Position Overview

We are seeking an Executive Director who will serve as the “face” of the organization to community supporters, donors, employees, volunteers and staff. The Executive Director will lead our nonprofit organization, which focuses on providing inclusive, hands-on experiences that empower people with disabilities to build skills and enhance their quality of life. The Executive Director will oversee the full operations of all entities of Special Opps, Inc, including Special Growers, Special Services and The Art Studio at Special Growers. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of leadership, compassion, strategic thinking and a deep commitment to our mission. The Executive Director is the premier advocate for the Mission and the staff of the organization.

Key Job Duties:

Leadership & Program Management

1. Articulate Special Opps, Inc. mission, value proposition and direction of the organization to employees, volunteers, board members, sponsors and financial supporters
2. Lead and inspire a team of staff and volunteers to ensure the successful delivery of our mission-driven programs
3. Work in conjunction with the Outreach Director to energize and encourage employees and volunteers to ensure that all programs are inclusive, accessible and meet the needs of individuals with varying disabilities
4. Collaborate with the Board of Directors to establish long-term goals, policies and strategies and report on a quarterly basis
5. Evaluate programs to measure success and report to the board on a quarterly basis
6. Oversee the day-to-day operations of all entities of Special Opps, Inc.
7. Weekly status report to the Board and bimonthly meetings with President/Vice President
8. Develop strategic business plans for expanse into new markets to increase the reach of our mission
9. Establish relationships with sponsors, donors, political/community leaders and media.

Financial Administration

1. Manage bookkeeper
2. Work with the Treasurer to create a yearly budget and 3-year plan for all entities of Special Opps, Inc.
3. Understand business and non-profit compliance requirements such as 990 tax returns, audits and financial agreements

Human Resources

1. Responsible for recruiting, hiring and onboarding employees
2. Foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative workplace culture that reflects the organization’s values
3. Work with the current Board to recruit new Board members as needed
4. Conduct annual performance reviews of the management staff

Compliance

1. Ensures that applicable local, state and federal regulations are met to maintain certification/accreditation to minimize risk
2. Engage and report ongoing compliance updates to the Board of Directors

Fundraising

1. Be an interictal part in generating and maintaining fundraising activities
2. In partnership with the Board of Directors, secure financial support from foundations, corporations, individual donors and government funding sources

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with a non-profit organization for 4 years
2. Proficient use of back-office applications of QuickBooks, MS360 tools, Goggle Aps, DonorView
3. Proven leadership, communication and organizational skills
4. Skilled in organizational development, personnel management, business operations, and strategic planning.
5. Experience in a financial leadership role, familiarity with accounting principles, financial analysis, business forecasting, and risk management

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working directly with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
2. Knowledge of grant and proposal writing
3. Knowledge of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations and best practices for serving individuals with disabilities
4. Familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities of operating in a garden or outdoor environment

Work Arrangement and Scheduling

The Executive Director will serve in a hybrid role, combining on–site responsibilities outside in a garden in Maryville, Tennessee, with remote work from a home office. This position offers flexible scheduling and is not designated as a full-time role.

Weekends (with the exception of special events) and Holidays off; vacation flexible