Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Position Description

Position Title: Director Of Policy

Department: Policy & Program Development

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Position(s) Su pS Supervised: Senior Policy Analyst, Policy & Program Analyst, Intern(s)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Director of Policy develops and directs economic development policy initiatives, and develops recommendations for business, community and industry development by overseeing the analysis of enterprise data, external data sources, and relevant public policy to guide decision making. The Director provides oversight and guidance on reports, key policy areas and research studies; provides guidance on program development and implementation.

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Responsibilities

The Director will spend the majority of their time in these activities:

Advise the development of WEDC-specific economic development initiatives and program policies.
Support the development, revision, and implementation of WEDC’s program offerings and advise executive leadership on strategic initiatives and innovative economic development practices.
Support the development of state policy recommendations and proposals, as appropriate, for WEDC biennial budget requests, and other policy initiatives.
Analyze economic development trends to inform policy decisions and identify priority areas for program development.
Serve as the primary point of contact for policy-related requests from other state agencies, provide expertise, guidance, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Identify opportunities for state laws, regulations and programs to be revised or adopted that would advance the Wisconsin business climate and WEDC operations as well as those that adversely affect economic development; provide actionable recommendations to executive leadership.
Engages internal and external stakeholders to solicit input on existing and potential programs policies, and legislative initiatives.
Develop and deliver clear policy communication strategies and presentations to ensure understanding of complex policy issues and program impacts among internal and external stakeholders.
Be an effective team member by working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels and positions.
Lead the work of the Policy and Program Development Team.
Other duties as assigned.

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Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in Economics, Public Administration, Public Policy, related field, or comparable education/experience/training preferred.
Minimum of eight years of experience in economics, policy, statistics, public administration, or related field.
2-3 years previous management experience
Experience in legislative analysis and state budget development desired.

Skills and Talents:

Strong quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Fluency in economic development theory and practice.
Strong project management and organizational skills; attention to detail.
Leadership skills and ability to motivate others and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Research, writing, and communication skills required.
Possesses a high level of knowledge of state and federal laws/regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
Program evaluation and program development expertise.
PC applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database management and Windows software.

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Other Requirements:

National and state-wide travel will occur on an occasional basis, less than 20% of the time. Travel is anticipated to include day and overnight travel.
This position is eligible for reimbursement according to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. This position requires the employee to provide a mobile device that allows for phone, text, and email access.
Based on the responsibilities of this position, this position may need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

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WEDC DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING STATEMENT

WEDC must be a diverse and inclusive organization reflective of the businesses, communities, and people in Wisconsin and beyond. We believe that diversity drives innovation and commit to create an inclusive, equitable and diverse workplace where our differences are celebrated as drivers of our organization’s performance.

TO SUPPORT A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE AT WEDC, WE WILL WORK TO ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING GOALS:

Increase WEDC’s racial diversity, specifically with Black/African American, Native American and Latinx populations;
Increase LGBTQ representation across WEDC; and
Increase the diversity of WEDC’s leadership.

TO MEET OUR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION GOALS, WEDC WILL TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

Create an intentional approach to recruit minority candidates by using targeted media channels to promote open positions;
Ensure formal offers are made only after a diverse pool of candidates have been considered at each hiring stage;
Identify and develop a variety of employee resource groups, including groups for African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, LGBTQ+ and more;
Post signage to highlight WEDC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion; and
Revisit EEO disclosures in our application process to highlight statements regarding WEDC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution and EEO/Affirmative Action Employer committed to excellence through diversity. Employment offers are made on the basis of qualifications, and without regard to race, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Veteran Declaration

Applicants for employment are invited to participate in affirmative action program by reporting their status as a protected veteran or other minority. In extending this invitation, we advise you that: (a) workers (applicants) are under no obligation to respond but may do so in the future if they choose; (b) responses will remain confidential within the human resource department; and (c) responses will be used only for the necessary information. Refusal to provide this information will have no bearing on your application and will not subject you to any adverse treatment.
** PROTECTED VETERAN DEFINITION

Protected veteran means a veteran who may be classified as an active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, disabled veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran or recently separated veteran.

Active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

Armed Forces service medal veteran means any veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985 (61 FR 1209, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 159).

Disabled veteran means (1) a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or (2) a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

Recently separated veteran means a veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service.

* EEOC RACE/ETHNIC IDENTIFICATION CATEGORIES

Hispanic or Latino - A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.

White (not Hispanic or Latino) - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East or North Africa.

Black or African American (not Hispanic or Latino) - A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (not Hispanic or Latino) - A person having origins in any of the peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands.

Asian (not Hispanic or Latino) - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Indian Subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand and Vietnam.

American Indian or Alaska Native (not Hispanic or Latino) - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment.

Two or more races (not Hispanic or Latino) - All persons who identify with more than one of the above races.