Position Summary Under the general supervision of the Division of Business Services Deputy Administrator, the Director of the Project and Strategic Support Office provides agencywide leadership for project and strategic delivery, product management, organizational development, continuous improvement, and other strategic support functions at the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS).
The Director leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for helping WHS plan and implement major initiatives, manage key business systems and products, support organizational change, and improve how the agency operates. The position establishes Office priorities, coordinates resources across its functional areas, and works with agency leadership to address complex operational and organizational needs.
The Director also provides strategic support to WHS museums, historic sites, attractions, and programs, particularly for initiatives involving significant operational change, technology, visitor experience, or revenue-generating activities.
The position supervises professional staff within the Office, serves as a member of the Division of Business Services leadership team, and works closely with agency leadership and programs across WHS.
Salary Information The salary will be between $50.00 - $58.00 per hour plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment for current or former state employees may vary according to the applicable pay provisions found in the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 81, range 01. The classification for this position is Historical Society Manager. A 2-year Career Executive trial period will be required.
Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits: https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx
Job Details 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.
Interested permanent classified state employees should complete this application process to apply.
WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Certain positions within WHS may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.
Qualifications Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.
A minimally qualified candidate will have experience in all of the following:
- Experience leading complex projects, programs, strategic initiatives, or operational improvement efforts involving multiple teams, programs, or stakeholders.
- Experience establishing priorities, coordinating resources, managing competing demands, and moving significant work from planning through implementation.
- Experience supervising, leading, or directing the work of professional staff or multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience working with senior leaders, managers, program leaders, or other stakeholders to identify needs, solve problems, and implement organizational priorities.
- Experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Project or program management
- Product management or business systems
- Strategic or operational planning
- Organizational development or change management
- Continuous improvement or business process improvement
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will demonstrate experience in at least five of the following areas:
- Leading complex, organization-wide or cross-functional projects, programs, or strategic initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
- Leading or managing a multidisciplinary professional team responsible for project management, strategic initiatives, business operations, organizational support, or similar functions.
- Establishing or overseeing project, program, or portfolio management practices, including prioritization, governance, resource planning, risk management, or performance reporting.
- Managing or providing strategic direction for business systems, digital products, technology platforms, or other organizational systems, including governance, implementation, enhancement planning, or lifecycle management.
- Leading organizational development, change management, employee engagement, continuous improvement, or significant business process improvement initiatives.
- Advising senior leadership on complex organizational, operational, or strategic issues and developing recommendations or implementation strategies.
- Working in a public-sector environment, including state, local, federal, Tribal, or other governmental organizations, with experience navigating public-sector policies, processes, accountability, or organizational structures.
How To Apply To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions. .
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
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Deadline to Apply Applications are due at 11:59PM on October 5, 2026.
