Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & External Affairs

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is Wisconsin's largest and most diverse technical college, offering 170+ high‑quality programs that connect students to a career in as little as one to two years. MATC also offers a less expensive path to a four‑year degree. The college is transforming lives, industry and our community by preparing students today for the careers of tomorrow. Together, we are meeting the needs of the community we share and are focused on students with the greatest needs.

We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team who share the same passion in serving this purpose.

Presidential Support and Executive Operations

• Senior Advisory Role: Serve as the President's principal strategic advisor and senior confidant on all institutional matters. Manage the President's priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Presidential Liaison: Serve as primary liaison between the President and Board of Directors, faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders. Represent the institution at high‑level external meetings and events when designated by the President.
• Strategic Project Management: Lead and coordinate high‑priority presidential initiatives and cross‑divisional projects. Ensure alignment of institutional activities with presidential priorities and strategic goals.

Government and Legislative Affairs

• Government Relations Leadership: Lead comprehensive government relations strategy and execution at local, state, and federal levels. Build and maintain strategic relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, regulators, policy makers, and government agency leaders.
• Legislative Strategy and Advocacy: Monitor, analyze, and respond to legislative and regulatory developments. Develop and implement advocacy strategies to advance institutional priorities and secure favorable policy outcomes.
• Regulatory Affairs: Monitor regulatory changes affecting the institution. Coordinate institutional responses to proposed regulations and maintain relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies.

Strategic Communications and Marketing

• Strategic Communications Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive strategic communication plans to advance MATC's brand identity, reputation, enrollment goals, and institutional priorities.
• Executive Communications: Oversee presidential communications including speeches, presentations, statements, and key messaging. Develop communication strategies for sensitive issues, crisis situations, and high‑stakes institutional matters.
• Crisis Communication: Lead institutional crisis communication and reputation management. Coordinate responses to emergencies, controversies, and sensitive situations.

External Relationships and Partnerships

• Strategic Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strategic relationships with key external stakeholders, including media, community leaders, industry partners, and advocacy groups.
• Industry and Business Partnerships: Develop and maintain partnerships with business and industry leaders to support program development and student success.

Strategic Planning and Institutional Research & Effectiveness

• Strategic Planning Leadership: Lead development and implementation of institutional strategic planning processes. Facilitate strategic planning sessions and ensure alignment with presidential priorities.
• Performance Management: Monitor institutional key performance indicators and present findings to leadership. Support data‑informed decision making processes throughout the organization.

Organizational Coordination and Operations

• Cross‑Divisional Leadership: Coordinate activities and initiatives across all institutional divisions. Resolve cross‑functional challenges and ensure seamless operations.
• Change Management: Lead organizational change initiatives and transformation projects. Facilitate adoption of new policies, procedures, and strategic directions.
• Leadership and Supervision: Develop and manage a high‑performing team focused on quality and value‑added services. Responsibilities include hiring, coaching, performance management, and progressive discipline.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of governmental processes,…