Ethics Specialist - Entry
State of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
Introduction
Do you want to help enhance representative democracy and inform the public about its government?
The Wisconsin Ethics Commission is recruiting to fill two entry-level Ethics Specialist positions.
Mission The mission of the Wisconsin Ethics Commission is to promote and strengthen the faith and confidence of the people of Wisconsin in their government, support the operation of open and responsible government, preserve the integrity of the governmental decision‑making process, and protect the rights of individuals through the administration of Wisconsin’s campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics laws, and through readily available and understandable disclosure of information.
Location This position is located at the Department of Administration (DOA) building in the heart of downtown Madison near the State Capitol. The office is 101 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI. It is close to the University of Wisconsin and is easily accessible by Madison Metro Bus route and the Capital City bike path.
Position Summary The Ethics Specialist provides operational execution of the Wisconsin Ethics Commission’s statutory responsibilities and ensures compliance with Wisconsin’s campaign finance, lobbying, financial disclosure, and ethics laws. The incumbent responds to questions involving complex application of statutes and administrative code and assists individuals and organizations with registration, licensing and reporting requirements. The role conducts policy and legal analysis related to the administration of Wisconsin’s campaign finance, lobbying and ethics laws, reviews applicable court decisions for potential impact, and utilizes Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, SharePoint) as well as statistical software and relational databases.
Respond to questions involving complex application of statutes and administrative code, and assist individuals and organizations to comply with registration/licensing and reporting requirements.
Conduct policy and legal analysis related to the administration of Wisconsin’s campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics laws, and review applicable court decisions for potential impact on the Commission’s responsibilities.
Utilize Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, SharePoint) and statistical software and relational databases to execute job duties.
Report to the Assistant Administrator and Commissioners on program effectiveness, develop and implement efficient processes, and handle release judgments of information.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism with statutorily confidential information, ensuring public trust in the Commission’s efforts.
Salary & Benefits This classification is assigned to pay schedule/range 07‑04. The starting hourly pay rate will be between $26.50 – $32.50 per hour depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 12‑month probation may be required.
Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan at the time of hire.
Job Details Due to the nature of the position, DOA will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection.
DOA does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for F‑1 international students.
All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility form.
Political neutrality is imperative. All staff members are prohibited from participating in any political activity that compromises the ability of the person to discharge duties with neutrality, efficiency and integrity. The selected candidate must not have given a political contribution to a candidate for a partisan state or local office in the twelve months prior to appointment and must comply with the agency’s nonpartisan requirements during employment.
All employees are expected to live and work in Wisconsin. The position will have the option of working remotely upon agreement of the supervisor but will be asked to come into the office periodically. This schedule may change based on operational needs and organizational requirements.
Qualifications Required:
Preparing, developing, and distributing professional written correspondence and documents.
Providing support in an office setting (e.g., assisting professional staff, answering customer/client inquiries, etc.).
Using spreadsheet software to organize, analyze and maintain data.
Preferred:
Assisting/participating in program or project management.
Applying campaign finance, lobbying and/or code of ethics laws or administrative rules.
Statistical Software (STATA, SPSS or similar).
Relational Databases (SQL, MS Access or similar).
Application Process The steps to apply online are quick and easy. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Once you click “Submit,” your materials cannot be changed. A panel of job experts will evaluate your materials, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
EEO Statement The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. Qualified applicants are considered regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.
Veteran Information The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service‑connected disability. Veterans should visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non‑Competitive Appointment (VNCA) program.
Contact Questions can be directed to Paula Langbecker at paulag.langbecker@wisconsin.gov.
Application Deadline Applicant materials are due by 11:59 pm Thursday, April 16, 2026.
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The Wisconsin Ethics Commission is recruiting to fill two entry-level Ethics Specialist positions.
Mission The mission of the Wisconsin Ethics Commission is to promote and strengthen the faith and confidence of the people of Wisconsin in their government, support the operation of open and responsible government, preserve the integrity of the governmental decision‑making process, and protect the rights of individuals through the administration of Wisconsin’s campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics laws, and through readily available and understandable disclosure of information.
Location This position is located at the Department of Administration (DOA) building in the heart of downtown Madison near the State Capitol. The office is 101 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI. It is close to the University of Wisconsin and is easily accessible by Madison Metro Bus route and the Capital City bike path.
Position Summary The Ethics Specialist provides operational execution of the Wisconsin Ethics Commission’s statutory responsibilities and ensures compliance with Wisconsin’s campaign finance, lobbying, financial disclosure, and ethics laws. The incumbent responds to questions involving complex application of statutes and administrative code and assists individuals and organizations with registration, licensing and reporting requirements. The role conducts policy and legal analysis related to the administration of Wisconsin’s campaign finance, lobbying and ethics laws, reviews applicable court decisions for potential impact, and utilizes Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, SharePoint) as well as statistical software and relational databases.
Respond to questions involving complex application of statutes and administrative code, and assist individuals and organizations to comply with registration/licensing and reporting requirements.
Conduct policy and legal analysis related to the administration of Wisconsin’s campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics laws, and review applicable court decisions for potential impact on the Commission’s responsibilities.
Utilize Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, SharePoint) and statistical software and relational databases to execute job duties.
Report to the Assistant Administrator and Commissioners on program effectiveness, develop and implement efficient processes, and handle release judgments of information.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism with statutorily confidential information, ensuring public trust in the Commission’s efforts.
Salary & Benefits This classification is assigned to pay schedule/range 07‑04. The starting hourly pay rate will be between $26.50 – $32.50 per hour depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 12‑month probation may be required.
Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan at the time of hire.
Job Details Due to the nature of the position, DOA will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection.
DOA does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for F‑1 international students.
All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility form.
Political neutrality is imperative. All staff members are prohibited from participating in any political activity that compromises the ability of the person to discharge duties with neutrality, efficiency and integrity. The selected candidate must not have given a political contribution to a candidate for a partisan state or local office in the twelve months prior to appointment and must comply with the agency’s nonpartisan requirements during employment.
All employees are expected to live and work in Wisconsin. The position will have the option of working remotely upon agreement of the supervisor but will be asked to come into the office periodically. This schedule may change based on operational needs and organizational requirements.
Qualifications Required:
Preparing, developing, and distributing professional written correspondence and documents.
Providing support in an office setting (e.g., assisting professional staff, answering customer/client inquiries, etc.).
Using spreadsheet software to organize, analyze and maintain data.
Preferred:
Assisting/participating in program or project management.
Applying campaign finance, lobbying and/or code of ethics laws or administrative rules.
Statistical Software (STATA, SPSS or similar).
Relational Databases (SQL, MS Access or similar).
Application Process The steps to apply online are quick and easy. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Once you click “Submit,” your materials cannot be changed. A panel of job experts will evaluate your materials, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
EEO Statement The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. Qualified applicants are considered regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.
Veteran Information The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service‑connected disability. Veterans should visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non‑Competitive Appointment (VNCA) program.
Contact Questions can be directed to Paula Langbecker at paulag.langbecker@wisconsin.gov.
Application Deadline Applicant materials are due by 11:59 pm Thursday, April 16, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr