Wisconsin Historical Society: Chief Program Officer
The Wisconsin Historical Society seeks an innovative leader and dynamic executive to oversee Programming for the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS).
Founded in 1846, the Wisconsin Historical Society is a self-governing Agency of the State of Wisconsin. The Society is headquartered on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Society administers twelve historic sites and museums throughout the state including the Wisconsin Historical Museum on the Capitol Square in Madison. For additional information about the Wisconsin Historical Society, please see http://www.wisconsinhistory.org.
As a member of senior leadership, the Chief Program Officer (CPO) is responsible for leading all of WHS’s museums and programmatic channels in delivering relevant, engaging, authentic, dynamic, diverse as well as inclusive mission-based experiences, publications, exhibits, digital resources, and educational services.
Additionally, the CPO is also responsible for staff excellence, and financial performance of the Museums, Programs & Outreach Team and works institutionally to lead and guide the experience design process. Leads the creation, implementation, and coordination of a strategic direction for Museums, Programs, and Outreach, all while ensuring sustainability and ongoing performance improvement. Works with the Director’s Office, Senior Leadership Team, and the Deputy Director/COO and technical experts in business units such as Finance, Human Resources, Communications, IT, Retail, Facilities, Historic Preservation and Collections, to ensure that all venues, projects, exhibitions, and programs align and meet Society standards, brand, as well as business goals.
Qualifications:
A qualified candidate will possess the following-
o Five+ years of senior leadership experience in a complex organization with a proven track record of success
o Experience designing mission-driven programs, products or events that drove and achieved core strategic business functions, including demonstrated success in supervising senior staff to achieve organizational programmatic and fundraising goals. (Example: public program development, implementation, integration, and sustainability of programs)
o General experience in programming operations (Examples includes familiarity and experience with designing best practices/efficiencies, performance management, multiple platform program integration, executing organizational/ culture change).
How to Apply:
Please submit electronically a cover letter addressing qualifications for this position, a resume, and five professional references (references will not be contacted without prior permission). Submit to: john.obligato@wisconsinhistory.org
Questions may be directed to:
John Obligato, Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706-1482
Telephone 608/264-6409
john.obligato@wisconsinhistory.org
Materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. The Wisconsin Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer.
Special Notes:
A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.