About Special Olympics Kentucky

Sports and athletic competition matter: as a venue for physical fitness and health, a source of joy and connection, and a pathway for developing lifelong skills and friendships. Special Olympics Kentucky (SOKY) exists to provide children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) access to individual and team sports—and the lifechanging benefits these athletic opportunities offer. Working closely with volunteers and partners across the state, Special Olympics Kentucky provides access to year-round sports training and competition and much more.

The impact? People with intellectual and developmental disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually—and carry these benefits into their daily lives at home, in the classroom, on the job, and in the community. Families are strengthened as they learn a greater appreciation of their athlete’s talents. And together we create a community that values equality, respect, and acceptance.

The Opportunity

Special Olympics Kentucky seeks a visionary, values-driven leader to oversee the continued growth and evolution of the organization’s work as a provider of high-impact programs and as an advocate for individuals with IDD. The incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be a thought partner to a committed Board of Directors and leader to an experienced, long-tenured staff that share an unwavering commitment to Special Olympics Kentucky’s mission and to the individuals they serve. They must be “brave in the attempt” of leading this impactful organization.

The incoming CEO will assume leadership of the organization after a period of stable growth. SOKY has effectively responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving community needs, all while maintaining an exceptional standard of programming and a sound financial position. The incoming CEO will embrace this commitment to service and operational excellence, bringing a desire to work joyfully with athletes, families, coaches, staff, and other stakeholders.

The next CEO will be an experienced nonprofit leader with a proven track record of building relationships with diverse and inclusive communities. They will bring extensive management experience and a commitment to working collaboratively, fostering strong operational capacity and productive relationships with the staff. With a volunteer base that is germane to the success of the operation, the CEO must understand how to maximize its staff but also recognize and appreciate those who volunteer their time.

The ideal candidate will thrive in strategic and visionary roles, bringing the expertise to create the operational infrastructure and community support needed to achieve ambitious goals.

About the Position

The Chief Executive Officer provides strategic and servant leadership and day-to-day management of SOKY, reporting to the organization’s Board of Directors. The CEO will:

provide vision and articulate a strategy for Special Olympics Kentucky’s future; strengthen the organization’s position as a leader in providing lifechanging programs and advocacy for its athletes.
collaborate with local and regional leaders to identify pathways to expand geographic reach and deepen impact.
demonstrate a passion for and knowledge of the organization’s mission and provide strong leadership to staff, athletes, and volunteers; understand and implement best practices of nonprofit board governance.

Key Position Functions

Vision and Strategy
Financial Management
Board Relations
Administration
Resource Development
Leadership and Management
Advocacy and Community Relations

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, sports management, social work, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Required Experience and Qualifications

Five or more years’ experience in senior or executive leadership in a nonprofit organization of equivalent size.
Ten or more years of personnel management experience, with proven success leading cross-functional teams and supervising manager- and director-level staff, ideally within multi-site organizations.
Experience developing positive relationships with local governments and community groups.
Exemplary verbal and written communication.
Demonstrated leadership in nonprofit financial management and budgeting.
Experience with and willingness to participate in set-up and breakdown of events.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to maintain physical presence in the Frankfort office.

Compensation

The projected minimum salary for this position is $150,000, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; long-term disability insurance; Basic Life benefits; a 401(k) with employer contribution; 8 paid holiday days per year and PTO package.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Special Olympics Kentucky, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The organization is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals. Personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.

Application Process

Benefactor Group is pleased to be assisting Special Olympics Kentucky with this executive search. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. All applications are considered highly confidential. To be considered for this position, please send a resume and formal cover letter in pdf format to:

Benefactor Group Recruitment Team

HR@benefactorgroup.com

http://www.benefactorgroup.com

To learn more about Special Olympics Kentucky, please visit https://soky.org/

You may view the full position profile, here: https://bit.ly/SOKY-CEOProfile

Please do not contact Special Olympics Kentucky staff or board with questions or interest in the role. All inquiries about the position should be directed to Benefactor Group.

Special Olympics Kentucky

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