Executive Director - Wisconsin Appleseed Center for Law & Justice

The Wisconsin Appleseed Center for Law & Justice (“Wisconsin Appleseed”) is a new nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to helping build a state where everyone has genuine opportunities to thrive and where justice is abundant. Wisconsin Appleseed will lead ambitious systemic policy advocacy at the state and local level in Wisconsin, including legislative advocacy, community engagement, coalition building, policy research, and legal advocacy. Wisconsin Appleseed is a member of the Appleseed Network, a collaboration of 19 justice centers across the United States and Mexico.More information is available at www.AppleseedNetwork.org.

The Wisconsin Appleseed Board of Directors seeks a dynamic and committed individual to serve as the organization’s founding Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have a bold vision for the future of Wisconsin, strong follow-through and entrepreneurial spirit, and strong skills in both policy advocacy and organizational development.

LOCATION: Remote anywhere within Wisconsin, with travel to Madison and Milwaukee for meetings with board members, legislators, donors, and coalition partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Appleseed Network is highly collaborative, and the Wisconsin Appleseed Executive Director will have significant support for the responsibilities listed below from both the Appleseed Foundation (which serves as the network office for the Appleseed Network) and Nebraska Appleseed (which serves as the fiscal sponsor for Wisconsin Appleseed), as well as from the other Appleseed justice centers in the Appleseed Network.

Policy Advocacy (Approximately 35%)

• In partnership with the Board of Directors, develop the organization’s inaugural policy advocacy campaigns. Appleseed justice centers advocate on a wide range of issues, including issues related to economic justice, racial justice, criminal justice reform, childhood, immigration, and access to justice. Appleseed justice centers select their priority advocacy issue areas based on the specific needs and opportunities in their communities.
• Oversee the implementation of the advocacy campaigns, including research, coalition development, community engagement, and legislative advocacy, aiming to have at least one advocacy ‘win’ within the first year.

Organizational Development (Approximately 25%)

• Oversee the incorporation and 501(c)(3) application for Wisconsin Appleseed; Oversee the development of the organization’s financial systems, website and communications platforms, and other organizational infrastructure.

Fundraising (Approximately 40%)

• In partnership with the Board of Directors, develop and implement a fundraising plan to raise at least $100,000 in grants and donations each year within the organization’s first and second years to match seed funding provided by the Appleseed Foundation.
• Cultivate strong relationships with donors and program officers from partner foundations.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, and EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate will have the following skills, knowledge, and experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience in nonprofit, public policy, government, or legal organizations. Exceptional candidates will have experience in:
  • Legislative advocacy, community engagement, coalition building, and policy research
  • Nonprofit fundraising, including securing grants from foundations and donations from individuals and firms
  • Nonprofit operations and management
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; a graduate degree in a field related to law or public policy is preferred, but not required
• A strong work ethic and high motivation to build sustained advocacy for systemic justice in Wisconsin
• An entrepreneurial and highly collaborative approach to advocacy; ability to set strategic goals, develop effective and adaptable plans, and follow through on the execution of those plans.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:

• Salary: Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Benefits: Health and retirement benefits; generous PTO and paid health leave; remote work stipend

TO APPLY:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to bmagnuson@AppleseedNetwork.org with “Wisconsin Appleseed Executive Director” in the email subject line.