Application Guide
How to Apply for Executive Director — Wisconsin Appleseed Center for Law & Justice
at WIsconsin Appleseed
🏢 About WIsconsin Appleseed
Wisconsin Appleseed is a unique nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to systemic policy change, ensuring every Wisconsinite has genuine opportunities to thrive. As part of the Appleseed Network, it collaborates with 20 justice centers across the US and Mexico, offering a national platform for local impact. Working here means being at the forefront of ambitious social justice campaigns, from economic and racial justice to criminal justice reform and immigration.
About This Role
As Executive Director, you will lead Wisconsin Appleseed's systemic advocacy campaigns, overseeing strategy, coalition building, and legislative advocacy. You'll also drive organizational growth, including fundraising, operations, and communications. This role is impactful because you'll shape the organization's direction and expand its capacity to fight inequality, directly improving the lives of Wisconsinites.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with your team to review campaign progress, followed by a meeting with a coalition partner about an upcoming legislative push. You might then spend time drafting a grant proposal or meeting with a major donor, and later review financial reports or oversee the development of a new communications strategy. The day would be a mix of strategic planning, relationship building, and operational oversight, all aimed at advancing systemic change.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who WIsconsin Appleseed Is Looking For
- A seasoned advocate with at least 5 years in nonprofit, public policy, government, or legal settings, with a proven track record of leading successful systemic change initiatives.
- An expert in legislative advocacy, coalition building, and community engagement, able to mobilize diverse stakeholders and navigate complex policy landscapes.
- A successful fundraiser with experience in foundation grants and individual donor cultivation, capable of developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
- A strategic and operational leader with experience in nonprofit management, financial oversight, and team development, ideally with a graduate degree in law or public policy.
📝 Tips for Applying to WIsconsin Appleseed
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific examples of systemic advocacy campaigns you've led, emphasizing root-cause analysis and policy wins.
Quantify your fundraising successes (e.g., 'grew foundation grants by 40% in two years') and operational achievements (e.g., 'managed $1M budget').
Research Wisconsin Appleseed's current campaigns and mention them in your cover letter, proposing how you'd advance their work.
Highlight any experience with racial justice and economic justice issues, as these are core to their mission.
Show your ability to work remotely and collaborate across a national network, as the role is remote but requires coordination with the Appleseed Network.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express your passion for systemic change and alignment with Wisconsin Appleseed's mission to ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all Wisconsinites.", "Demonstrate your leadership in advocacy, with concrete examples of campaigns you've led from research to legislative victory.", 'Showcase your fundraising expertise and ability to diversify revenue streams, especially in a nonprofit setting.', 'Highlight your experience in organizational development, including financial management, communications, and team building.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Wisconsin Appleseed's website and annual reports to understand their current campaigns, funding sources, and recent achievements.
- → Research the Appleseed Network to understand the collaborative structure and how Wisconsin Appleseed fits into the larger network.
- → Look into Wisconsin's current political climate and recent policy debates related to their focus areas (e.g., criminal justice reform, immigration) to be prepared to discuss timely issues.
- → Check the organization's social media and news coverage to see their public presence and recent statements.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Wisconsin Appleseed or its specific mission and campaigns.
- Avoid focusing only on your legal expertise if you have it; emphasize your advocacy, fundraising, and management skills, as the role requires a broad skill set.
- Don't underestimate the importance of fundraising; make sure to highlight your experience and enthusiasm for donor engagement, not just policy work.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to WIsconsin Appleseed!