(Interim) Executive Director Milwaukee

i.c.stars•Milwaukee, WI

6d•$115,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Interim Executive Director (IED) will provide strategic, operational, and people leadership for the i.c.stars Milwaukee site during a critical transition period. The IED will ensure continuity of operations, stabilize and strengthen local systems, support staff and participant success, and maintain strong relationships with employers, funders, community partners, and the local advisory board. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Interim ED will oversee all aspects of the Milwaukee program including program execution, team leadership, corporate engagement, fundraising support, and operational performance. The role requires a hands-on and adaptable leader who can quickly assess organizational needs, build trust with stakeholders, and drive execution while positioning the site for long-term success. The Interim ED will partner closely with national leadership and cross-functional teams to align local efforts with organizational priorities while supporting a strong and healthy team culture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Workforce Development, Nonprofit Management, Technology, or a related field OR equivalent professional experience.
7+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, workforce development, operations, talent development, business development, education, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading teams and organizations through transition, change, growth, or stabilization efforts.
Strong operational and organizational leadership skills, including budgeting, team management, and cross-functional coordination.
Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage corporate, philanthropic, civic, and community leaders.
Experience managing and supporting diverse teams and cultivating collaborative, inclusive, and accountable work environments.
Strong communication, facilitation, presentation, and writing skills.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Experience using data and performance metrics to drive operational and programmatic decisions.
High emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of workforce development, talent pipelines, employer engagement, and community partnerships preferred.
Familiarity with the Milwaukee workforce, nonprofit, philanthropic, or technology ecosystem strongly preferred.
Experience in fundraising, corporate engagement, or partnership development preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide steady and effective leadership during a period of organizational transition and growth.
Assess operational, staffing, programmatic, and stakeholder needs and implement short-term stabilization and improvement strategies.
Serve as the primary leader and representative for the Milwaukee site, ensuring continuity across internal operations and external partnerships.
Build trust and maintain transparent communication with staff, learners, alumni, board members, partners, and funders.
Support change management efforts and help strengthen organizational culture, accountability, and team effectiveness.
Partner with the CEO and national leadership team to identify opportunities, risks, and operational priorities.
Oversee local program operations and ensure high-quality delivery of the i.c.stars training model and learner experience.
Lead and support a high-performing local team across program delivery, recruitment, talent placement, employer engagement, and learner support.
Monitor program outcomes, placement metrics, retention, and participant success to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Ensure operational excellence through strong planning, prioritization, communication, and execution.
Support implementation and optimization of systems, processes, and data-driven practices that improve efficiency and scalability.
Manage local financial operations and budget oversight in partnership with national finance leadership.
Collaborate cross-functionally with development, marketing, finance, people operations, and program teams.
Monitor workforce and technology trends to help inform employer engagement and participant readiness strategies.
Strengthen and maintain relationships with Milwaukee-area employers, community organizations, funders, and civic leaders.
Support and engage the local advisory board to expand community partnerships, fundraising opportunities, and employer engagement.
Represent i.c.stars at community events, industry convenings, and workforce development forums.
Cultivate partnerships with corporations, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations to expand impact and opportunities for participants.
Help position i.c.stars Milwaukee as a trusted workforce development and technology talent partner within the regional ecosystem.
Support local fundraising and revenue generation efforts in partnership with the National Development Team.
Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing corporate sponsors, funders, and donors.
Identify opportunities for employer partnerships, sponsorships, volunteer engagement, mentorship, and hiring pipelines.
Support grant strategy, impact storytelling, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
Assist with local events, networking opportunities, and fundraising initiatives that elevate community visibility and mission impact.
Perform other duties as needed to support the goals and mission of i.c.stars.