Executive Director, Disability Services

Peter Gray Executive Search; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Logan’s Heart and Smiles in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation. This onsite role partners with the Board and Founder to align resources with the mission and ensure program impact.

The ideal candidate will lead fundraising, manage staff, and cultivate relationships with donors and partners to advance services for children with disabilities while maintaining financial health and growth.

Qualifications

• Significant nonprofit leadership experience.
• Proven fundraising and financial management success.
• Strong written and verbal communication across audiences.
• Experience serving on a nonprofit board.
• Authentic passion for serving children with disabilities.
• Ability to lead in ambiguity and organizational growth.
• Familiarity with donor databases and nonprofit finance systems.
• Marketing/public relations experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership with the Board and Founder to set priorities and ensure mission alignment.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, budgeting, HR, and program execution.
• Lead fundraising and donor relations, ensuring financial health and sustainable growth.
• Represent the organization publicly and advocate for its mission across channels.

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Fundraising

Financial management

Communication skills

Board experience

Passion for mission

Adaptability

Marketing/PR

Donor databases

Program evaluation

Job description

Thank you for your interest in the Executive Director position atLogan’s Heart and Smiles, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Peter Gray Executive Search is posting this position on behalf of Logan's.

• Job Title:Executive Director
• Employer:Logan's Heart and Smiles
• Location:Madison, Wisconsin (onsite position at Madison office location)
• Salary range:$100,000 - $120,000

Logan’s Heart and Smiles, founded in 2002, is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides accessibility, safety, and sensory home modifications for children with disabilities throughout the state of Wisconsin. Logan’s is proud to be known for its commitment to finding innovative solutions, and creating an inclusive culture of families, volunteers and donors.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced nonprofit leader with an authentic passion for the mission, and comfort working with children with disabilities and their families.

Deadline: rolling. The position is open until filled. It was announced on October 1, 2026. Rather than setting an application deadline, we are considering applications and holding interviews on a rolling basis, with first-round interviews starting in November. For best consideration, please apply promptly; and please complete all questions in the application, including the cover letter/personal statement.Our goal is to fill this position by January 2027.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director is the chief executive of the organization, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation. They will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and the Founder to set priorities, manage resources, and ensure mission alignment in all aspects of the organization’s work.

This position requires a leader who is equally comfortable engaging directly with children with disabilities and their families; managing a budget; mentoring a staff member; and speaking in a public forum. The Executive Director will cultivate a values-driven workplace, build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, and ensure the organization remains financially healthy and programmatically effective.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead the organization in pursuit of its mission and strategic goals, ensuring alignment between daily operations and long-term vision.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to review and refresh strategic plans, policies, and organizational benchmarks.
• Support board development and engagement by preparing clear reports, advising on governance best practices, and helping recruit new board members with diverse perspectives.

Organizational Management

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring efficient processes, team alignment, and consistent execution across departments or functions.
• Maintain clear systems for internal communication, decision-making, and project accountability.
• Implement and monitor internal policies and procedures that reflect nonprofit, as well as local, state, and federal compliance.
• Actively seek to foster an inclusive, healthy workplace culture that empowers volunteers, donors, and staff to collaborate to achieve innovative solutions for the families we serve.
• Hire, supervise, lead, and mentor staff members; provide regular performance feedback and opportunities for growth.
• Promote professional development and a culture of mutual support, learning, and collaboration.
• Ensure the organization’s compensation, benefits, and HR policies reflect sector standards and support employee retention.
• Develop and execute a multi-pronged fundraising strategy, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, and events.
• Build and sustain relationships with donors, funders, and institutional partners through thoughtful stewardship and regular engagement to maximize fundraising potential across the organization.
• Lead financial planning and management, including development of the annual budget in collaboration with relevant staff, outsourced financial resources, and the Board.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance, ensuring timely reporting, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with all legal requirements.
• Ensure that financial controls and procedures are in place and aligned with best practices.

Program Oversight & Evaluation

• Oversee day-to-day execution of programs and services, ensuring alignment with community needs and the strategic goals of the Board.
• Use data and community feedback to continuously improve the quality and impact of the organization’s work.
• Stay informed of developments and trends in the field to ensure that the organization remains innovative and responsive.

Communications, Marketing & Advocacy

• Working with the volunteer marketing team, serve as a public face and voice of the organization, leading external communications.
• Develop a consistent voice across all marketing channels—social media, newsletters, website, annual reports, etc.
• Work as an advocate in all public forums, coalitions, and media opportunities to further the organization’s mission, and elevate visibility.

Qualifications Sought:

• Significant, successful nonprofit leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in staff leadership, fundraising, and financial management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a capacity to engage a wide range of audiences.
• Experience working with or on a nonprofit Board of Directors.
• Authentic passion for the mission, and comfort working with children with disabilities and their families.
• Adaptability for a hands-on role in an environment of ambiguity, change, and organizational growth.
• Familiarity with nonprofit finance systems, donor databases, and program evaluation tools.
• Ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics with empathy, accountability, and integrity.
• Experience in marketing and/or public relations.