Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives

Scion Executive Search is excited to partner with a highly respected, community-focused philanthropic organization in the search for an accomplished Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives . This leadership opportunity offers the chance to shape and advance high-impact initiatives that strengthen communities, foster collaboration, and create lasting regional impact. The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated ability to translate organizational vision into actionable priorities, lead complex projects, and build meaningful partnerships across the nonprofit, philanthropic, public, and private sectors.

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Appleton, WI offering a flexible schedule and a collaborative, mission-driven working environment.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives will serve as a key strategic partner in advancing organizational priorities, leading special initiatives, and strengthening the organization's ability to respond to evolving community needs and opportunities. This leader will work across organizational functions and with external stakeholders to design, coordinate, and execute strategic projects that advance the organization's mission and long-term objectives.

The position requires a sophisticated understanding of organizational strategy, community engagement, partnership development, and change management, coupled with the ability to move seamlessly between big-picture thinking and hands-on implementation. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and resourceful leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, exercises sound judgment, and brings the credibility and interpersonal skills necessary to influence diverse stakeholders. This individual will play an important role in helping the organization identify emerging opportunities, navigate complex challenges, and translate ambitious ideas into sustainable community outcomes.

• Partner closely with the CEO to advance organizational strategy, establish priorities, and lead the implementation of high-impact strategic initiatives.
• Direct complex, cross-functional projects from initial concept and planning through execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Identify emerging community needs, philanthropic trends, and opportunities for strategic investment, collaboration, and organizational innovation.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, philanthropic partners, businesses, and public-sector stakeholders to advance shared priorities.
• Facilitate collaborative initiatives that bring together diverse stakeholders, align resources, and address complex community challenges.
• Work across internal departments to ensure strategic initiatives are aligned with organizational objectives, operational capabilities, and available resources.
• Establish clear project goals, implementation plans, timelines, performance measures, and accountability structures to support successful execution.
• Provide strategic analysis, research, and recommendations to inform executive decision-making and long-term organizational planning.
• Support the CEO in preparing strategic presentations, reports, proposals, and communications for the Board of Directors and other key stakeholders.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of strategic initiatives, identifying opportunities to strengthen outcomes, improve processes, and scale successful approaches.
• Lead organizational change and continuous improvement efforts that enhance collaboration, efficiency, and mission delivery.
• Represent the organization in strategic meetings, community forums, and collaborative partnerships, serving as a credible and thoughtful ambassador for its mission.
• Manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and proactively resolve challenges to maintain momentum on critical organizational initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business administration, public policy, organizational leadership, or a related field.
• An advanced degree is preferred.
• Significant progressive leadership experience in strategic initiatives, organizational strategy, program development, community impact, nonprofit management, philanthropy, consulting, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and measurable…