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Executive Director – NEW ERA Northeastern Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance

Basic Functions & Responsibilities

Provide leadership to advance the collaboration, initiatives, projects, and mission of NEW ERA, the alliance between the seven publicly supported institutions of higher education in the New North region. In collaboration with the leaders of these institutions, the Executive Director implements strategic priorities, builds organizational sustainability, develops strategic partnerships to extend the collaborative mission in the region.
 
The Executive Director manages and oversees the day-to-day functions of the organization, serving under the general direction of the NEW ERA Board Chair, and in close coordination and collaboration with the leadership of the institutional members.
 
 

Essential Job Functions/Secondary Job Functions

  1. Develop and implement short and long-range strategies, operational plans, and practices to build the capacity of the NEW ERA organization to achieve its mission.
  2. Lead, direct, and coordinate NEW ERA projects and initiatives, leading work groups as appropriate.
  3. Serve as the liaison and key contact for NEW ERA with economic development organizations, regional industry alliances, and the business community to support the objectives and mission of NEW ERA.
  4. Pursue appropriate grant opportunities in alignment with NEW ERA strategic priorities, working in collaboration with the faculty and staff of member institutions.
  5. Identify emerging needs, opportunities, and critical issues related to educational, economic, demographic, or technological factors in the region for the Board’s consideration in guiding its short- and long-range strategies.
  6. Access, conduct or provide regional analysis, including surveys and other research to inform the Board’s strategic initiatives.
  7. Conduct and oversee all business operations for the NEW ERA organization, including budget and finance.
  8. Develop a variety of reports and informational pieces as well as marketing materials, an effective web presence, and manage internal and external communications.
  9. In consultation with the Board Chair and assistance of the Board Chairs Executive Assistant, plan the agendas, organize materials, coordinate any external presenters/participants, and communicate meeting information to members.
  10. Monitor and take necessary actions to ensure that NEW ERA meets all IRS requirements for 501(c)(3) status.
  11. Serve as an advocate for public higher education in northeast Wisconsin.
  12. Regularly travel to NEW ERA campuses to participate in meetings and events.

Qualifications, Training and Experience

  1. Master’s Degree preferred, Bachelor’s Degree required, AND
  2. Minimum of five years of senior level leadership experience, with a focus on developing and communicating a vision, building relationships, and achieving results; experience in higher education preferred, AND
  3. Experience in facilitation, consensus-building, and building/managing collaborative relationships preferably within higher education, such as coalitions or partnerships, OR
  4. An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessary.
  5. Excellent public relations skills, with the ability to represent NEW ERA with a high degree of personal credibility.

Essential Aptitudes, Skills, Knowledge and Personal Characteristics

  1. Skillful in use of interpersonal communication to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, skilled in facilitation and team-building. Experienced in working collaboratively and building cooperation among broad groups of stakeholders towards points of consensus.
  2. Able to analyze complex and ambiguous issues and opportunities, and develop, communicate, and establish actionable strategies, goals and objectives.
  3. Skillful in effective communications, both oral and written, including excellent group presentation skills.
  4. Able to lead, organize, and marshal diverse stakeholders to implement a strategy.
  5. Exercises strong initiative, sound judgment, and demonstrates the highest level of professionalism.
  6. Able to be politically savvy and astute, as well as establish and maintain credibility with education, business, political, and community leaders.
  7. Able to investigate and develop avenues for sustainable funding such as grants. Able to work collaboratively with the faculty and staff of NEW ERA institutions to oversee awarded grants, manage and monitor activities and budgets, and reporting requirements of individual funding sources.
  8. Skillful in managing multiple complex projects. Able to be self-sufficient and manage and perform all tasks required to execute the responsibilities of a one-person function.
  9. Possesses a sound business acumen for leading a 501(c)(3) organization.
  10. Able to conduct and analyze regional information, including surveys and research.