Executive Director

Hiring Range: $80,000-$95,000

The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership (501(c)3) 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.

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.

Work Schedule: The position includes evening and weekend responsibilities, with regular attendance at special events serving as an essential function of the role.

Benefits: Life insurance, disability insurance, health insurance stipend, IRA match, Paid Time Off, sick time and holidays.

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.