
- Experience in the real estate industry.
- At least three years of experience managing the operations or business affairs of a nonprofit organization, business unit, or government entity.
- Bachelor's degree.
Compensation The annual base salary is $75,000-$90,000, plus a performance-based bonus and commissions for recruiting new members. Selection process As part of the selection process, the selected candidate may be required to complete a personality assessment and drug test.
Pay:
$75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Flexible schedule Paid time off
Work Location:
In person