Category: 
Job


Location: Madison, WI

Executive Director

Salary: $118,000 - $135,000

Summary
CARPC is seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Director to lead its team and drive its mission forward.

  • The Executive Director of the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission is responsible for overall leadership of the Commission, including strategic direction; promoting implementation of the Regional Development Framework; team management; and financial oversight. The Executive Director serves as the public face and voice of the Commission, elevating its visibility and influence on regional planning and development.
  • The Executive Director manages a team of planning, environmental resources, and administrative professionals, currently 8 FTE (September 2023).
  • The Executive Director reports to 13 commissioners appointed by the Mayor of Madison, the Dane County Executive, the Dane County Cities and Villages Association, and the Dane County Towns Association.
  • The Executive Director works closely with a diverse group of stakeholders, including commissioners, Commission staff, government agencies, community leaders, private sector partners, and residents to shape the future of Dane County, Wisconsin through effective regional planning and development initiatives.

External Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership. Develop and communicate a clear vision and strategy for the Commission, ensuring alignment with its mission and goals.
  • Advocacy and Public Relations. Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, advocating for its mission and goals through effective communication and public relations efforts. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local governments, community organizations, business leaders, and resident constituents.
  • Policy Development and Collaboration. Collaborate with regional stakeholders to build consensus on regional plans and the policies and programs that carry them out. Foster partnerships and collaborations with neighboring regions, governmental bodies, and relevant agencies to address regional challenges and opportunities.

Internal Responsibilities

  • Team Management. Lead and mentor a dedicated team of professionals (currently 8 FTE), fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment. Oversee staff prioritization and execution of a portfolio of projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing the region's economic, environmental, and social well-being.
  • Commission Support. Work with commission leadership to prepare agendas, manage monthly commission and committee meetings, foster collaboration, and support commissioners.
  • Budget, Financial, and Administrative Management. Oversee the organization's budget, financial planning, human resources, and general administration to ensure smooth operations, fiscal responsibility, and sustainability.
  • Compliance. Ensure the Commission’s compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Qualifications Sought

  • Proven executive leadership and team management experience, preferably in a regional planning commission or related organization.
  • Visionary thinking and a commitment to sustainable regional development.
  • Strong understanding of regional planning, environmental resources planning, land use, transportation, and infrastructure development.
  • Experience accomplishing policy and funding goals through public sector advocacy.
  • Experience securing grant funding to grow programs and organizational capacity.
  • Knowledge of local and regional government structures and processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong partnerships and collaborations.
  • Experience in budget management, financial oversight, and general organizational administration.
  • Excellent public speaking, interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Master's degree preferred. Alternative backgrounds will be considered.

How to Apply
Please apply confidentially: bit.ly/CARPC-apply

The position is open until filled. It was posted on September 21, 2023. Rather than setting an application deadline, we are considering applications and holding interviews on a rolling basis. For best consideration, please apply promptly; and please complete all questions in the application. Our goal is to fill this position by January 2024.

CARPC has exclusively retained Peter Gray Executive Search to conduct the search for its new Executive Director. Peter Gray Executive Search is a social impact executive search firm in Madison, Wisconsin.