Executive Director

The Executive Director serves as the strategic and operational leader of the organization, responsible for advancing its mission, sustaining its long-term vision, and overseeing its people, programs, and financial health. This role requires a mission-driven, visionary leader with proven nonprofit leadership experience, a strong understanding of financial oversight, and a deep appreciation of the rich history at SMILES. This position reports to the SMILES Board of Directors.

Strategic Leadership & Vision 

• Provide clear strategic direction aligned with the organization’s mission and goals
• Serve as the public face of the organization, fostering strong relationships with community partners, the board of directors, staff and volunteers
• Champion equity and inclusion in all organizational practices
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to evolve and execute SMILES’s long-term goals

Board Governance 

• Works with the Board of Directors to fulfill the organization’s mission.
• Responsible for leading SMILES in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for attending Board meetings, communicating effectively with the Board, and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
• Responsible for preparing and presenting monthly reports, annual reports, and annual budget to the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for accepting and completing duties assigned by the Board of Directors as needs indicate.
• Responsible for Board development by ensuring appropriate and adequate representation on the Board, as well as successful engagement.

Financial Performance and Viability 

• Develops and maintains resources to ensure the financial health of the organization.
• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of SMILES, including annual budget proposals and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
• Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintains the organization in a positive financial position.
• Responsible for fundraising, donor support (both financial and service), and developing other resources necessary to support the SMILES mission.
• Responsible for writing and overseeing successful foundation grants and creating project budgets.

Organization Mission and Strategy 

• Works with the Board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach. The Mission is to be carried out with integrity and an ethic of care.
• Responsible for implementation and evaluation processes of SMILES’s programs and outcomes, which carry out the mission.
• Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that SMILES can successfully fulfill its mission into the future.
• Provide clear strategic direction to staff members aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Responsible for the enhancement of SMILES’s image by being active and visible in the community, preparing and delivering presentations as an official spokesperson, and by working closely with other professionals, including civic and private organization by acting with integrity.
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining major collaborative relationships within the SMILES network of friends and supporters, including partnerships with United Way agencies and PATH,, serving as the public face of the organization.

Organization Operations 

• Oversees and implements appropriate resources to benefit the organization’s operations.
• Responsible for the recruiting, developing, and retaining a talented, mission-driven team
• Set performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching, conduct annual evaluations of staff members
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with all PATH International standards in addition to ensuring policies, procedures, and organizational structures support efficiency and staff well-being within all facets of the organization.
• Responsible for establishing and fostering a collaborative, transparent, and accountable workplace culture among employees and volunteers.
• Handle conflict and resolve disputes and concerns
• Support the building of institutional knowledge for the organization..
• Responsible for working with coordinators to develop and execute events and programs that promote awareness of the organization, drive donations and gift giving, while also increasing visibility within the community.
• Responsible for overseeing the audit, insurance, payroll, benefits, accreditation, record keeping, certifications, and memberships of the organization.
• Responsible for maintaining and protecting the premises, physical assets, and program resources to a high standard.
• Oversee improvements and expansion of the facility in conjunction with the Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Familiarity with, or motivation to gain understanding about, individuals with disabilities and/or special needs
• Basic equine knowledge or willingness to learn
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to the nonprofit sector
• Must embrace and value volunteerism
• Must have experience with successful grant writing and grant management
• Demonstrated ability to interface and engage with diverse volunteers, donor groups, outside agencies, education systems, and a network of caregivers
• Budget management skills including: budget preparation, analysis, and communication of financial needs to the Board of Directors
• Strong organizational abilities including: planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation
• Think critically and creatively to maximize funding resources and reduce expenditures
• Excellent motivational and collaborative skills
• Written, verbal, public speaking, and non-verbal communication skills that are appropriate, strong, and passionate
• Demonstrated ability to oversee, collaborate with, and value staff and volunteers
• Established problem solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills
• Desire to explore advancing technologies to support and promote the SMILES organization
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Quick Books
• A valid Wisconsin driver’s license

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum of three to five years of senior nonprofit management, supervisory, or related experience is preferred
• Proven experience in nonprofit leadership or senior management
• Demonstrated success managing and developing staff teams

EDUCATION 

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field is required or commensurate work experience in said field will be considered