Executive Director

Company Description Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin works to enrich the lives of children with physical or developmental special needs and their families. We believe every child, regardless of ability or income, should have the opportunity to participate in their community and experience the joys of being a kid. Through professional stewardship, thoughtful partnerships, and practical support, Variety seeks to create a lasting positive impact for children, families, and communities across Wisconsin. Role Description Variety is seeking a mission-driven, relationship-centered Executive Director to lead the organization through its next chapter. The Executive Director is Variety’s senior staff leader and serves as the principal partner to the Board of Directors in carrying out the organization’s mission, strategic direction, and Board-approved policies. The Executive Director reports directly to and is accountable to the Board of Directors. The Board appoints the Executive Director and determines the position’s salary and benefits. The Executive Director is responsible for translating Board direction into effective operations; advancing program impact; leading fundraising and community relationships; building a strong staff and volunteer culture; and ensuring sound financial, operational, and organizational stewardship. This is an opportunity for a capable nonprofit leader to make a direct difference in the lives of children and families while strengthening an established Wisconsin charity with a proud history of community service. Mission, Strategy, and Program Leadership Develop a strong understanding of Variety’s mission, programs, families, and community needs. In partnership with the Board, translate mission and strategy into measurable priorities, align programs and resources with those priorities, evaluate effectiveness, and recommend adjustments as needs evolve. Ensure programs and family services are accessible, inclusive, responsive, and mission-driven. Revenue Development and Donor Stewardship Serve as Variety’s senior fundraising leader and a visible ambassador for the mission. Develop and execute a diversified revenue strategy encompassing individual and major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, special events, and community partnerships. Prioritize individual donor development by building a strong donor pipeline and cultivating new and existing relationships. Steward donors, sponsors, funders, and partners; engage Board members in fundraising; maintain sound gift-management practices; and lead staff and volunteers in fundraising campaigns and events. Board Governance Support Build a transparent, productive partnership with the Board and its committees. Provide timely information, identify opportunities and risks, recommend strategic and policy actions, and implement Board-approved direction. Support Board and committee activities, maintain appropriate organizational records, serve ex officio on the Executive Committee as provided in the bylaws, and maintain a clear distinction between Board governance and staff management. Financial, Operational, and Compliance Stewardship Oversee operations within Board-approved budgets, policies, and controls. Lead budgeting, financial reporting, audit coordination, resource allocation, compliance, and operational decision-making. Keep the Board informed of financial performance and significant risks while maintaining effective systems, procedures, and required filings. Staff, Volunteer and Organizational Leadership Recruit, develop, support, and evaluate staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, respect, and service. Establish clear responsibilities and performance expectations, maintain appropriate HR practices, and recommend staffing and professional-service needs. Engage volunteers, alumni, partners, and funders in strengthening Variety’s mission and organizational capacity. Lead with integrity, sound judgment, and a practical approach to change. Community Visibility, Communications and External Relationships Serve as a principal spokesperson and strengthen Variety’s visibility throughout Wisconsin. Build relationships with community, civic, professional, public, and private partners while effectively communicating Variety’s mission and impact. Maintain a productive relationship with Variety International and other Variety tents, including required reporting, voting, and participation responsibilities. Qualifications Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including staff supervision, team building, and organizational planning. Experience in nonprofit administration, including board relations, governance, and strategic planning. Proven fundraising abilities, with experience in donor cultivation, grant writing, events, and sponsorship development. Financial acumen, including budgeting, financial oversight, and working with financial reports and metrics. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including families, donors, community partners, and volunteers. Background in program development and evaluation, preferably in child-focused, disability, or human services organizations. Ability to represent the organization in the community, build partnerships, and advocate for children with special needs and their families. Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, public administration, social work, or a related field; an advanced degree is a plus. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of organizational work. Willingness to work on-site in Elm Grove, WI, with flexibility for occasional evenings and weekends for events and meetings. Preferred Qualifications Experience serving children, families, or people with disabilities Value to Variety Deepens mission understanding and strengthens program leadership. Major-gifts, corporate-partnership, grant, or event-fundraising success Value to Variety Expands Variety’s capacity to diversify and grow revenue. Proven individual-donor development and grant-funding success Value to Variety Demonstrates the ability to strengthen individual giving and secure grant funding for the organization. Demonstrated operational excellence and relationship-building result Value to Variety Shows the ability to build effective systems while earning the trust of donors, staff, volunteers, and partners. Experience leading through organizational transition or growth Value to Variety Supports a thoughtful transition and long-term organizational strength. Nonprofit executive, senior-management, or comparable mission-driven leadership experience. Value to Variety Provides direct preparation for the breadth of the Executive Director role. Wisconsin community, philanthropic, healthcare, education, disability, or family-service relationships. Value to Variety Supports community credibility and partnership development Familiarity with Variety International or affiliated Variety organizations Value to Variety Supports effective participation in the wider Variety network. #J-18808-Ljbffr