Executive Director

Kids From Wisconsin; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent non-profit organization in Milwaukee is seeking an Executive Director to lead its initiatives. The ideal candidate will oversee marketing, fundraising, and day-to-day operations, ensuring the organization thrives. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and at least 3 years of relevant management experience. This full-time position requires strong leadership qualities and a proven track record in non-profit management. Submit your resume and references to apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of related management experience in a non-profit setting.
• Proven track record in fundraising and organizational management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the organization's marketing and public relations efforts.
• Lead fundraising and development programs to secure financial support.
• Manage day-to-day operations and staff of the organization.
• Establish partnerships with community and cultural organizations.

Skills

Results-oriented leadership

Fundraising success

Strong marketing strategies

Effective communication

Non-profit management experience

Financial oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

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For a full job summary and description, visit our website at kidsfromwi.org/careers

Traits and Characteristics

• Results‑oriented leader with a can‑do attitude who can set, pursue, and achieve goals.
• Deep understanding of management, operations, marketing, institutional image building, and external relations.
• Proven success in fund development and securing contributed revenue from multiple sources while maximizing earned revenue opportunities.
• Strong background in planning and executing marketing strategies and programs.
• Ability to give clear direction and maintain a positive brand image while ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.
• Proficiency with standard computer programs, integration of systems, and electronic communication tools.
• Experience in non‑profit management, preferably in the performing arts sector.
• Superior interpersonal and exceptional writing skills, with the capacity to interact effectively with Board members, staff, patrons, donors, sponsors, grantors, volunteers, and the community in a positive, uplifting, and cooperative manner.
• Excellent knowledge of sound fiscal management.
• Model of integrity and fairness with the highest ethical standards.
• Ingenuity, dedication, enthusiasm, honesty, humor, and energy.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following list provides a general description of expectations for the Executive Director. This list is not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned as needed and the Executive Director may be asked to perform duties not listed here. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing any duties delegated to others.

Marketing and Public Relations

• Develop plans to grow the audience by identifying target customers and implementing marketing/PR programs.
• Partner with the Artistic Director, Managing Director, and Community Enrichment Director to communicate the organization’s work and mission to the public through media, speaking engagements, and other necessary channels.
• Act as spokesperson for the organization with community and regional arts organizations, education institutions, businesses, foundations, government agencies, donors, sponsors, hosts, and other stakeholders.
• Guide increased brand awareness and impact of the organization, articulating its mission, vision, programs, and strategic direction to the public, potential troupe members, and their parents.
• Cultivate good relations with the media in Wisconsin and stay abreast of developments in the local, regional, and national performing arts communities.
• Direct and manage the Marketing Team to ensure the organization’s image is represented properly in marketing collateral, including the Annual Report, website, social media, auditions, donor letters, and show marketing.

Fundraising and Development

• Take a direct leadership role in the organization’s development programs, including the annual fundraising effort, endowment, capital, and planned giving.
• Identify appropriate funding opportunities from individuals, foundations, grantors, corporations, and government agencies in collaboration with the Board of Directors, Managing Director, Community Enrichment Director, and Artistic Director.
• Partner with the AD, MD, CE, Board of Directors, and volunteers in development activities, cultivating, soliciting, and maintaining strong relationships with individual, corporate, foundation, and government donors and sponsors.
• Coordinate with city, county, state, and federal governments and foundation agencies on grants and funding programs.
• Research, identify, and pursue granting opportunities.
• Strategize and execute effective donor stewardship methods with the Board and staff.
• Oversee cash‑flow management and present appropriate balance sheets, income statements, and other financial oversight tools to the Board on a regular and timely basis.
• Develop an annual budget (currently approximately $800,000) and business plan for presentation to the Board.
• Ensure financial controls are in place to maintain oversight and ethical use of funds.
• Provide oversight and supervision of bookkeeping and accounting in accordance with accepted accounting principles for non‑profits.
• Maintain official records and documents, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and deadlines, including tax filings and audits.
• When necessary and appropriate, represent and negotiate contractual matters with legal counsel.

Management and Operations

• Implement and monitor a long‑term strategic and short‑term operating plan in coordination with the Board of Directors, AD, MD, CE, and staff, and assume joint responsibility for its implementation.
• Ensure that day‑to‑day operations provide a first‑class experience for patrons, stakeholders, and community members at all times.
• Structure and staff the organization effectively with competent people, whether paid or volunteer, interviewing, hiring, training, and mentoring staff and volunteers, and conducting regular performance reviews.
• In partnership with AD, MD, and CE, plan and execute bookings, events, and activities, which include programming, artist engagement, celebrations, special fund‑raising, and other events as needed.
• Develop and institute contracts with all independent contractors, venues, hosts, and community education events.
• Be responsible for shows, performances, auditions, camp accommodations, tour logistics, awards luncheon, season finale performances, and support the Artistic Director and Production/Tour Staff as needed, including some travel.
• Consult and strategize with the arts community rental organizations and other strategic partners regarding facility rentals, equipment rentals, and logistical areas.
• Support the effective mobilization and utilization of volunteers in support of the organization’s plans and programs.
• Maintain the organization with the highest ethical standards, ensuring that all correct business policies and practices are fully legal and compliant.
• Protect the organization, staff, troupe, parents, and audience by upholding the highest standards of integrity, safety, mental and physical care required for managing diverse youth groups, including adults and minors in close proximity.

Outreach and Education

• Develop partnerships with community arts, education, and cultural organizations to advance outreach activities and collaborative partnerships throughout the State and beyond, including increased awareness and involvement of KIDS with school music programs.
• Work with all members of the community, develop appropriate strategic partnerships, and seek to include members of the community’s various multicultural groups and people of all ages.
• Represent the organization at various community events in a manner that enhances its reputation and standing, with a goal of providing greater service to the community, region, and state.

Governance

• Initiate and maintain effective communications with the Board President, Board Officers, Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.
• Provide concise, relevant, and timely information to the Board so that it can fulfill its policy, oversight, and decision‑making responsibilities.
• Actively assist in Board prospect identification, cultivation, and recruitment to develop Board members whose skills, experience, financial connections, diversity, and capacities meet the organization’s needs.
• Support Board committees in developing and implementing their goals and objectives.
• Celebrate the successes of individual Board members and the Board as a whole, recognizing their time and resources as community ambassadors for the organization.

Experience and Qualifications

Qualified applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) or a minimum of 3 years of related management experience with a successful track record in best practices in the non‑profit field, emphasizing organizational and fundraising skills.

Compensation

The Executive Director position is an at‑will, salaried position. At this time, there is no benefit package.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references via email to: [e-mail]

Applications will be accepted until January 20th.

Kids From Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Business Development and Sales

Industries

• Performing Arts

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