Center Director Jobs in Wisconsin
Center Director jobs in Wisconsin are concentrated in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, where community organizations, healthcare systems, and educational institutions maintain steady demand for leadership across childcare, community health, and workforce development settings. Employers like Aurora Health Care, UW Health, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee have long hired center directors to oversee day-to-day operations, staff, and program compliance. The role attracts candidates from early childhood education, social services, and nonprofit management, with openings at both site-level and multi-center oversight levels. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Current employees: if you are currently employed at any of the universities of wisconsin, log in to workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job category:
LimitedEmployment type:
Temporary (Fixed Term)Job profile:
Center Associate Director (C)Job summary:
The Associate Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) is responsible for overseeing the implementation and monitoring of the center’s strategic planning initiatives to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources in alignment with the strategic plan, including exercising supervisory authority. The Associate Director oversees the grant writing and the implementation of federally funded grants through private foundations, or consular agencies that support the center, including any other institutions identified for strategic growth and development in this area of study at UW-Madison.
In addition the Associate Director serves as the primary advisor for three academic degrees programs: 1) the Undergraduate Certificate in Southeast Asian Studies; 2) the Graduate Masters of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies; and 3) the PhD Minor in Southeast Asian Studies, including managing admission and degree reporting for undergraduates and the admission and warrant management for graduate students in the MA program.
In addition to these administrative tasks, the Associate Director serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing organizational information and representing the interests of the unit, including the promotion of outreach priorities that align with the strategic vision of the center on and off campus. This work requires regular consultation with CSEAS faculty, lecturers, staff, K-16 teachers and administrators, and UW students to develop initiatives, outreach opportunities, and programming that serve these diverse audiences. In doing so, the Associate Director maintains close communication and relationships with strategic partners on and off campus.
The long-term focus of the Associate Director is to formulate program strategies and goals, direct long-term planning for the center, develop policies and procedures, and establish and maintain the health of program activities and strategic initiatives, all in close collaboration with the faculty and teaching staff affiliated with the Center through regular communication and regular “steering” committee meetings involving all faculty and teaching staff affiliated with CSEAS.
This position is a two‑year appointment. Continued employment beyond the initial term is contingent upon the availability of additional funding.
Key job responsibilities:
- Oversees curriculum design and instruction of other instructors
- Assists in defining the objectives of the program and plays a major role in carrying out program duties
- Leads unit level course programming and alignment with unit policy, procedures, guidelines, and instructional focus
- Develops grant proposals for instructional development and may serve as principal or co-principal investigator on grants to develop new teaching methods in the discipline. May administer budget and personnel for instructional grants and programs
- Designs curriculum and/or techniques for instruction in a disciplinary area and suggests new ways of effective instruction in courses within discipline
- Supervises the day-to-day activities of work unit employees involved in instructional support as needed
- Provides classroom, online, and/or laboratory instruction, including grading
- Develops teaching techniques that enhance course effectiveness in alignment with desired outcomes and established strategy and trains faculty and other instructional staff in use of instructional techniques and programs. Presents evaluations of teaching methods and techniques to those in the institution and elsewhere
- Assesses learner performance and prepares reports recommending instructional improvements
- Provides professional development around curriculum development and program implementation to support other instructors in the unit
- Advises unit director on instructional budget and personnel decisions
- Provides oversight and guidance on the development of grant proposals by other staff
Department:
International Division, Center for Southeast Asian Studies-Institute for Regional and International Studies
Compensation:
Minimum salary of $90,000 depending on qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- A strong record of implementing and overseeing budgets and administrative activities for an academically focused unit within an institution of higher education.
- Experience developing grant proposals to support instructional development, research activities, study abroad, and the objectives of an intellectual/academic community or unit.
- A minimum of two years of demonstrated supervisory experience overseeing staff and daily operations.
Preferred qualifications:
- A demonstrated expertise in one social science and/or humanities discipline with an emphasis on the study of Southeast Asia, including research and teaching experience.
- A strong record of accomplishment in helping to develop and implement new programs and programmatic strategies, including the implementation of less commonly taught languages (LCTL) and related area studies curriculum, programs and initiatives.
- Experience in administering admission and advising of undergraduate and graduate students in Southeast Asian studies academic concentrations
- Experience working with foundations, federal agencies, and donors in writing, administering, and reporting on external grants, with an emphasis on Title VI programs (NRC/FLAS centers).
Education:
Required: PhD, with research experience in Southeast Asian studies and language training in at least one Southeast Asian language.
How to apply:
Please submit a cover letter and a CV/resume through the online jobs portal by the assured consideration date.
Contact information:
Please contact Kristine Schutte: kristine.schutte@wisc.edu with any questions.
Institutional statement on diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
Current employees: if you are currently employed at any of the universities of wisconsin, log in to workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job category:
LimitedEmployment type:
Temporary (Fixed Term)Job profile:
Center Associate Director (C)Job summary:
The Associate Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) is responsible for overseeing the implementation and monitoring of the center’s strategic planning initiatives to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources in alignment with the strategic plan, including exercising supervisory authority. The Associate Director oversees the grant writing and the implementation of federally funded grants through private foundations, or consular agencies that support the center, including any other institutions identified for strategic growth and development in this area of study at UW-Madison.
In addition the Associate Director serves as the primary advisor for three academic degrees programs: 1) the Undergraduate Certificate in Southeast Asian Studies; 2) the Graduate Masters of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies; and 3) the PhD Minor in Southeast Asian Studies, including managing admission and degree reporting for undergraduates and the admission and warrant management for graduate students in the MA program.
In addition to these administrative tasks, the Associate Director serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing organizational information and representing the interests of the unit, including the promotion of outreach priorities that align with the strategic vision of the center on and off campus. This work requires regular consultation with CSEAS faculty, lecturers, staff, K-16 teachers and administrators, and UW students to develop initiatives, outreach opportunities, and programming that serve these diverse audiences. In doing so, the Associate Director maintains close communication and relationships with strategic partners on and off campus.
The long-term focus of the Associate Director is to formulate program strategies and goals, direct long-term planning for the center, develop policies and procedures, and establish and maintain the health of program activities and strategic initiatives, all in close collaboration with the faculty and teaching staff affiliated with the Center through regular communication and regular “steering” committee meetings involving all faculty and teaching staff affiliated with CSEAS.
This position is a two‑year appointment. Continued employment beyond the initial term is contingent upon the availability of additional funding.
Key job responsibilities:
- Oversees curriculum design and instruction of other instructors
- Assists in defining the objectives of the program and plays a major role in carrying out program duties
- Leads unit level course programming and alignment with unit policy, procedures, guidelines, and instructional focus
- Develops grant proposals for instructional development and may serve as principal or co-principal investigator on grants to develop new teaching methods in the discipline. May administer budget and personnel for instructional grants and programs
- Designs curriculum and/or techniques for instruction in a disciplinary area and suggests new ways of effective instruction in courses within discipline
- Supervises the day-to-day activities of work unit employees involved in instructional support as needed
- Provides classroom, online, and/or laboratory instruction, including grading
- Develops teaching techniques that enhance course effectiveness in alignment with desired outcomes and established strategy and trains faculty and other instructional staff in use of instructional techniques and programs. Presents evaluations of teaching methods and techniques to those in the institution and elsewhere
- Assesses learner performance and prepares reports recommending instructional improvements
- Provides professional development around curriculum development and program implementation to support other instructors in the unit
- Advises unit director on instructional budget and personnel decisions
- Provides oversight and guidance on the development of grant proposals by other staff
Department:
International Division, Center for Southeast Asian Studies-Institute for Regional and International Studies
Compensation:
Minimum salary of $90,000 depending on qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- A strong record of implementing and overseeing budgets and administrative activities for an academically focused unit within an institution of higher education.
- Experience developing grant proposals to support instructional development, research activities, study abroad, and the objectives of an intellectual/academic community or unit.
- A minimum of two years of demonstrated supervisory experience overseeing staff and daily operations.
Preferred qualifications:
- A demonstrated expertise in one social science and/or humanities discipline with an emphasis on the study of Southeast Asia, including research and teaching experience.
- A strong record of accomplishment in helping to develop and implement new programs and programmatic strategies, including the implementation of less commonly taught languages (LCTL) and related area studies curriculum, programs and initiatives.
- Experience in administering admission and advising of undergraduate and graduate students in Southeast Asian studies academic concentrations
- Experience working with foundations, federal agencies, and donors in writing, administering, and reporting on external grants, with an emphasis on Title VI programs (NRC/FLAS centers).
Education:
Required: PhD, with research experience in Southeast Asian studies and language training in at least one Southeast Asian language.
How to apply:
Please submit a cover letter and a CV/resume through the online jobs portal by the assured consideration date.
Contact information:
Please contact Kristine Schutte: kristine.schutte@wisc.edu with any questions.
Institutional statement on diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
See All 23 Center Director Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Center Director JobsCenter Director Jobs by City in Wisconsin
Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Center Director Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Community Coordinated Child Care3C
- Encompass Early Educ & Care2E
- CVS Health1
- Mathnasium1
- Aspirus Health1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education2
- Healthcare & Medical Services2
What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in center director jobs across Wisconsin.
- Active Wisconsin state license or certification relevant to the center type overseen
- Bachelor's degree in education, social work, public health, or a related field
- Minimum three to five years of supervisory or program management experience
- Familiarity with Wisconsin licensing standards for childcare or community centers
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, staff schedules, and compliance reporting
- Strong communication skills for working with funders, families, and regulatory agencies
Center Director Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a center director in Wisconsin?
The path depends on the center type. For childcare centers, Wisconsin requires a director credential issued through the Wisconsin Registry, including completion of approved early childhood education coursework and documented work experience. For community or health centers, employers typically require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus several years of program management experience. Meeting Wisconsin childcare licensing rules set by the Department of Children and Families is mandatory for anyone overseeing licensed childcare facilities.
Which companies hire center directors in Wisconsin?
Companies currently hiring center directors in Wisconsin include Community Coordinated Child Care, Encompass Early Educ & Care, and CVS Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Wisconsin's mix of hospital systems, nonprofit human services agencies, and statewide childcare networks means center director openings appear across a wider range of employer types than in many other states.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most center director jobs?
Madison, De Pere, and Menomonie have the most center director openings in Wisconsin. Milwaukee leads because of its density of nonprofit organizations, federally qualified health centers, and large childcare networks, while Madison's concentration of university-affiliated programs, state agencies, and county human services drives demand there, and Green Bay's growing healthcare and community services sector anchors its share of listings.
Are there remote center director jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, but they're rare. Center director roles are largely on-site positions that require direct oversight of staff, facilities, and participants, making full remote work uncommon. About 10% of center director openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those tend to involve multi-site program directors whose coordination and reporting duties can be handled off-site rather than facility-based center directors.
How can I get hired as a center director in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving up from a lead teacher, program coordinator, or assistant director role within a Wisconsin childcare center or community organization. Large operators like Wisconsin Head Start grantees and YMCA affiliates regularly promote from within and hire associate directors as developmental positions. Earning the Wisconsin Registry Director Credential while working in a support role signals readiness for director-level responsibility and gives candidates a concrete edge when applying to licensed facilities.
Where can I find and apply to center director jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to center director jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current Wisconsin openings across childcare, community health, nonprofit, and education settings. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 23 Center Director Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Center Director Jobs