Executive Director

Job Description – Executive Director

Located in Carmel, Indiana, The Children’s Ther Aplay Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit outpatient pediatric rehabilitation clinic. Children's Ther Aplay is one of the few clinics in the country that specializes in physical and occupational therapies on horseback for children with special needs. Our therapists combine a sensory-rich, child-centered clinic with hippotherapy

Located in Carmel, Indiana, The Children’s Ther Aplay Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit outpatient pediatric rehabilitation clinic. Children's Ther Aplay is one of the few clinics in the country that specializes in physical and occupational therapies on horseback for children with special needs. Our therapists combine a sensory-rich, child-centered clinic with hippotherapy

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Foundation, providing visionary leadership for an organization that uniquely combines philanthropy with the direct delivery of pediatric therapy services including innovative equine-assisted therapy.

Unlike a traditional nonprofit Executive Director role, this position is responsible for both advancing the Foundation's mission through fundraising, donor engagement, board partnership, financial stewardship, and community leadership, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic that incorporates hippotherapy into each child’s therapy program. The Foundation's philanthropic efforts directly sustain and expand the clinical services that transform the lives of children and families.

The Executive Director leads an organization of more than 40 employees, including occupational, physical, and speech-language therapists, equine specialists and barn staff, administrative professionals, and support personnel.

Success in this role requires an executive who can seamlessly integrate mission, strategy, philanthropy, healthcare operations, financial management, and organizational culture to maximize both community impact and long‑term sustainability.

• Lead the development and execution of the organization’s strategic plan, annual workplan, and budget in partnership with the department leaders and the Board of Directors.
• Provide clear organizational visions and direction while supporting innovation, adaptability, and long‑term sustainability.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to maximize effectiveness and strategic alignment of board committees.
• Ensure appropriate tracking and measurement of key performance indicators across all departments.

• Lead, support, and develop staff; establish organizational structure, role clarity, and performance expectations in a dynamic environment.
• Oversee core human resource functions in collaboration with our HR Lead to ensure hiring, midyear and annual evaluations, performance improvements for employees, and compliance.
• Collaborate with the department leaders and Board of Directors to establish staff compensation, including salaries and benefits.

• Lead and actively participate in fundraising efforts, including development of goals and strategies, prospect planning, donor cultivation, relationship stewardship, and reporting. Serve as Children’s Ther Aplay’s primary spokesperson and representative with donors, partners, media, community leaders, and the public.
• Support the Development team in ensuring a culture of philanthropy among Children’s Ther Aplay’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.

• Oversee organizational operations and work in collaboration with Director of…