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Current Openings

Executive Director
Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation (WRAEF)

Mission: The Wisconsin Restaurant Association and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association is dedicated to the success of the foodservice and hospitality Industry. As the Charitable arm of the WRA, the Education Foundation promotes and supports the foodservice industry through educational opportunities, workforce initiatives, scholarships and community involvement.
 
Guiding Principles: The WRA/WRAEF’s guiding principles are at the core of how we act and conduct business.  We are a compassionate, diverse group of individuals working towards the same goals and aspirations for the betterment of our association.  We support and care for each other and each other’s success.

• Integrity - We act with honesty, respect and professionalism at all times. We treat our colleagues with the same customer service mindset that we do members.
• Accountable - We are accountable to each other and responsible for our own work and understand the impact that our individual efforts have on our team and our members. 
• Inclusive - We appreciate the different backgrounds, strengths and skillsets of our peers. We encourage differing opinions and ideas, and work collaboratively to be our best.
• Transparent - We are open, trustworthy and helpful to each other.  We discuss changes, plans and decisions in an honest, respectful and transparent manner.
• Innovative - We have the courage to try something new or take different approaches to meet current and future needs of our members.
  

​Position Purpose: The WRAEF Executive Director leads the philanthropic arm of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. 
 
Supervisory Responsibilities:   Supervises and directs the WRAEF Team including ProStart Program Manager, ServSafe Coordinator, and Event and Fundraising Coordinator

Primary Duties:  
This is a key leadership role that involves strategic leadership and governance, management of financial and operational health, leads the fundraising efforts, oversees specific workforce and career pathway initiatives, leads workforce development and engagement within the industry, and leads the team that is responsible for the services provided. Additionally, the Executive Director ensures the WRAEF team’s cultures and goals are aligned with the objectives of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and the industry as a whole, ensures adherence to the organization’s guiding principles, and is a part of the WRA Sr Team propelling the entire organization forward and meeting strategic goals.
 
Key areas of Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership & Governance
  • Build and maintain key relationships with industry stakeholders, educational institutions, government agencies and other partners.
  • Lead and advance education, workforce development, and career pathways within the restaurant and hospitality industry.
  • Lead Board governance including board recruitment, onboarding, and volunteer management; running and managing board meetings; and working with elected volunteer leaders throughout the year. 
  • Ensure compliance with regulations and standards for non-profit entities and established bylaws and policies. 
  • Develop and implement marketing and public relations strategies and assets that highlight the foundation’s impact, raise its profile, and engage key stakeholders and media outlets
• Financial & Operational Management
  • Along with the Board and the President & CEO, establish strategic goals and strategies to fulfill the mission of the organization.
  • Develop and manage the budget and financial priorities that align with the strategic priorities of the organization.
  • Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of the organization, 
  • Oversee monthly and year-end financial reports, and WRAEF Endowment Fund, in conjunction with the Controller and executive leadership.
  • Manage and negotiate contracts and agreements of the foundation, including ServSafe training independent contractors.
  • Assist in overseeing the maintenance and management of the building. 
• Fundraising & Development
  • Develop, execute and lead comprehensive fundraising strategies
  • Cultivate relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, industry partners, and other philanthropic organizations
  • Identify, apply for, and manage grants from various sources
  • Establish new revenue streams to maximize fundraising efforts
• Program Oversight and Impact Measurement
  • Lead the foundation specific programs including ProStart, ServSafe training, Restaurant Ready and Scholarship initiatives.
  • Continuously monitor and evaluate programs to ensure they meet the changing needs of the industry.
• Community Engagement & Workforce Development
  • Serve as the key industry advocate for workforce initiatives
  • Build partnerships and collaborations to address workforce challenges, improve career pathways, and support the industry’s needs.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with K-12 schools, higher education institutions, culinary training programs, governmental entities such as CESAs, Department or Workforce Development and Department of Public Instruction, and other educational and workforce organizations. 
• Team Leadership & Culture Building
  • In conjunction with the President and CEO, builds the team and culture for the WRAEF team and ensures collaboration with the WRA team
  • Provide ongoing mentorship and supervision of the WRAEF team to ensure success of each individual and to reach the organization’s overall goals. 
  • Implement performance management strategies and supervision to ensure staff accountability and effectiveness
  • Foster a positive and collaborative workplace.

 
Minimum Essential Requirements: 

• Ten or more years of Senior or Executive Leadership experience in a non-profit setting 
• Five or more years of supervisory experience and cross-team collaborations
• Experience managing and cultivating Boards of Directors and nurturing volunteers
• Exceptional communication skills including written and verbal communication, public speaking, and group facilitation
• Exceptional analytical, problem solving and computer skills 
• Ability to critically think and collaborate to creatively identify solutions 
• Ability to recognize and address business opportunities and provide exceptional customer service to stakeholders
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to identify areas in need of improvement and determine practical solutions
• Flexibility in dealing with changing priorities and demanding workload, and identifying and correcting areas of conflict
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude, remain calm, and motivate team to do the same

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• CAE or IOM highly desired
• Familiarity of and experience in hospitality management highly desired
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and various cloud-based databases

 
Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. with occasional lifting or carrying materials, books, supplies
• Must be able to sit, walk, and/or stand for long periods as necessary to carry out job duties.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

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