Atmosphere Commercial Interiors announces new Worklab centrally located near downtown Madison

Atmosphere Commercial Interiors is excited to announce the opening of their new Worklab centrally located near downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The new space features Community-Based Design—an approach that is characterized by stimulating a feeling of community to help people and organizations flourish. It provides an environment where workers are more likely to have higher levels of engagement, productivity, wellbeing, and belonging which equates with better results.

Susan Enlow, Regional Vice President, describes the move as both a logistical and cultural shift. According to Susan, the former space that once served them well began to hold them back. Divided and disconnected zones made it difficult to communicate and work as a unified team. The move was driven by a clear purpose: to bring teams together. “We envisioned a space that would break down physical barriers and open new possibilities for connection, creativity, and focus…where productivity could thrive.” Potter Lawson was chosen to collaborate with Atmosphere on their new space. The interiors are designed to support individuals and teams with dedicated zones for focused work, collaboration, and rejuvenation with built-in flexibility for each team member to determine the best place to work for their needs throughout the day. The community spaces, including a café and adjoining training room, are now central for social connections, so vital to Atmosphere’s culture.

Equally important is the story told throughout the Worklab. Carlene Wilson, CEO and President of Atmosphere, defines the space as a “strategic asset.” “We are no different than the customers we serve. Our business results and success are predicated upon deeply engaged and inspired team members.” Together with Potter Lawson, Atmosphere used a methodical and analytical process to capture the elements that would reflect “who we are and what we do.” Carlene acknowledges she is “wowed” by the space. “It has a sophisticated, elevated vibe that highlights our energy and positivity.” Carlene is confident it will become a destination for clients and key influencers searching for new ideas to leverage their physical space and strengthen their culture.

Susan emphasizes they were fortunate to have strong partners that helped bring Atmosphere’s vision to fruition. CBRE found the “perfect space with the amenities that will attract and retain the talent we need.” Krupp General Contractors did an “outstanding job meeting critical timelines with crucial attention to detail.” Design firm Potter Lawson created a welcoming space that “sparks the hospitality we know our guests will feel the minute they walk through the door.” The feedback from employees has been rewarding. The words Susan uses to describe the emotions—“Joy. And a renewed sense of purpose and passion.”

In lieu of a formal grand opening, Atmosphere is arranging small, more focused personalized tours. “It’s an open invitation to any firm or organization interested in what we are learning about the changing landscape of work and how we applied it to our own space.”

About Atmosphere Commercial Interiors

Atmosphere Commercial Interiors is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with additional offices in Wisconsin, Illinois, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Atmosphere has a rich history in the office furniture industry, serving organizations of every size around the globe, from start-ups to Fortune 500, and across corporate, healthcare, education, and hospitality industries. Atmosphere is a multi-year recipient of the distinguished Steelcase Premier Partner award and part of the Omni Workspace portfolio of brands that provides commercial facility services and solutions to the design-build and contract interiors markets.

MMSD Determines to Maintain GPA System Following Comprehensive Review

MADISON, Wis.—Following an extensive review process during the 2024–25 school year, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has determined that it will maintain its current unweighted grade point average (GPA) system for high school students. 

Doing so allows MMSD to focus on two key objectives: strengthening advising systems that help students choose coursework aligned with their post-secondary goals, and enhancing support structures so that all students have the opportunity to excel.

“MMSD is committed to providing all students with challenging learning opportunities, while ensuring our systems remain fair and equitable,” said Mary Jankovich, MMSD’s executive director of college, career & community readiness. “Our decision to keep what’s currently in place reflects our belief in the importance of a system that supports equity, maintains transparency and reflects our community’s values.”

The district arrived at its decision after:

• Analyzing results from the 2025 Weighted Grades Survey, completed by students in grades 8–12, their families and staff.
• Reviewing policies and practices from more than 50 surrounding districts.
• Using current MMSD student data to explore the potential impact of different weighted GPA models.
• Examining how colleges, especially those most frequently attended by MMSD graduates, evaluate student transcripts.
• Consulting with the MMSD Advanced Learning Department and representatives from each of the district’s high schools.

Weighted GPAs, which assign higher point values to advanced courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) dual-credit and honors classes, are used in some districts to recognize the rigor of those courses. MMSD’s decision to retain its unweighted system reflects a balance between acknowledging course rigor and maintaining equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of the courses available to them.

For questions or additional information, families and community members can reach out through the district’s Let’s Talk platform.

###

About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Vote for Verona Fall Fest in USA Today’s Best Fall Festival Poll

Fall festivals are a great way to mark the changing of the seasons, celebrate the harvest, enjoy the outdoors, and have some fun with friends and family. And there’s something magical about being surrounded by colorful leaves as the sounds of merriment fill the crisp air. 

USA Today put together a list of 20 of the country’s best fall festivals — nominated by an expert panel — including Verona’s Fall Fest. You can vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, September 8 at noon ET. The 10 winning festivals will be announced on Wednesday, September 17.

Learn more and cast your votes here.

MMSD Engages Improve Your Tomorrow to Support College-Focused, Historically Underserved High School Students

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has contracted with Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT), a national educational nonprofit that specializes in supporting young men of color on their journey to and through college, to provide mentoring, academic supports and culturally responsive programming in select MMSD schools for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 school years.

The organization’s mission is to dramatically increase the number of Black male students who graduate from college. The organization’s model is rooted in building long-term, trusting relationships with students, strengthening their connection to school and helping them see themselves as college-bound and career-ready. 

“We see this as a direct investment in a demographic of our high school students who have historically been underserved,” said Mary Jankovich, MMSD’s executive director of college, career and community readiness. “IYT’s approach provides the mentorship and support that help students envision themselves as college graduates and leaders in their communities.”

Through its College Academy program, the nonprofit works with students across multiple years to build a foundation for success. Year one emphasizes relationships and belonging; year two focuses on improved attendance and positive behavior; and year three highlights measurable academic growth. This staged approach helps schools and districts track progress over time and ensures that the work leads to sustainable outcomes.

“We know that students thrive when they feel connected, affirmed and supported,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, MMSD’s assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “IYT’s programming is designed to create those conditions while also addressing key drivers of student success, from attendance to academics. It’s a holistic model that aligns with our district’s goals.”

In addition to mentoring and academic support, IYT also provides enrichment opportunities designed to expose students to college campuses, career pathways and leadership development. These experiences help students build confidence, expand their networks and prepare for life after high school.

The district selected IYT after reviewing its proven success in other districts, where participants demonstrated higher levels of engagement, improved graduation rates, and increased enrollment in postsecondary education. MMSD will work closely with IYT to track outcomes and ensure that the program is meeting the needs of Madison students. All services will be provided at no cost to families, and outcomes will be reviewed annually to guide future improvements. 

To learn more about the opportunities available to MMSD high school, including its early college academies, please visit the MMSD website. 

###

About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison Seeking Donor Engagement Manager

Organization: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison (RMHC-Madison)
Position Title: Donor Engagement Manager
Reports To: Director of Development
Classification: Salaried, full-time (40 hours per week)
Work Location: Primarily In Person
Salary Range: $50,000-$60,000

Job Purpose
Since 1993, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison (RMHC-Madison) has been dedicated to keeping families close when it matters most—while their child receives medical care at area hospitals. Through our core programs—the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Madison—we provide thousands of families each year with access to quality healthcare and the support they need to remain actively involved in their child’s care.

RMHC-Madison offers a true home-away-from-home with cozy rooms, nourishing meals, and compassionate assistance for families who may have traveled hours—or even flown across the country—for their child’s treatment. Guided by our core values, every member of our team is committed to delivering compassionate care and unwavering support to the families we serve, our partners, and one another.

The Donor Engagement Manager advances RMHC-Madison’s mission by curating impactful donor experiences and touchpoints. This includes developing and implementing a comprehensive stewardship plan to foster loyalty, deepen mission understanding, inspire further engagement, and increase revenue. Additionally, the Donor Engagement Manager will collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to enhance donor communications, highlight program impact, and drive organizational growth.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement donor cultivation and stewardship strategies for major, mid-level recurring and new donors. This includes giving societies and processes that ensure timely, consistent, and meaningful engagement through personalized outreach and conversations.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development and CEO to support the stewardship of their key donor portfolios, assisting with meeting preparation, follow-up, and personalized correspondence when necessary.
• Manage individual portfolio of donors with a focus on creating lasting relationships and making strategic asks for general operating support, campaigns or special initiatives, aligning donor interests with organizational priorities.
• Develop donor impact reports and custom stewardship deliverables to represent donor impact visually and narratively.
• Plan and execute small-scale donor engagement events to deepen relationships and highlight donor impact.
• Oversee and support gratitude volunteer(s) to ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of lower-level gifts, reinforcing a culture of appreciation and making all donors feel valued and connected to the mission.
• Maintain detailed records in donor CRM (Raiser’s Edge), ensuring all interactions, follow-ups and moves management steps are documented to support overall fundraising success.
• Partner with the Development Department to plan and shape fundraising campaigns, appeals, and donor communications, contributing to strategic messaging that aligns with organizational priorities and resonates with key audiences.
• Collect and curate family stories to support donor engagement efforts.
• Collaborate with Director of Administration on the development, review and implementation of donor lists used for communication and mailings.
• Lead the growth and retention of GEMs program, RMHC-Madison’s monthly giving program.
• Research grant opportunities that align with RMHC-Madison’s mission and assist with drafting, editing, and preparing grant proposals and supporting materials.
• Track grant deadlines, deliverables, and funder requirements in collaboration with the CEO and Director of Development.
• Represent RMHC-M at community engagement and networking events.
• Attend RMHC-M events, including signature events, applicable donor events and House events.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected in this role. It is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills that may be required.

Ideal Characteristics

• A friendly, positive, and professional demeanor, combined with strong attention to detail.
• A proactive willingness to assist in areas beyond the core responsibilities of the role.
• Authentic commitment to RMHC’s Core Competencies: Mission-Driven, Collaboration, Integrity, Inclusion, and Adaptability.
• Forward-thinking, innovative and energetic professional with proven success in donor stewardship, capable of developing and orchestrating the implementation of a multi-year plan.
• Willingness to help in areas that do not fall directly within position’s responsibilities

Knowledge, Experience, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in event or non-profit management, public relations or related field and/or 5+ years of experience in successful event management, donor database management, or non-profit development.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to present oneself professionally at public events.
• Ability to work well as part of a small, dynamic team, as well as independently.
• Demonstrates strong judgement skills and attention to detail while meeting deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, database, and event management software.
• Ability to identify and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to travel locally or regionally occasionally. Valid driver’s license required.
• Knowledge and skills working with a diverse clientele from different cultures, languages, and religious beliefs.

Preferred

• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, GiveSmart, and Mailchimp, or compatible software preferred
• Previous experience working in a donor-focused or nonprofit organization.

We encourage all interested candidates to apply—even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. While the following qualifications are helpful, we value diverse backgrounds and experiences that strengthen our team and our work.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities.
• Position is full-time with primary hours falling during stated business hours. However occasional evenings and weekend hours will be required.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with minimal exposure to injury.
  • This position is primarily on-site, with the majority of responsibilities requiring a regular presence in our administrative offices inside the Ronald McDonald House. However, there is some flexibility for remote work, depending on business needs and in coordination with your supervisor.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 30 pounds.
• Ongoing daily use of computers and telephone.
• Walk, sit, stand, bend, climb, and use hands to, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk, hear, read, count, and write.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Must be able to work with frequent interruption.
• Low to moderate noise level.

Benefits

• To support our team members and their families beyond the workplace, RMHC-M offers a supportive work environment along with a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, a generous retirement contribution, and paid time off to promote work-life balance.

How to Apply

• If interested in this opportunity, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references by Wednesday, September 10 via email to: jobs@theemployergroup.com.