Executive Director
About the Position
The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership seeks a visionary, collaborative, and community-minded leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. This exciting opportunity offers the chance to help shape the future of downtown Fond du Lac through business support, strategic partnerships, downtown activation, and community-centered initiatives.
The Executive Director will build upon a strong foundation while helping advance one of Fond du Lac’s most influential and forward-thinking organizations.
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Downtown Fond du Lac serves as the economic, cultural, and social center of the City of Fond du Lac, a vibrant Wisconsin community located at the southern tip of Lake Winnebago. Known for its strong quality of life, growing economy, historic character, and active community spirit, Fond du Lac continues to serve as a regional hub for business, recreation, healthcare, education, and tourism throughout east-central Wisconsin.
At the heart of the community, Downtown Fond du Lac is home to more than 280 businesses within the Downtown Fond du Lac Business Improvement District—76% of which are small, locally owned businesses. Guided by a mission to support downtown vitality, redevelopment, and community engagement, the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership leads initiatives focused on business recruitment, economic development, placemaking, marketing, and destination-focused programming that strengthen downtown as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership serves as the leading advocate and voice for downtown businesses and property owners while working collaboratively with community organizations, volunteers, sponsors, and local government partners to advance revitalization efforts and long-term economic success. The organization also leads and supports many of the community’s signature events and experiences, including Fondue Fest, Wine Walks, and the Downtown Fond du Lac Farmers Market, helping bring thousands of residents and visitors downtown each year.
Through strong partnerships, strategic investment, and ongoing community engagement, Downtown Fond du Lac continues to evolve as one of Wisconsin’s most active and dynamic downtown districts while preserving the character, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit that define the community.
Learn more about the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership at downtownfdl.com
Executive Director
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and organizational leader of the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through strategic leadership, operational oversight, governance coordination, financial stewardship, and team development. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director plays a central role in guiding the organization’s long-term direction while ensuring effective day-today management and execution of organizational priorities.
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The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the organization’s operations, programs, partnerships, and strategic initiatives. This includes leading day-to-day business activities, implementing Board priorities, advancing organizational goals, and serving as a visible ambassador and advocate for Downtown Fond du Lac. The position requires a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who can effectively align organizational resources, partnerships, and initiatives to support continued downtown vitality and growth.
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The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee to support effective organizational governance and strategic planning. Responsibilities include coordinating Board and committee meetings, preparing agendas and reports, overseeing official communications and public notices, developing annual work plans and operating budgets, and supporting annual reporting and organizational accreditation efforts. The Executive Director also ensures timely economic reporting to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and oversees completion of the organization’s annual financial audit and accountability processes.
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The Executive Director oversees the organization’s financial operations and revenue development activities, including budgeting, sponsorships, grants, memberships, and fundraising initiatives. The role includes cultivating partnerships with corporate sponsors and community organizations, developing sponsorship opportunities, ensuring proper stewardship and reporting, and maintaining strong financial oversight and accountability. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring compliance with financial policies, regulatory requirements, and sound fiscal management practices.
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The Executive Director provides leadership and oversight for organizational staff, volunteers, and operational teams. Responsibilities include recruitment, onboarding, supervision, performance management, staff development, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing organizational culture. The successful candidate will establish clear expectations, support professional growth, and build a positive workplace environment aligned with the mission, values, and strategic direction of the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership Executive Director position will be a dynamic, relationship-driven leader with a passion for downtown revitalization, community engagement, and organizational leadership. The successful candidate will bring experience in downtown management, economic development, event coordination, or a related field, along with the ability to effectively collaborate with business owners, elected officials, community partners, volunteers, and sponsors. This individual will be a visible and enthusiastic ambassador for Downtown Fond du Lac, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication, organizational, and fundraising skills, along with a creative and solutions-oriented mindset that supports business growth, memorable community events, and the continued vibrancy of downtown Fond du Lac.
Hiring Range: $80,000-$95,000
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, economic development, urban planning, marketing, communications, or a related field.
3–5 years of experience in downtown management, economic development, land use planning, urban planning, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
5–7 years of organizational management experience, including oversight of administrative operations, budgeting, financial management, staff supervision, and organizational resources.
Background working with a Business Improvement District (BID), Main Street organization, chamber of commerce, convention and visitors bureau, tourism entity, downtown organization, festival or entertainment venue, or similar community development organization strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience in special event and festival planning, coordination, and execution.
Experience leading downtown revitalization, placemaking, business engagement, or community development initiatives.
Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with businesses, elected officials, community organizations, sponsors, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
Experience with fundraising, sponsorship development, grant writing, and identifying funding opportunities.
Demonstrated fiscal responsibility and strong financial management experience within a nonprofit, community-based, or membership-driven organization.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and public communication skills, including the ability to deliver professional presentations and represent the organization publicly.
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Apply now!
Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) is conducting the executive recruitment process for this position.
Applications are now being accepted until the position is filled, with a first review no later than June 19, 2026.
Please upload or email your cover letter, resume, salary history, and professional references to Jess Wildes at jess@public-advisors.com.
Please direct questions to Jess at 262-339-5658.
Thank you for your interest!