Executive Director

The Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WIARA) is seeking a part‑time Executive Director to help lead our organization alongside the elected president and board of directors. The Wisconsin Alliance For Retired Americans is a 501(c)(4) organization that works alongside organized labor to
1) fight for retirees and their issues,
2) work with existing unions in their workplace fights, and
3) support union‑endorsed candidates for office.

The Executive Director will work alongside the Board of Directors, national‑level Alliance for Retired Americans staff, partner unions, and the part‑time Executive Assistant to lead and support the organization.

• Represent the interests of the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans.
• Lead the Alliance efforts to build membership, leadership and volunteer capacity according to board benchmarks.
• Work with the Board to develop and implement unified strategic plans and budgets.
• Build structures with organized labor and related groups to strengthen educational, organizing and legislative advocacy efforts.
• Provide support and leadership to Alliance leaders.
• Identify and recruit Alliance chapters and activists in Wisconsin.
• Develop and execute an organizing plan to strengthen the grassroots program and structure.
• Draft the legislative agenda, track legislation and disseminate information to membership.
• Assist leaders and activists to speak at rallies, demonstrations, press events, and with legislators.
• Prepare and disseminate press releases, talking points, statements, position letters and other written materials.
• Assist with turnout for lobby days, rallies and other events.
• Coordinate state efforts on specific projects around legislation or organizing priorities.
• Create educational literature and disseminate materials to membership and the retiree community.
• Coordinate with organized labor and progressive advocacy groups on common state legislative priorities.
• Plan and facilitate conventions, annual gatherings, legislative conferences and issue‑related events.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategy to meet income goals set by the Board.
• Collect affiliate and State‑Sustaining dues, recruit new members and engage in direct donor fundraising.
• Promote special events with ticket sales, ad sales and other fundraising events, including the annual fall Power Lunch.
• Explore grant funding for educational activities.
• Act as liaison to the national Alliance and coordinate participation in national initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Competency with Google Suite products (Gmail, Sheets, Docs).
• Familiarity with Quick Books.
• Experience managing social media, primarily Facebook.
• Knowledge and experience working with the retiree community.
• Experience training staff and/or volunteers.
• Knowledge of national and local structures of the labor movement.
• Ability to lead and support organizational improvement efforts.
• Experience in developing, implementing and driving community mobilization strategies.
• Ability to write and implement strategic work plans in coordination with leaders that incorporate roles of state and local federations.
• Ability to administer a large and complex organization.
• Working knowledge of the legislative process.
• Ability to manage campaigns both large and small.
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizational management and fundraising.
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including public speaking.
• Effective time‑management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple tasks, and experience developing personal work plans and goals.
• Computer proficiency required for email, internet, word processing, spreadsheets/databases and social media skills.
• Ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining important and effective relationships.
• Ability to travel regularly as needed.

We are encouraging all candidates to apply. Some skills and competencies listed here may be taught to a promising candidate in other areas.

The WIARA Executive Director will be paid $22,620 per year for approximately 16 hours per week, with hours that may vary. The Executive Director will also receive $50 per month for phone costs and $3,000 per year as a vehicle and gas stipend.

To apply, please email a cover letter, a resume, and three references to Alliance (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).