What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director, Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) position at Medical College of Wisconsin?
Executive Director
Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW)
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) invites applications and nominations for a strategic, visionary, and highly influential leader to serve as the next Executive Director for the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW). This role also carries the title of Associate Provost, reflecting AHW’s integral impact across MCW’s academic, research, clinical, and community engagement missions. Reporting to the Provost, the Executive Director provides overarching leadership for AHW’s strategy, partnerships, programming, grants, and philanthropy, including stewardship of funds and oversight of grant expenditures, working closely with MCW’s President and CEO, institutional deans, and senior leaders to advance Wisconsin’s health priorities.
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is a leading powerhouse in health sciences education, research, and innovation, fueling medical discovery across the state and beyond. With medical school campuses in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Central Wisconsin, along with a School of Graduate Studies and a School of Pharmacy, MCW anchors one of the nation’s premier academic health enterprises. Consistently ranked in the top third of U.S. medical schools for NIH funding and amongst the largest private medical schools, MCW drives groundbreaking science, advances clinical excellence, and prepares the next generation of health leaders.
The Executive Director will lead the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, one of Wisconsin’s largest and most influential health philanthropic assets shaping high-impact investments that seed discovery, turn knowledge into action and strengthen community health across the state. AHW drives statewide impact through investments in research, education, policy, public health, and community initiatives. Since issuing its first grants in 2004, AHW has invested more than $350 million in 752 projects. This leader also serves as the primary steward of the Endowment’s long-term vitality, ensuring accountability, transparency and full compliance, and maintaining strong governance relationships. The Executive Director will also be an influential driver for statewide innovation, advancing new partnerships with payors, health systems, government, philanthropy, and community organizations; leading strategic convenings; directing grantmaking and pilot initiatives; and generating forward-thinking solutions to Wisconsin’s most urgent health challenges. Through bold leadership and collaborative vision, this individual will ensure that AHW continues to deliver transformative statewide impact in a rapidly evolving healthcare and educational landscape.
Candidates must hold an MD, PhD, DO, or equivalent terminal degree and be eligible for MCW faculty appointment. The ideal candidate is an experienced and visible leader in academic medicine, health philanthropy, implementation science, research, public health, or related fields. They should bring a track record of strategic execution across health professions education, clinical practice, research, and community health, with deep commitment to systems-level improvement and community partnerships. A collaborative bridge-builder and trusted steward, they must be able to effectively engage diverse stakeholders, oversee complex philanthropic, research, educational, and public health portfolios, and navigate institutional, political, and regulatory environments with insight and tact. Known for ethical leadership, consensus-building, and impact-oriented communication, they should combine strategic focus with relational expertise to advance organizational priorities and statewide health goals.
Review the full Leadership Profile
Learn More
AHW Website
AHW 2025 Annual Report
The Executive Faculty Recruitment team at the Medical College of Wisconsin is assisting with this important search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to the contacts listed at the end of this document.
Procedure for Candidacy
All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be a submitted via the MCW Executive Recruitment Nominations Form or can be directed to Amanda Steffens, Executive Faculty Recruitment, Medical College of Wisconsin via asteffens@mcw.edu.
A Formal Application Submission Should Include
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is the state’s only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. MCW consists of a School of Medicine with campuses in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Central Wisconsin, a School of Graduate Studies, and a School of Pharmacy. MCW is a major national research center ranking in the top third of U.S. medical schools in NIH funding and is the second largest research institution in Wisconsin. Academic medicine is at the core of everything we do at MCW, bringing together scientists, clinicians, students and community members to solve the most complex challenges in health and society. MCW is a diverse group of thought leaders collaborating to pioneer pathways to a healthier world. Every study we conduct and every patient we see leads to new learning and a continuous cycle of life-changing knowledge and innovation.
Approximately 1,780 MCW physicians and approximately 905 advanced practice providers care for more than 484,000 patients of all ages annually at Froedtert Hospital, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Children’s Wisconsin, and many other hospitals and clinics throughout eastern Wisconsin, representing more than 5.1 million patient visits annually.
The beautiful, safe and modern campus of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC) houses Froedtert Hospital, Children’s Wisconsin, Curative Care Network, Versiti Blood Research Institute and the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division. These member entities share a common mission of excellence in patient care, medical education, biomedical research and community service.
Commitment to MCW Values
All of our endeavors at MCW, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: acting in Caring ways – engaging in Collaborative efforts – approaching our world with Curiosity – advancing Inclusive practices – demonstrating Integrity in all we do – treating everyone with Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences and perspectives through merit-based processes, and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you.
Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, is located on Lake Michigan’s western shore. A metropolitan area with more than 1.6 million people, Milwaukee is an affordable, comfortable place to live, work, and play, big enough to be exciting and uncongested enough to get around easily. Milwaukee’s many neighborhoods have incredible charm, accommodating a variety of lifestyles, from high-rise apartments to small farms. Nestled along a magnificent bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Milwaukee’s downtown is home to botanical gardens, lakefront museums, a theater district, the world champion Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Brewers, bustling nightlife, and award-winning restaurants. The lake and its harbors are skirted by scenic parklands and provide first-class opportunities for recreation, including hiking, cycling, boating, and more. A recent study ranked Milwaukee as the 15th most walkable of the 50 largest US cities. Milwaukee has all the advantages of a large, vibrant city but without the stress or cost.
MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.
Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW)
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) invites applications and nominations for a strategic, visionary, and highly influential leader to serve as the next Executive Director for the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW). This role also carries the title of Associate Provost, reflecting AHW’s integral impact across MCW’s academic, research, clinical, and community engagement missions. Reporting to the Provost, the Executive Director provides overarching leadership for AHW’s strategy, partnerships, programming, grants, and philanthropy, including stewardship of funds and oversight of grant expenditures, working closely with MCW’s President and CEO, institutional deans, and senior leaders to advance Wisconsin’s health priorities.
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is a leading powerhouse in health sciences education, research, and innovation, fueling medical discovery across the state and beyond. With medical school campuses in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Central Wisconsin, along with a School of Graduate Studies and a School of Pharmacy, MCW anchors one of the nation’s premier academic health enterprises. Consistently ranked in the top third of U.S. medical schools for NIH funding and amongst the largest private medical schools, MCW drives groundbreaking science, advances clinical excellence, and prepares the next generation of health leaders.
The Executive Director will lead the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, one of Wisconsin’s largest and most influential health philanthropic assets shaping high-impact investments that seed discovery, turn knowledge into action and strengthen community health across the state. AHW drives statewide impact through investments in research, education, policy, public health, and community initiatives. Since issuing its first grants in 2004, AHW has invested more than $350 million in 752 projects. This leader also serves as the primary steward of the Endowment’s long-term vitality, ensuring accountability, transparency and full compliance, and maintaining strong governance relationships. The Executive Director will also be an influential driver for statewide innovation, advancing new partnerships with payors, health systems, government, philanthropy, and community organizations; leading strategic convenings; directing grantmaking and pilot initiatives; and generating forward-thinking solutions to Wisconsin’s most urgent health challenges. Through bold leadership and collaborative vision, this individual will ensure that AHW continues to deliver transformative statewide impact in a rapidly evolving healthcare and educational landscape.
Candidates must hold an MD, PhD, DO, or equivalent terminal degree and be eligible for MCW faculty appointment. The ideal candidate is an experienced and visible leader in academic medicine, health philanthropy, implementation science, research, public health, or related fields. They should bring a track record of strategic execution across health professions education, clinical practice, research, and community health, with deep commitment to systems-level improvement and community partnerships. A collaborative bridge-builder and trusted steward, they must be able to effectively engage diverse stakeholders, oversee complex philanthropic, research, educational, and public health portfolios, and navigate institutional, political, and regulatory environments with insight and tact. Known for ethical leadership, consensus-building, and impact-oriented communication, they should combine strategic focus with relational expertise to advance organizational priorities and statewide health goals.
Review the full Leadership Profile
Learn More
AHW Website
AHW 2025 Annual Report
The Executive Faculty Recruitment team at the Medical College of Wisconsin is assisting with this important search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to the contacts listed at the end of this document.
Procedure for Candidacy
All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be a submitted via the MCW Executive Recruitment Nominations Form or can be directed to Amanda Steffens, Executive Faculty Recruitment, Medical College of Wisconsin via asteffens@mcw.edu.
A Formal Application Submission Should Include
- Current CV (executive bio as supplement recommended)
- Letter of Interest describing:
- Interest in the role
- A description of your experience and leadership approach, supported by specific examples that showcase your experience with the following competencies: Emotional Intelligence, Development Mindset, Collaboration, Inspiring trust, Change Leadership, Effective Communication, Innovation, Results Orientation and Financial Stewardship
- You do not need to address every competency in equal depth, but the letter should touch on each.
- Use specific examples and outcomes to demonstrate how you embody these competencies.
- Aim for a balance of professional accomplishments and insights into your leadership style.
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is the state’s only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. MCW consists of a School of Medicine with campuses in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Central Wisconsin, a School of Graduate Studies, and a School of Pharmacy. MCW is a major national research center ranking in the top third of U.S. medical schools in NIH funding and is the second largest research institution in Wisconsin. Academic medicine is at the core of everything we do at MCW, bringing together scientists, clinicians, students and community members to solve the most complex challenges in health and society. MCW is a diverse group of thought leaders collaborating to pioneer pathways to a healthier world. Every study we conduct and every patient we see leads to new learning and a continuous cycle of life-changing knowledge and innovation.
Approximately 1,780 MCW physicians and approximately 905 advanced practice providers care for more than 484,000 patients of all ages annually at Froedtert Hospital, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Children’s Wisconsin, and many other hospitals and clinics throughout eastern Wisconsin, representing more than 5.1 million patient visits annually.
The beautiful, safe and modern campus of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC) houses Froedtert Hospital, Children’s Wisconsin, Curative Care Network, Versiti Blood Research Institute and the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division. These member entities share a common mission of excellence in patient care, medical education, biomedical research and community service.
Commitment to MCW Values
All of our endeavors at MCW, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: acting in Caring ways – engaging in Collaborative efforts – approaching our world with Curiosity – advancing Inclusive practices – demonstrating Integrity in all we do – treating everyone with Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences and perspectives through merit-based processes, and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you.
Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, is located on Lake Michigan’s western shore. A metropolitan area with more than 1.6 million people, Milwaukee is an affordable, comfortable place to live, work, and play, big enough to be exciting and uncongested enough to get around easily. Milwaukee’s many neighborhoods have incredible charm, accommodating a variety of lifestyles, from high-rise apartments to small farms. Nestled along a magnificent bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Milwaukee’s downtown is home to botanical gardens, lakefront museums, a theater district, the world champion Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Brewers, bustling nightlife, and award-winning restaurants. The lake and its harbors are skirted by scenic parklands and provide first-class opportunities for recreation, including hiking, cycling, boating, and more. A recent study ranked Milwaukee as the 15th most walkable of the 50 largest US cities. Milwaukee has all the advantages of a large, vibrant city but without the stress or cost.
MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.