Executive Director - Wisconsin County Human Services Association

Job Description

The Executive Director provides leadership and coordination to the Association and its members under the direction of the WCHSA Board. The position keeps the Association informed about Federal and State budgets, legislation and regulations affecting human service programs and supports the Association to take positions on budget and policy matters. The position manages the operations of the Association. The position coordinates with partner organizations on behalf of WCHSA.

General Responsibilities

        Governance

• Coordinate and support the Board and committee activities by preparing agendas, minutes and other materials and following up on designated tasks.
• Provide regular reports to the Board and membership on Association activities.
• Coordinate planning to manage Association projects and keep the Board and committees on track with short and long-term goals.
• Make recommendations for Association policies and implement policies adopted by the Board.
• Inform the Board about issues accurately and timely and make recommendations for consideration by the Board.
• Provide guidance and support to WCHSA Policy Advisory Committees and workgroups, including assisting committee meetings and following up on designated tasks.
• Provide orientation and education for Board and committee members.

        Policy and Advocacy

• Support the Board to develop and implement strategies that successfully influence laws, policies, regulations and fiscal matters affecting the county human service system.
• Make State budget and policy recommendations and support the Association to develop its budget and policy platforms.
• Promote the WCHSA mission and build support for initiatives.
• Prepare time-sensitive responses to Federal and State budget and legislative proposals, including seeking input from the Policy Advisory Committees, WCHSA sponsored workgroups and other organizations.
• Identify issues, trends and developments at the national, state and local level on human service matters and distribute information to the members.
• Coordinate with the Wisconsin Counties Association and other partner organizations on lobbying efforts. Meet with legislators as requested.
• Lead contract negotiations with State agencies for human service programs.

        Communications

• Disseminate information received from Federal, State, and other agencies about human service topics to the membership.
• Serve as the primary contact for the Association for communication with State agencies and other partner organizations.
• Maintain regular contact with county members through correspondence, email and written updates, and through video, phone and in-person meetings.
• Prepare and distribute correspondence for the Association.
• Respond to membership questions.

        General Administration

• Assist Board with fiscal leadership and overall financial sustainability of the organization.
• Manage the Association budget including revenue and expenses and identify funding sources for Association activities. Prepare grant proposals as requested.
• Promote membership and participation in the Association. Recruit and retain county human service departments as members. Support county human service staff to participate in Association committees and workgroups.
• Lead conference planning activities with the support of the WCHSA conference planning committee.

        Other Duties

• Serve as liaison with other associations and agencies as needed.
• Attend meetings or conferences as approved.
• Represent WCHSA for the National Association of County Human Service Administrators.

Experience

• Minimum of three years of management level experience in any combination of the following organizations: association, state or local government agency, and/or community organization.
• Minimum of three years of experience of performing policy analysis relevant to human service programs.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Skills Needed

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills required.
• Must have access to a vehicle, valid drivers license and be willing to travel throughout the state of Wisconsin with moderate out of state travel.
• Ability to prioritize short and long term objectives.
• Knowledge of human services programs and systems.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Project

Employment Status

The WCHSA Executive Board has the responsibility and authority to hire, review, discipline and terminate the Director.  The Executive Director will work under the supervision of the President.

FLSA

For the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt.

Updated: Last updated June 2025