EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director of Wausau Events has overall responsibility for leading the organization, providing strategic direction and managing day-to-day operations. The Executive Director oversees events management, fund development, volunteer recruitment, sponsor and donor development and marketing and public relations. Serving as the face of Wausau Events and representing the organization throughout the community, the Executive Director works closely with public officials, community organizations, area businesses and other key stakeholders. The Executive Director 

regularly interacts with the Board of Directors and reports directly to the Board President. 

• Directs and manages all Wausau Events programs and services 

• Oversees all festival operations and seamlessly manages and supervises the planning, organization and implementation of all events produced by Wausau Events 

• Directs and manages all business and finance operations of the organization including planning, budgeting, accounts receivable and accounts payable 

• Cultivates, maintains, and develops relationships with sponsors and potential sponsors to fulfill the needs of each event sponsorship 

• Researches, cultivates, approaches, secures and stewards sponsorships and grants (new and renewing) to meet or exceed funding goals 

• Cultivates relationships and manages the creation of materials to assist in the selling of corporate sponsorships 

• Directs and manages all promotional, marketing and media relations activities for Wausau Events, including management of the organization’s social media Accounts 

• Builds and maintains effective communications and healthy relationships with public officials, elected office holders, business and property owners, community organizations, residential neighborhoods, trade allies and other key stakeholders 

• Builds consensus and negotiates with stakeholders to serve the common interests and greater good of Wausau 

• Represents Wausau Events as its primary spokesperson 

• Supports work of the Board of Directors by providing relevant information, coordinating board planning, initiating, organizing and assisting with prioritization of work, providing oversight and coordination of committee work, and serving in other capacities that support the board in performing its responsibilities for creating and sustaining the vision, mission and goals of Wausau Events 

• Oversees recruiting, training, coordination and recognizing volunteers 

• Organizes set-up and take-down of events which includes moving refuse containers, pop-up tents, tables, chairs and other requirements of the events 

• Effectively and efficiently communicate with vendors before, during and after the Events 

• Identifies, secures and works with vendors needed for the various events. Types of vendors including but not limited to: Food, amusement, musical, supply, equipment, entertainment, etc. 

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Hospitality Management, Business, 

Marketing/Communications or related field preferred. 

Experience: 

• Experience in a community organization as an employee, volunteer, or intern 

• Volunteer recruitment and experience working with volunteers 

• Experience managing events from conception to completion 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of people 

• Financial skills including fundraising, budget preparation and accounts payable 

• High level of computer skills including standard office and database software and 

design programs preferred 

The Executive Director has exceptionally strong communication skills, both oral and written, ability to communicate concepts on all levels and excellent interpersonal skills that generate enthusiasm, and builds effective working relationships on all levels. 

The ideal candidate has a high level of personal initiative, is self-driven and action/ results oriented and thrives in a challenging, fast-paced, entrepreneurial atmosphere and is open to change and creating change. 

The Executive Director has a background that includes financial management experience which includes but isn’t limited to: securing sponsorships, budget generation, accounts payable and receivable. He/she has the ability to create account strategies to define and develop new business opportunities. 

Other qualities in an ideal candidate include: 

• Listens effectively, shares ideas and information openly and facilitates relationship building 

• Has successfully functioned in a busy environment 

• Possesses initiative, good judgment and the ability to problem solve and troubleshoot quickly 

• Has handled demanding workloads to meet positional and organizational objectives 

• Is customer focused/service oriented and has effectively affected change 

• Is able to work a flexible schedule that includes nights and weekend hours to support events 

• Frequent lifting of 20-30 or more pounds 

• Sufficient vision acuity for routine computer use, and moderate to heavy reading 

and writing responsibilities 

• Position requires walking, sitting and standing at moderate levels 

• Position requires a high level of all forms of communication skills: written, verbal, 

Listening 

Salary Range is $55,000.00 to $65,000.00 annually, with annual bonus potential. 

Interested applicants are asked to submit a cover letter outlining their interest in the position and relevant work experience, as well as what your favorite Wausau Event is and why it’s your favorite along with a current resume and three references including telephone and email contact information.  Submissions can be made to  peter.valiska@charter.net or by using the button below. Application Deadline is January 16, 2026