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.

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.

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.

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 sponsor ships, 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.

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.

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.

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…