<p>WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization with a remote-work-first environment. Remote work is intended to be performed within the State of Wisconsin.</p> <p>Position Summary</p> <p>The Rural Initiatives Senior Manager works closely with the Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity to advance a shared vision of vibrant, prosperous, and resilient rural communities across Wisconsin. The Office serves as a connector and catalyst for rural communities-helping local leaders, organizations, and partners navigate programs, resources, and opportunities that support rural economic and community development.</p> <p>This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of community development, collaboration, and learning. The Senior Manager will convene partners across sectors and disciplines, support rural stakeholders in accessing resources, and help translate complex programs into practical tools communities can use. The position also oversees federal grant compliance, leads the Office's training and technical assistance efforts, and helps design webinars, toolkits, and learning opportunities that strengthen rural capacity and leadership.</p> <p>Working with communities, regional partners, and state initiatives, the Senior Manager will help identify opportunities for greater alignment, shared learning, and regional collaboration. Success in this role requires curiosity, relationship-building skills, and a growth mindset-someone who enjoys listening to community voices, bringing diverse partners together, and turning ideas into practical strategies that support rural vitality.</p> <p>Strategic priorities of the Office include advancing solutions related to rural housing, broadband expansion and adoption, small business and rural industry development, rural leadership and organizational development, and celebrating rural people, places, and cultures. The Office also recognizes the important economic and community contributions of inclusive and welcoming rural communities and Tribal-led organizations across Wisconsin.</p> <p>Salary Information</p> <p>$72,200.00 - $90,300.00 / Year</p> <p>Job Details</p> <p>The Rural Initiatives Senior Manager will spend most of their time in these activities:</p> <ul> <li>Convene regional partners around strategic priorities and identify strategies to work to create alignment between regional and statewide partners toward collective impact in rural Wisconsin. </li><li>Develop a suite of technical assistance programs and tools for rural stakeholders on a range of issues impacting rural communities and businesses. </li><li>Oversee programmatic compliance and reporting for federal and philanthropic grants that the Office of Rural Prosperity manages. </li><li>Develop tools and resources for rural communities to navigate federal funding opportunities. </li><li>Support initiatives that enhance grant writing and compliance capacity building across the State. </li><li>Collaborate with WEDC departments to create programmatic partnerships that advance rural priorities within WEDC and connect rural communities to WEDC grant programs and initiatives. </li><li>Provide input on program design that advance rural realities. </li><li>Build and maintain relationships with rural stakeholders. </li><li>Engage with team members with a high level of trust, commitment, and accountability toward our common goals. </li><li>Other duties as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree and 7 years of increasingly responsible and relevant experience in rural development, community-based economic development, workforce development or a related field. </li><li>Experience in state and federal grant writing and compliance. </li><li>Program and curriculum design experience for Statewide initiatives. </li><li>Minimum of 4 years of project management experience. </li><li>Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas: regional planning, rural housing, broadband, capacity building, small business development, placemaking, and/or rural tourism. </li><li>Strategy development and implementation. </li><li>Management experience, while not required, is a value-added experience. </li></ul> <p>Skills and Talents</p> <ul> <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills. </li><li>Strong analytical, problem-solving, and prioritization skills. </li><li>Highly motivated and able to work independently with direction. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects; strong project management skills, planning, prioritizing, and organizing. </li><li>Ability to work cooperatively with internal and external partners. </li><li>A passion for supporting rural Wisconsin. </li><li>Demonstrates a growth mindset </li></ul> <p>Other Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>State-wide travel will occur on an occasional basis, less than 20% of the time. </li><li>Travel is anticipated to include day and overnight travel. </li><li>Based on the responsibilities of this position, this position may need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. </li></ul> <p>How To Apply</p> <p>Please apply online at WEDC website. Questions can be directed to Human Resources at (608) 210-6845, recruiting@wedc.org.</p> <p>Deadline to Apply</p> <p>Applications will be accepted until position is filled.</p>