Wisconsin State Director - Special Spaces

Overview

THE ORGANIZATION Special Spaces Wisconsin creates dream bedrooms for children with cancer. In just 24 hours, volunteers and skilled professionals transform a child’s room into a place of hope, healing, rest, and comfort. Special Spaces, Inc., founded in 2004, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating dream bedroom makeovers for children battling cancer. The goal of Special Spaces is to provide these children with a special space where children sleep, rest, play, and thrive—a space to just be a kid.

Special Spaces Wisconsin is a high-touch, high impact organization that measures success by the quality of the experience. This effort is done with teams of dedicated volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and donated goods and/or services. Through its 10 chapters across 9 states, the organization transforms approximately 200 bedrooms a year into comforting, healing spaces where children can rest, recover, and dream.

Leadership & Operations

• Oversee all daily operations of the Wisconsin chapter, ensuring alignment with the national mission and standards.
• Develop annual goals, budgets, and strategic plans to support program growth.
• Manage program timelines, bedroom makeover scheduling, and overall workflow.
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies, reporting, and financial procedures.

Program Oversight

• Manage staff who lead bedroom makeover projects from concept to completion, ensuring high‑quality, child‑centered designs.
• Ultimately responsible for the smooth delivery of the dream bedroom, ensuring all contractors, volunteers, and families have an excellent experience.
• Ensure safety, professionalism, and mission integrity throughout all makeovers.

Fundraising & Development

• Build and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan, including individual giving, corporate sponsor ships, grants, and events.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with donors, business partners, and philanthropic foundations.
• Oversee major fundraising events such as the Dream BIG Gala, Sandbagger Golf Tournament, Raise the Roof, and Chicks & Sticks to meet annual revenue goals.
• Manage third‑party fundraisers.
• Write, submit, and follow‑up on community grants.
• Oversee the Young Professionals Board.

Volunteer Management

• Recruit, train, and engage volunteers to support makeovers and events.
• Maintain strong communication with volunteer groups and corporate volunteer teams.
• Build a positive, inclusive culture that reflects the values of Special Spaces.

Community & Partner Engagement

• Serve as the primary ambassador of Special Spaces in Wisconsin.
• Develop strong relationships with hospitals, nonprofits, community groups, and local businesses.
• Represent the organization in presentations, media engagements, third‑party fundraisers, and networking events.

Marketing & Communications

• Support the creation of social media content, newsletters, and mission‑driven stories.
• Work with the Social Media/Marketing Coordinator to engage donors.
• Ensure consistent messaging aligned with brand standards.

Administration & Reporting

• Oversee state‑level budgeting and financial stewardship.
• Track program metrics, donor activities, and volunteer engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, program oversight, fundraising, or community relations.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with donors, corporate partners, and volunteers.
• Experience organizing events, campaigns, or community programs.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS

• Mission‑driven, empathetic, and family‑centered.
• Strong leader who inspires volunteers and partners.
• Creative problem solver who thrives in a fast‑paced environment.
• Positive, collaborative, and flexible mindset.
• Comfortable rolling up sleeves and jumping in wherever needed.
• Passion for serving children and families facing medical challenges.

Relationship Building & Stakeholder Engagement

Demonstrates exceptional ability to cultivate, steward, and deepen relationships with donors, volunteers,…