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Interim Executive Director - Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chief Executive Officer

Interim / Temporary Leadership Assignment (anticipated 6-12 months)

Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

We are a 25-year-old nonprofit workforce development organization dedicated to preparing individuals from underserved communities for rewarding careers in technology. With a passionate team of professionals nationwide, we are committed to bridging the gap between diverse talent and the tech industry. We find talent, train talent, and place talent in rewarding careers that end cycles of generational poverty and create long-term economic mobility.

At our core, we believe innovation thrives when people are empowered, supported, and challenged to grow.

If you are energized by mission-driven leadership, operational problem solving, relationship building, and helping teams navigate growth and transition, you may be a strong fit for this opportunity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

High emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience.

Help transform lives by creating pathways into technology careers for talented individuals from underserved communities.

Play a meaningful leadership role in helping strengthen and shape the future of the Milwaukee site.

Work alongside passionate leaders and professionals committed to equity, innovation, and community impact.

This role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful organizational impact while partnering with national leadership and external stakeholders.

We value collaboration, flexibility, well-being, and continuous learning.

i.c.stars is committed to delivering an equitable compensation and benefits package that supports the financial, mental, and physical wellness of our staff.

Benefits include:

• Health Insurance (i.c.stars covers 95% of individual medical plan premiums)

• 401(k) plan with employer match

• Dental & Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Life Insurance & Disability Coverage

• Generous Paid Time Off & Company Holidays

• Professional Development Opportunities

If you meet the qualifications described above and are excited about leading through impact, collaboration, and purpose-driven work, we welcome your application.

i.c.stars is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status.