EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION
Lead the future of nursing in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Nurses Association is seeking its next Executive Director to guide the organization’s next chapter of leadership, advocacy, membership growth, and professional impact.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Wisconsin-based. Statewide impact.
● Full-time, hybrid position ● Regular presence in Madison ● Advocacy and association leadership
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Wisconsin Nurses Association is seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking Executive Director to serve as the Association’s chief executive responsible for advancing the mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability of the organization.
The Wisconsin Nurses Association is seeking a collaborative, visionary Executive Director to serve as the Association’s chief executive and advance its mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.
Reporting to the WNA Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead organizational operations and programs; advocacy and membership initiatives; communication strategies; the budgetary process; and efforts to develop external partnerships.
Click here for a printable PDF of the job description.
ROLE PRIORITIES
What the Executive Director will lead
This role brings together executive leadership, advocacy, organizational stewardship, and service to Wisconsin’s nursing profession.
Strategic and Board Leadership
Partner with the Board of Directors to shape strategy, assess opportunities and risks, and advance WNA’s long-term sustainability and member value.
Organizational and Staff Leadership
Lead WNA operations and programs while recruiting, mentoring, and supporting a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing staff team.
Financial Stewardship
Guide budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, asset stewardship, and long-range planning to protect the financial strength of WNA and its affiliated organizations.
Advocacy and Public Policy
Represent WNA on nursing, healthcare, legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters while leading advocacy initiatives and building productive relationships with policymakers and partners.
Membership, Programs and Communications
Strengthen member recruitment, engagement, and retention while overseeing communications, continuing education, professional development, and programs serving nurses and patients.
External Relations and Partnerships
Serve as WNA’s principal spokesperson and build partnerships with nursing organizations, healthcare leaders, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and community stakeholders.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The leadership WNA is seeking
WNA is seeking an experienced, collaborative leader who can navigate complex healthcare and policy issues, advise a volunteer Board, guide an interdisciplinary team, and build trusted relationships across Wisconsin’s nursing and healthcare communities.
EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE
Prepared to lead a complex association
- Five or more years of progressively responsible executive or senior leadership experience
- Experience partnering with a governing board and volunteer leaders
- Experience leading interdisciplinary teams, operations, finances, and strategic initiatives
- Understanding of nursing practice, healthcare systems, and workforce issues
- Knowledge of nonprofit governance, association management, public policy, and advocacy
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
Ready to build trust and create impact
- Strategic leadership and strong organizational management
- Relationship-building and consensus-building across diverse stakeholders
- Excellent communication, presentation, and public-speaking abilities
- Sound judgment, integrity, diplomacy, political acumen, and emotional intelligence
- Commitment to an inclusive organizational culture and to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
STRONGLY PREFERRED
Education and nursing credentials
- Master’s degree or higher in nursing, healthcare administration, nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, public health, or a related field
- Current Registered Nurse license in Wisconsin or eligible for Wisconsin licensure
LOCATION AND ROLE EXPECTATIONS
Connected to Wisconsin and its nursing community
- Eligible to serve as a registered lobbyist in Wisconsin
- Productive in hybrid work environment
- Able to maintain flexible work schedule, including regular presence in Madison and some regional/national travel
ABOUT WNA
Professional nursing's voice, promoting visibility and value of nursing in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Nurses Association is the premier organization representing the interests of Wisconsin’s 95,000 registered nurses. WNA protects, promotes, and advances professional nursing throughout the state.
Through advocacy, professional development, member engagement, nursing-practice leadership, and strategic partnerships, WNA works to strengthen the nursing profession and improve healthcare for the people of Wisconsin.
OUR MISSION
Serving all Wisconsin Nurses to advance healthcare through advocacy, leadership, education, and engagement.
OUR VISION
A healthy Wisconsin through the power of nurses.
POSITION DETAILS
Interested in leading WNA’s next chapter?
Review the position details and application requirements below.
ROLE STRUCTURE
Reporting and location
Reports to:
WNA Board of Directors
Work arrangement:
Full-time position in hybrid work environment requiring flexible schedule and regular presence in Madison
Direct Reports:
WNA Associate Director
WNA Events and Membership Coordinator
HOW TO APPLY
Application and timeline
Application deadline:
October 1st, 2026
Application method and required materials:
Please provide cover letter and CV in a PDF format to
Anticipated start date:
November, 2026