Executive Director

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will partner with Artistic
Director (AD), Managing Director (MD), and Community Enrichment Director (CE) to
provide overall leadership to Kids From Wisconsin, Ltd., and will be responsible for
providing direct oversight and management of all non-artistic areas. The ED will execute
operating strategies and plans, manage administrative staff, and establish relationships
with local, regional, and national arts organizations, donors and sponsors, and community
hosts and partners.

The scope of responsibility also includes, but is not limited to, audience development,
marketing / advertising management, fundraising planning and execution, external and
community relations, volunteer management, and the overall operational, financial, and
administrative management of the organization. The ED will develop relationships and
partnership agreements with musical, performing, educational, and community
organizations to advance the organization’s outreach activities and collaborative
partnerships throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

The ED will work closely with the Board to ensure strong fiscal health and effective
governance and the carrying out of the board’s vision for the organization. The ED will be a
relationship builder who maintains a high professional profile and is able to raise financial
resources personally while educating, engaging, and energizing the Board of Directors in
their role as overseers, fundraisers, policymakers, and community ambassadors.
The ED will be the organization’s spokesperson, with the mission, vision, and values as a
guide in representing it to many constituencies, both internal and external, throughout the
community. In partnership with the AD, MD, CE, and the Board, the ED will guide the
growth, public image and increased brand awareness of the Kids From Wisconsin.

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS:
The Executive Director will have a well-rounded set of competencies that sets them apart
from others, including the following:
• Results-oriented leader with the ability to set, pursue, and reach goals with a can-do
attitude.
• Understanding of management and operations, marketing, institutional image
building, and external relations, and having the presence and capacity to move
initiatives forward in each of these areas.
• Demonstrates success in fund development and securing contributed revenue from
multiple sources while maximizing earned revenue opportunities.
• Strong background and experience in planning and executing marketing strategies
and programs.
• Ability to give direction and guidance, have the self-assurance and confidence to
enforce rules and regulations, with flexibility to preserve a positive community brand
image and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Proficiency with standard computer programs, integration of those systems, and
electronic communication tools.
• Experience in non-profit management, preferred in performing arts.
• Superior interpersonal skills, as well as exceptional writing skills, with the ability to
interact effectively with Board, staff, patrons, donors, sponsors, grantors,
volunteers, and the community in a positive, uplifting, and cooperative manner.
• Excellent knowledge of sound fiscal management is critical.
• The model of integrity and fairness with the highest ethical standards.
• Ingenuity, dedication, enthusiasm, honesty, humor, and energy are also key
attributes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The duties and responsibilities below provide a general description of expectations for the
Executive Director. This list is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties,
expectations, and skills. The Executive Director may be asked to perform duties not listed
within this job description. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing any duties
delegated to others.

Marketing and Public Relations
Oversee all marketing and public relations activities for the organization.
• Develop plans to grow the audience through the identification of target customers
and implementation of marketing / PR programs.
• Partner with AD, MD, and CE to communicate the work and mission of the
organization to the public through the media and at public speaking engagements
and through all necessary media, as needed.
• Act as spokesperson for the organization with community and regional arts
organizations, education institutions, businesses, foundations, government
agencies, donors, sponsors, hosts, and other stakeholders including not-for-profit
and corporate entities.
• Guide the increased brand awareness and impact of the organization, clearly
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, interacting with and staying
abreast of developments of 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 Annual Report, website,
social media, auditions, donor letters and show marketing.

Fundraising and Development
Guide the creation of a comprehensive development program, develop comprehensive
plans that maximize contributed income, and assume a leading and active role in fundraising in consultation and cooperation with the Board.
• Take a direct leadership role in the organization’s development programs, including
its annual fund-raising efforts, endowment, capital, and planned giving.
• Identify appropriate funding opportunities from individuals, foundations, grantors,
corporations, and government agencies with the Board of Directors, the Managing
Director, Community Enrichment Director, and the Artistic Director.
• Partner with the AD, MD, CE, Board of Directors, and volunteers in development
activities, effectively cultivating, soliciting, and maintaining strong relationships
with individual, corporate, foundation, and government donors and sponsors.
• Coordinate with all city, county, state, and federal governments and foundation
agencies on grants and funding programs.
• Research, identify, and pursue granting opportunities.
• Strategize and execute the most effective donor stewardship methods with the
Board and staff.

Financial Management
Develop, monitor, and maintain fiscal responsibility for the organization’s overall budget,
and ensure the most effective use of financial resources.
• Oversee management of cash flow 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, and ensure compliance with federal, state
and local regulations and deadlines, including tax filings and audits.
• Ability to, with legal counsel when needed and appropriate, represent and negotiate
contractual matters, including rental organizations, agents, promoters, presenters,
troupe members, ensembles, musicians, singers, and other independent
contractors.

Management and Operations
Direct and manage all aspects of the organization’s operations, office and administration.
• 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, reporting progress towards goals regularly.
• Oversee all day-to-day operations to ensure that patrons, stakeholders, and other
community members have a first-class experience any time they interact with the
organization’s staff, troupe, and members.
• Ensure that the organization is effectively structured and staffed with competent
people whether they be paid or volunteer. Interview, hire, train, and mentor staff and
volunteers, assign work, and provide job performance reviews on a regular basis as
requested by the Board of Directors. When delegating duties to staff, the Executive
Director will make the assignment clear and maintain the overall supervisory
authority.
• In partnership with the AD, MD, and CE plan and execute show 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 aiding the Artistic
Director and Production and Tour Staff on an as needed basis. This will include
some travel.
• Consult and strategize with the arts community rental organizations and other
strategic partners, regarding facility rentals, equipment rentals and logistical related
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 within the full extent of the law.
• Protect the organization, staff, troupe, parents and audience by maintaining the
highest standards of integrity, safety, mental and physical care required for
managing diverse youth groups, which include adults and minors in close proximity.
Ensuring that all best practices, laws, regulations, and handbook requirements are
enforced. Handling issues that arise in ways that are appropriate and beyond
reproach along with being clearly communicated to everyone concerned.
Outreach and Education

In partnership with the AD, MD, and CE create and execute plans to ensure a systematic,
values-based approach to outreach and education.

• Develop partnerships with community arts, education, and cultural organizations to
advance the organization’s 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 in the community, with a goal of allowing the
organization to provide greater service to the community, region, and state.
Governance

Provide support to best utilize the talents and resources of the Board, stimulate
involvement, recruit new members, and work closely with the Board to ensure strong
leadership infrastructure to maintain long-term organization success.

• 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 with the
goal of developing Board members whose skills, experience, financial connections,
diversity, and capacity meet the needs of the organization.
• Assist Board committees in developing and implementing their goals and
objectives.
• Celebrate the successes of individual Board members and the Board as a whole in
recognizing their contribution of 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 with an emphasis on organizational and fundraising
skills.

COMPENSATION:
The Executive Director position is an at-will salaried position. Starting salary is $75,000,
commensurate with skills and experience. At this time, there is no benefit package.

TO APPLY:
Submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references via email to:
president@kidsfromwisconsin.org
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.