CEO Special Olympics Alabama
Share
Job Location:
Montgomery, TX - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 105000 - 125000
Posted on:
2 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Overview
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Special Olympics Alabama (SOAL) is a dynamic mission-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and adults with intellectual disabilities of all ages and abilities through the power of year-round sports training and competition complementary non-sports programming and community engagement all at no cost to the athlete.
As the Alabama affiliate of the global Special Olympics movement which serves 4.7 million athletes in 207 countries and jurisdictions SOAL leverages the transformative power of sport to empower participants to build physical fitness courage confidence and skills that serve them on and off the playing field. The Special Olympics movement champions inclusion and respect ensuring that athletes of all abilities are welcomed supported and celebrated.
Founded in 1970 Special Olympics Alabama has grown into a statewide Program offering a broad range of Olympic-type individual and team sports as well as Special Olympics Unified Sports which brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities as teammates. Through local competitions state championships volunteer programs and community partnerships SOAL creates life-enhancing experiences that extend beyond the playing field fostering confidence leadership and inclusion for more than 11000 registered athletes and thousands of volunteers across Alabama.
At the core of its impact is a dedicated network of coaches Unified partners families and supporters who contribute time expertise and passion to enrich the lives of Special Olympics athletes. Volunteers serve in roles from coaching and event leadership to advocacy and fundraising underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives the organizations success. SOALs next CEO will be critical in continuing to increase the organizations reach quality operations and sustainability. Experienced strong and visionary leadership is essential to advancing SOALs mission and building an even more inclusive future for Alabamans.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Special Olympics Alabama (SOAL) serves as the organizations chief executive lead fundraiser and public ambassador providing trusted leadership during a pivotal period of organizational strengthening and growth. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors the CEO is responsible for overseeing all operational administrative financial and programmatic aspects of the organization while advancing quality scale and long-term close partnership with the Board the CEO sets strategic direction supports effective governance and ensures SOALs mission is conducted with integrity accountability and measurable statewide impact.
This role calls for an experienced resilient and values-driven leader who is energized by the challenge of comprehensive organizational advancement. The CEO will be expected to thoughtfully assess rebuild and realign core systems structures and practices bringing clarity discipline and momentum to an organization that requires sustained hands-on leadership. Success in this role demands endurance follow-through and a willingness to engage in the deliberate work of building strong foundations over time while leading with transparency authenticity and ethical stewardship.
As SOALs primary relationship builder and most visible representative the CEO leads all fundraising and resource development efforts cultivating and stewarding meaningful relationships with donors sponsors foundations government entities and community partners across Alabama. Operating within a lean staffing model the CEO provides day-to-day leadership of operations fiscal management compliance and infrastructure while building the capacity systems culture and partnerships needed to support future growth. The CEO also ensures the quality consistency and expansion of SOALs sports and non-sports programming statewide serving as a trusted advocate for athletes families volunteers schools and community leaders. This role is ideally suited for a relational mission-driven executive with a proactive solutions-focused approach and is motivated by the opportunity to meaningfully shape the next chapter of Special Olympics Alabama.
Special Olympics Alabama (SOAL) is a dynamic mission-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and adults with intellectual disabilities of all ages and abilities through the power of year-round sports training and competition complementary non-sports programming and community engagement all at no cost to the athlete.
As the Alabama affiliate of the global Special Olympics movement which serves 4.7 million athletes in 207 countries and jurisdictions SOAL leverages the transformative power of sport to empower participants to build physical fitness courage confidence and skills that serve them on and off the playing field. The Special Olympics movement champions inclusion and respect ensuring that athletes of all abilities are welcomed supported and celebrated.
Founded in 1970 Special Olympics Alabama has grown into a statewide Program offering a broad range of Olympic-type individual and team sports as well as Special Olympics Unified Sports which brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities as teammates. Through local competitions state championships volunteer programs and community partnerships SOAL creates life-enhancing experiences that extend beyond the playing field fostering confidence leadership and inclusion for more than 11000 registered athletes and thousands of volunteers across Alabama.
At the core of its impact is a dedicated network of coaches Unified partners families and supporters who contribute time expertise and passion to enrich the lives of Special Olympics athletes. Volunteers serve in roles from coaching and event leadership to advocacy and fundraising underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives the organizations success. SOALs next CEO will be critical in continuing to increase the organizations reach quality operations and sustainability. Experienced strong and visionary leadership is essential to advancing SOALs mission and building an even more inclusive future for Alabamans.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Special Olympics Alabama (SOAL) serves as the organizations chief executive lead fundraiser and public ambassador providing trusted leadership during a pivotal period of organizational strengthening and growth. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors the CEO is responsible for overseeing all operational administrative financial and programmatic aspects of the organization while advancing quality scale and long-term close partnership with the Board the CEO sets strategic direction supports effective governance and ensures SOALs mission is conducted with integrity accountability and measurable statewide impact.
This role calls for an experienced resilient and values-driven leader who is energized by the challenge of comprehensive organizational advancement. The CEO will be expected to thoughtfully assess rebuild and realign core systems structures and practices bringing clarity discipline and momentum to an organization that requires sustained hands-on leadership. Success in this role demands endurance follow-through and a willingness to engage in the deliberate work of building strong foundations over time while leading with transparency authenticity and ethical stewardship.
As SOALs primary relationship builder and most visible representative the CEO leads all fundraising and resource development efforts cultivating and stewarding meaningful relationships with donors sponsors foundations government entities and community partners across Alabama. Operating within a lean staffing model the CEO provides day-to-day leadership of operations fiscal management compliance and infrastructure while building the capacity systems culture and partnerships needed to support future growth. The CEO also ensures the quality consistency and expansion of SOALs sports and non-sports programming statewide serving as a trusted advocate for athletes families volunteers schools and community leaders. This role is ideally suited for a relational mission-driven executive with a proactive solutions-focused approach and is motivated by the opportunity to meaningfully shape the next chapter of Special Olympics Alabama.
Responsibilities
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership
Lead and manage the CEOBoard relationship with an elevated level of sophistication drawing on strong prior experience in nonprofit governance and board building and development to ensure an engaged effective and accountable Board.
Serve as the primary partner to the Board of Directors working closely with the Board to set advance and execute SOALs strategic vision priorities and long-term growth plan.
Support the ongoing strengthening of the Board by facilitating strategic governance practices supporting recruitment onboarding and development of directors and helping the Board operate at a strategic rather than operational level.
Provide clear timely and transparent communication to the Board regarding organizational performance programs financial health risks and key initiatives.
Identify emerging opportunities and challenges and recommend thoughtful data-informed strategies to enhance organizational impact sustainability and statewide reach.
Fundraising & Resource Development
Lead all fundraising and resource development efforts including individual giving corporate partnerships grants and signature events.
Build steward and expand relationships with donors foundations sponsors community partners and statewide stakeholders.
Advance diversified revenue strategies aligned with SOALs strategic and programmatic goals.
Represent SOAL publicly to elevate visibility strengthen the organizations brand and increase awareness and philanthropic and community support.
Organizational Management & Operations
Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of SOAL operations within a lean staffing model.
Supervise and support staff contractors and volunteers fostering accountability engagement and organizational effectiveness.
Assess and evolve operational infrastructure including staffing systems and future office or facility needs.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations Special Olympics International (SOI) standards and internal policies.
Financial Stewardship
Develop manage and monitor the annual budget in collaboration with the Board.
Ensure sound financial controls accurate reporting and responsible stewardship of all organizational resources.
Oversee audits financial reviews regulatory filings and long-term financial planning to support sustainability and growth.
Program Oversight & Statewide Impact
Provide leadership and oversight for SOAL programs ensuring equitable access to high-quality sports competitions non-sports programming and initiatives statewide.
As part of a global federated model the CEO ensures the organization is operating in compliance with all Special Olympics Inc. rules standards and requirements.
Community Relations & Advocacy
Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Special Olympics Alabama.
Build and strengthen relationships with schools civic leaders corporate partners government agencies and community organizations.
Promote inclusion awareness and advocacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities across Alabama.
Represent SOAL within the broader Special Olympics movement collaborating with Special Olympics North America and Special Olympics International as appropriate.
Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership
Lead and manage the CEOBoard relationship with an elevated level of sophistication drawing on strong prior experience in nonprofit governance and board building and development to ensure an engaged effective and accountable Board.
Serve as the primary partner to the Board of Directors working closely with the Board to set advance and execute SOALs strategic vision priorities and long-term growth plan.
Support the ongoing strengthening of the Board by facilitating strategic governance practices supporting recruitment onboarding and development of directors and helping the Board operate at a strategic rather than operational level.
Provide clear timely and transparent communication to the Board regarding organizational performance programs financial health risks and key initiatives.
Identify emerging opportunities and challenges and recommend thoughtful data-informed strategies to enhance organizational impact sustainability and statewide reach.
Fundraising & Resource Development
Lead all fundraising and resource development efforts including individual giving corporate partnerships grants and signature events.
Build steward and expand relationships with donors foundations sponsors community partners and statewide stakeholders.
Advance diversified revenue strategies aligned with SOALs strategic and programmatic goals.
Represent SOAL publicly to elevate visibility strengthen the organizations brand and increase awareness and philanthropic and community support.
Organizational Management & Operations
Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of SOAL operations within a lean staffing model.
Supervise and support staff contractors and volunteers fostering accountability engagement and organizational effectiveness.
Assess and evolve operational infrastructure including staffing systems and future office or facility needs.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations Special Olympics International (SOI) standards and internal policies.
Financial Stewardship
Develop manage and monitor the annual budget in collaboration with the Board.
Ensure sound financial controls accurate reporting and responsible stewardship of all organizational resources.
Oversee audits financial reviews regulatory filings and long-term financial planning to support sustainability and growth.
Program Oversight & Statewide Impact
Provide leadership and oversight for SOAL programs ensuring equitable access to high-quality sports competitions non-sports programming and initiatives statewide.
As part of a global federated model the CEO ensures the organization is operating in compliance with all Special Olympics Inc. rules standards and requirements.
Community Relations & Advocacy
Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Special Olympics Alabama.
Build and strengthen relationships with schools civic leaders corporate partners government agencies and community organizations.
Promote inclusion awareness and advocacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities across Alabama.
Represent SOAL within the broader Special Olympics movement collaborating with Special Olympics North America and Special Olympics International as appropriate.
Qualifications
KEY COMPETENCIES
Trust-Centered Leadership & Ethical Stewardship
Demonstrated ability to restore build and sustain trust through ethical leadership transparency accountability and exhibit consistent follow-through related to both leadership behavior and organizational stewardship.
Operates with unquestioned integrity and sound ethical judgment
Communicates openly honestly and consistently
Demonstrates financial transparency and accountability
Builds confidence through reliability ownership and follow-through
Leads with a transformational mindset that rebuilds credibility and momentum
Strategic Vision & Organizational Renewal
The capacity to define a compelling mission-aligned vision for SOAL and translate it into clear priorities actionable strategies and measurable outcomes that rebuild and grow the organization.
Articulates a clear and inspiring future state grounded in mission and reality
Sets and prioritizes strategies aligned with organizational capacity and growth goals
Translates vision into actionable plans measurable outcomes and short-term wins
Uses data benchmarks and best practices to inform decision-making
Thrives in start-up or turnaround environments requiring endurance and hands-on leadership
Relational Leadership & Statewide Engagement
The ability to authentically engage rebuild and expand relationships across volunteers partners donors schools athletes families and community leaders statewide.
Highly relational approachable and socially adept
Trusted listener who values and incorporates stakeholder input
Visible presence across communities programs and events
Serves as a credible and trusted ambassador for SOALs mission and brand
Skilled at partnership development and collaboration
Operational Excellence & Resource Development
The ability to manage SOAL as a disciplined high-functioning nonprofit while building the financial operational and human infrastructure needed to sustain and expand impact.
Strong nonprofit financial and operational acumen
Experience building systems processes and teams
Comfortable making financial asks and cultivating donors
Understands fundraising as relationship-driven work
Balances mission passion with execution discipline
Inclusive Mission-Driven Change Leadership
The ability to lead change with empathy and inclusion while fostering accountability belonging and shared purpose in service of athletes and families.
Deep commitment to inclusion empowerment and advocacy
Empathetic and emotionally intelligent leadership style
Respects institutional knowledge and lived experience
Leads transformation without alienating long-tenured stakeholders
Energized by active mission-centered and people-focused work
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Bachelors degree required; advanced degree or nonprofit leadership certification preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of senior or executive-level leadership experience. Nonprofit senior leadership experience preferred.
Prior experience leading or managing an organization division or department with a budget of approximately $1M or greater strongly preferred.
Proven record of accomplishment in fundraising revenue generation and donor relations including individual giving corporate sponsorships grants and dedicated events.
Knowledge of nonprofit governance and experience working effectively with and building a volunteer Board of Directors.
Experience cultivating relationships with corporate partners foundations community leaders and public-sector stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to serve as the public face and primary spokesperson of an organization.
Demonstrated proficiency in budgeting financial oversight forecasting and stewardship of organizational resources.
Experience developing and executing strategic plans that drive program growth and expand community impact.
Experience managing and mobilizing volunteer workforces a plus.
Commitment to the mission values and culture of the Special Olympics movement.
Commitment to inclusion diversity and equity.
Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities or other underrepresented populations is valued though not required.
Community-based program delivery and event management understanding.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly including evenings weekends and occasional overnights in support of statewide programs events and relationships across Alabama as well as regional national and international meetings; the role assumes access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel by automobile as needed.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Compensation includes a salary range of $105000 - $125000.
Hybrid work environment. Health and dental insurance. Paid time off and holidays. Professional development opportunities. Support from Special Olympics International North America. Work-related mileage and expense reimbursement.
LOCATION: HYBRID ALABAMA
The SOAL CEO role offers a distinctive and highly attractive leadership opportunity through its statewide operating structure and multi-faceted future potential.
The position is designed to be hybrid. This model reflects the organizations broad geographic reach and community-based focus. As such the CEO is expected to work out in the community frequently.
The CEO will be entrusted with evaluating where a centralized office should be located moving forward and identifying the location that will best support athletes volunteers partners and statewide growth.
Currently SOAL has one full-time staff member located in Montgomery Alabama offering an existing operational presence in the state capital while still affording the new CEO the flexibility to design an organizational footprint that maximizes efficiency and accessibility. The Board views this as a powerful advantage of the role an opportunity for an entrepreneurial forward-thinking leader to build a modern and sustainable operating model that positions SOAL for long-term success.
The statewide nature of SOALs programs further enhances this opportunity. Signature events and programs underscore the importance of strong statewide presence relationships and engagement offering the CEO a highly visible platform to elevate the brand and impact of Special Olympics Alabama.
NOMINATION & APPLICATION PROCESS
To be considered for this opportunity please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Shelly Beaver Search Consultant
-OR-
Lindsey Kriete Practice Director
Trust-Centered Leadership & Ethical Stewardship
Demonstrated ability to restore build and sustain trust through ethical leadership transparency accountability and exhibit consistent follow-through related to both leadership behavior and organizational stewardship.
Operates with unquestioned integrity and sound ethical judgment
Communicates openly honestly and consistently
Demonstrates financial transparency and accountability
Builds confidence through reliability ownership and follow-through
Leads with a transformational mindset that rebuilds credibility and momentum
Strategic Vision & Organizational Renewal
The capacity to define a compelling mission-aligned vision for SOAL and translate it into clear priorities actionable strategies and measurable outcomes that rebuild and grow the organization.
Articulates a clear and inspiring future state grounded in mission and reality
Sets and prioritizes strategies aligned with organizational capacity and growth goals
Translates vision into actionable plans measurable outcomes and short-term wins
Uses data benchmarks and best practices to inform decision-making
Thrives in start-up or turnaround environments requiring endurance and hands-on leadership
Relational Leadership & Statewide Engagement
The ability to authentically engage rebuild and expand relationships across volunteers partners donors schools athletes families and community leaders statewide.
Highly relational approachable and socially adept
Trusted listener who values and incorporates stakeholder input
Visible presence across communities programs and events
Serves as a credible and trusted ambassador for SOALs mission and brand
Skilled at partnership development and collaboration
Operational Excellence & Resource Development
The ability to manage SOAL as a disciplined high-functioning nonprofit while building the financial operational and human infrastructure needed to sustain and expand impact.
Strong nonprofit financial and operational acumen
Experience building systems processes and teams
Comfortable making financial asks and cultivating donors
Understands fundraising as relationship-driven work
Balances mission passion with execution discipline
Inclusive Mission-Driven Change Leadership
The ability to lead change with empathy and inclusion while fostering accountability belonging and shared purpose in service of athletes and families.
Deep commitment to inclusion empowerment and advocacy
Empathetic and emotionally intelligent leadership style
Respects institutional knowledge and lived experience
Leads transformation without alienating long-tenured stakeholders
Energized by active mission-centered and people-focused work
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Bachelors degree required; advanced degree or nonprofit leadership certification preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of senior or executive-level leadership experience. Nonprofit senior leadership experience preferred.
Prior experience leading or managing an organization division or department with a budget of approximately $1M or greater strongly preferred.
Proven record of accomplishment in fundraising revenue generation and donor relations including individual giving corporate sponsorships grants and dedicated events.
Knowledge of nonprofit governance and experience working effectively with and building a volunteer Board of Directors.
Experience cultivating relationships with corporate partners foundations community leaders and public-sector stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to serve as the public face and primary spokesperson of an organization.
Demonstrated proficiency in budgeting financial oversight forecasting and stewardship of organizational resources.
Experience developing and executing strategic plans that drive program growth and expand community impact.
Experience managing and mobilizing volunteer workforces a plus.
Commitment to the mission values and culture of the Special Olympics movement.
Commitment to inclusion diversity and equity.
Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities or other underrepresented populations is valued though not required.
Community-based program delivery and event management understanding.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly including evenings weekends and occasional overnights in support of statewide programs events and relationships across Alabama as well as regional national and international meetings; the role assumes access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel by automobile as needed.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Compensation includes a salary range of $105000 - $125000.
Hybrid work environment. Health and dental insurance. Paid time off and holidays. Professional development opportunities. Support from Special Olympics International North America. Work-related mileage and expense reimbursement.
LOCATION: HYBRID ALABAMA
The SOAL CEO role offers a distinctive and highly attractive leadership opportunity through its statewide operating structure and multi-faceted future potential.
The position is designed to be hybrid. This model reflects the organizations broad geographic reach and community-based focus. As such the CEO is expected to work out in the community frequently.
The CEO will be entrusted with evaluating where a centralized office should be located moving forward and identifying the location that will best support athletes volunteers partners and statewide growth.
Currently SOAL has one full-time staff member located in Montgomery Alabama offering an existing operational presence in the state capital while still affording the new CEO the flexibility to design an organizational footprint that maximizes efficiency and accessibility. The Board views this as a powerful advantage of the role an opportunity for an entrepreneurial forward-thinking leader to build a modern and sustainable operating model that positions SOAL for long-term success.
The statewide nature of SOALs programs further enhances this opportunity. Signature events and programs underscore the importance of strong statewide presence relationships and engagement offering the CEO a highly visible platform to elevate the brand and impact of Special Olympics Alabama.
NOMINATION & APPLICATION PROCESS
To be considered for this opportunity please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Shelly Beaver Search Consultant
-OR-
Lindsey Kriete Practice Director
Required Experience:
Chief
Key Skills
- Computer Science
- Continuous Integration
- Fraud
- Intake Experience
- Law Enforcement
- Usability
- Analysis Skills
- Computer Forensics
- Driving
- Teaching
- Counterintelligence
- Sass
About Company
Spano Pratt is a national executive search firm that specializes in recruiting CEOs and senior leaders for nonprofit organizations and foundations. Our firm is skilled in working with hiring committees, search committees, boards, and trustees charged with deciding who leads.
