Wisconsin State Director Special Spaces

THE ORGANIZATION
Special Spaces Wisconsin creates dream bedrooms for children with just 24 hours volunteers and skilled professionals transform a childs room into a place of hope healing rest and comfort.

Special Spaces Inc. founded in 2004 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating dream bedroom makeovers for children battling cancer. The goal of Special Spaces is to provide these children with a special space where children sleep and rest and also play and thrive a space to just to be a kid! A custom bedroom designed just for them. Special Spaces Wisconsin is a high-touch high impact organization that measures success by the quality of the experience.

This effort is done with teams of dedicated volunteers sponsors community partners and donated goods and/or services. Through its 10 chapters across 9 states the organization transforms approximately 200 bedrooms a year into comforting healing spaces where children can rest recover and dream. Special Spaces work is powered by a passionate network of volunteers who bring skill creativity and heart to each makeover. One Child. One Room. One a time.


POSITION OVERVIEW
Special Spaces Wisconsin chapter continues to grow and it is seeking a compassionate mission-driven State Director to lead program operations fundraising partnerships and community engagement.

The Wisconsin State Director serves as the primary leader for the state chapter and is responsible for the overall management fundraising program delivery volunteer engagement and strategic growth of Special Spaces Wisconsin. This role ensures that each bedroom makeover is executed with excellence while building strong relationships with donors sponsors community partners and volunteers.

The Wisconsin State Director will also expand partnerships and fundraising efforts while fostering strong relationships with chapter leaders volunteers donors and partners. This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven operationally strong leader to team build and scale an organization delivering meaningful immediate impact to children and families statewide.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AS WISCONSIN STATE DIRECTOR

Leadership & Operations
Oversee all daily operations of the Wisconsin chapter ensuring alignment with the national mission and standards.
Develop annual goals budgets and strategic plans to support program growth.
Manage program timelines bedroom makeover scheduling and overall workflow.
Maintain compliance with organizational policies reporting and financial procedures.

Program Oversight
Manage staff who lead bedroom makeover projects from concept to completion ensuring high-quality child-centered designs.
Ultimately responsible for the smooth delivery of the dream bedroom. Ensuring all contractors volunteers and Special Spaces families have an excellent experience.
Ensure safety professionalism and mission integrity throughout all makeovers.

Fundraising & Development
Build and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan including individual giving corporate sponsorships grants and events.
Develop and strengthen relationships with donors business partners and philanthropic foundations.
Oversee major fundraising events such as Dream BIG Gala Sandbagger Golf Tournament Raise the Roof Chicks & Sticks to meet annual revenue goals.
Manage third-party fundraisers.
Write submit and follow-up on community grants.
Oversee the Young Professionals Board.

Volunteer Management
Recruit train and engage volunteers to support makeovers and events.
Maintain strong communication with volunteer groups and corporate volunteer teams.
Build a positive inclusive culture that reflects the values of Special Spaces.

Community & Partner Engagement
Serve as the primary ambassador of Special Spaces in Wisconsin.
Develop strong relationships with hospitals nonprofits community groups and local businesses.
Represent the organization in presentations media engagements third-party fundraisers and networking events.

Marketing & Communications
Support the creation of social media content newsletters and mission-driven stories.
Work with the Social Media/Marketing Coordinator to engage donors.
Ensure consistent messaging aligned with brand standards.

Administration & Reporting
Oversee state-level budgeting and financial stewardship.
Track program metrics donor activities and volunteer engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience.
5 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management program oversight fundraising or community relations.
Strong relationship-building skills with donors corporate partners and volunteers.
Experience organizing events campaigns or community programs.
Highly organized with strong project management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS

Personal Attributes:
Mission-driven empathetic and family-centered
Strong leader who inspires volunteers and partners
Creative problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment
Positive collaborative and flexible mindset
Comfortable rolling up their sleeves and jumping in wherever needed
Passion for serving children and families facing medical challenges

Relationship Building & Stakeholder Engagement
Demonstrates exceptional ability to cultivate steward and deepen relationships with donors volunteers sponsors families and community partners. Builds trust quickly and creates meaningful connections that inspire long-term engagement and support.

Fundraising & Resource Development
Possesses a proven track record of securing financial support developing donor relationships and creating strategic partnerships. Effectively communicates the mission in ways that inspire philanthropy and expand resources to support future growth.

Mission-Driven Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
Leads with empathy compassion and authenticity while navigating emotionally sensitive situations with families facing pediatric cancer. Serves as a passionate ambassador for the mission and fosters a culture of care gratitude and purpose.

Strategic Leadership & Growth Orientation
Thinks strategically about the future of the organization while balancing opportunities for expansion with the preservation of the chapters highly personalized culture. Identifies new markets partnerships and innovative approaches to broaden impact across Wisconsin.

Organizational Leadership & Execution
Provides structure accountability and operational discipline within a small resource-constrained environment. Effectively prioritizes competing demands clarifies roles and responsibilities and ensures strong execution across multiple initiatives.

Communication & Community Presence
Serves as an engaging and visible representative of Special Spaces demonstrating excellence in public speaking storytelling networking and written communication. Builds awareness and advocacy for the organization while energizing stakeholders around a shared vision and mission.

COMPENSATION & LOCATION
A total compensation range of $120000 - $150000 is offered along with a competitive benefits package.

This position is based in Wisconsin with a preference for the Wisconsin State Director to be located near the main office in southeastern Wisconsin.

Location and Travel:
90% remote with approximately 10% travel to room makeover locations or Special Spaces events

To learn more about Special Spaces:
To follow Special Spaces Wisconsin:

To be considered for this opportunity please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Shelly Beaver Executive Search Consultant ()
or Lindsey Kriete Practice Director () or apply online at