Executive Director
Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000
Job Summary:
This is a summary. Before applying, please review the full job description in the detailed job brochure: bit.ly/wmsf-job
The Executive Director is chief executive of the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, leading strategy, philanthropy, and external relations. With the Board, the ED diversifies philanthropic resources, builds relationships statewide, and leads staff as principal ambassador, preserving the Foundation's independent governance from the Wisconsin Medical Society.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategy: Set direction with the Board; assess needs in health, medical education, and physician workforce; evaluate program impact.
- Philanthropy: Grow/diversify giving; cultivate major donors; expand major/planned giving, grants, sponsorships; engage Trustees.
- External Relations: Build ties with physicians, students, health systems, schools, and community partners; lead outreach.
- Governance: Serve as principal Board partner; support the Chair on agendas/decisions; strengthen Board/Trustee development and succession planning; maintain ties with the Wisconsin Medical Society.
- Financial/Org: Recruit/develop staff; manage budgets, controls, compliance, and risk.
Required: progressive nonprofit leadership; fundraising track record; Board governance experience; strategic/financial acumen; staff leadership; strong communication; sound judgment.
Preferred: fundraising experience; healthcare/philanthropic background; planned giving or cross-sector partnership experience.
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Traits: mission-driven, strategic, trustworthy, collaborative, externally oriented; strong relationship-builder, fundraiser, financial steward, delegator; adaptable, committed to Wisconsin's health.
Working conditions: statewide travel, with periodic evenings/weekends for Board meetings and donor events.
How to Apply:
Peter Gray Executive Search is posting this position on behalf of the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation.
Please apply here: petergraysearch.com/executive-director-wms-foundation
Again, before applying, please read the detailed job brochure: bit.ly/wmsf-job
Deadline: rolling. The position is open until filled. It was announced on September 10, 2026. Rather than setting an application deadline, we are considering applications and holding interviews on a rolling basis, with first-round interviews starting in October. For best consideration, please apply promptly; and please complete all questions in the application, including the cover letter/personal statement. Our goal is to fill this position by January 2027.
