Executive Director

ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME OF LOUISVILLE 
Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL), founded in 1977, is a non-profit organization that supports individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers.  The mission of Down Syndrome of Louisville is to support, educate, and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome; thus, enabling them to reach their full potential.  Down Syndrome of Louisville provides comprehensive specialized development and educational services for individuals with Down syndrome across their entire lifespan.  DSL also advocates for full rights in education and in daily life for all our members, regardless of race, color, nationality, religion, or age.

We are fiercely committed to our core values:

• We Care.
• We Have Fun.
• We are Dependable.
• We Stay Open.
• We Don’t Settle.

We pride ourselves on the quality and delivery of a wide range of programs created to support our members, as well as the community at large.  We incorporate a lifelong learning model, utilizing specific programming catered to each stage of the journey, new diagnosis, early education, school age, teens, young adults, adults and transitions.  We also provide a wide variety of family support services.  DSL has embarked on a journey to create a more compassionate and inclusive society through our signature program – Kindness Warrior Training.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Down Syndrome of Louisville is seeking an Executive Director with a passion for people who will welcome the opportunity to become a visionary leader for this special community of dedicated staff, volunteers, and 1300 members who become like family.  The ED will provide overall leadership and vision for DSL’s Lifelong Learning Centers in Louisville and Southern Indiana and will oversee the largest Down Syndrome organization of its kind.  As the world leader in providing lifelong services to individuals with Down syndrome and their families this is a unique opportunity to leverage our Kindness Warrior Training Program and a well-established history in this community, to increase funding for our programs and services that benefit our members.

With a focus on outreach, development and fundraising, the ED is also responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction set by DSL’s Board of Trustees (BOT).   The ED will provide oversight and management of strategic planning, fundraising and program revenue generation, financial management, program operations, volunteer management, member relations, community relations and communications, and advocacy.  The ED will be asked to make decisions that align with our mission and that are in the best interest of our members.  The ED reports directly to the Board of Trustees and will oversee two direct reports with an overall staff of 30.  DSL has a $3M operating budget.

CANDIDATE PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Outreach and Development 

• Establish, grow, and maintain strong strategic relationships with individual, corporate and institutional donors throughout the community, keeping them informed and engaged with DSL.
• Provide oversight and management of donor relations, grant writing, project funding, and development of new revenue opportunities.
• Work with development team to secure funds based on the budget and make initial preparations for a potential campaign.
• Complete tasks associated with each designated fundraiser and work with corresponding fundraising committee to ensure successful fundraisers.
• Evaluate fundraisers to determine necessary changes to maximize income and overall success of event.

Operational Leadership 

• Participate with the BOT in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization.
• Identify, assess, and inform the BOT of internal and external issues that affect DSL.
• Supervise a team of two direct reports.  Develop and maintain effective communications with the Board President, Board of Trustees, Board Committee Chairs, staff, volunteers, and members.
• Work with the Treasurer, other assigned BOT members, Operations & Accounting to develop an annual operating budget.
• Oversight and responsibility of Medicaid and First Steps.
• Be informed of research and/or new developments in any area of Down Syndrome related work, treatment, or programming.
• Lead the staff in development and implementation of annual budget that includes all operations and revenue generating activities.

Volunteer Management 

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with volunteers to increase engagement with DSL activities.
• Provide oversight and management to grow the number of volunteers involved with DSL.

Member Relations 

• Seek out individuals and families of individuals with Down Syndrome and introduce them to services provided by DSL.
• Respond to requests for referrals to appropriate service/providers for individual and families of individuals with Down Syndrome in event of pre-birth diagnosis, or after at any time upon request.
• Nurture relationships with individuals and families so they are connected to DSL for support, education, advocacy, and social activities.
• Oversee newborn Hospital outreach program.
• Represent DSL at member functions, events, and ceremonies.

Community Relations and Communication 

• Function as the official spokesperson/media contact for DSL.
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the BOT as appropriate and jointly with the BOT when appropriate.
• Schedule visits to service providers in designated geographic areas to increase awareness of services provided by DSL.
• Establish and foster relationships with other service providers within the organization’s geographic service area so that key organizational collaborations are in place to enhance service provisions for members.
• Develop marketing and public relations strategies with staff to achieve higher visibility for DSL’s mission and activities in our community.

Advocacy 

• Maintain and manage relationships with members, volunteers, donors/sponsors, elected officials, partners and other constituencies.
• Advocate and represent DSL and the priorities of its members at civic/governmental meetings such as State House and Senate committee meetings and others, as needed.
• Prepare and organize communications with staff in response to events, activities, and legislative actions that impact our mission and members.
• Develop, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, partner organizations and other Down syndrome and intellectual disability advocacy/support groups to consistently represent and advocate for DSL’s members in our community.

PREFFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study, or five (5) or more years of progressive non-profit management experience.
• At least three (3) years’ experience fundraising for a not-for-profit organization with some background in a campaign fundraising project. Comfort and ease in solicitation of major donor prospects.
• A compassionate and empathetic heart for our mission and members of all ages.
• Experience working directly with a Board of Trustees and demonstrated success at managing and cultivating Board relationships.
• Active listener who wants to develop individual relationships with our stakeholders while also serving as the public face and of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid financial management proficiency.
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Down Syndrome of Louisville is prepared to offer a salary in the range of $110,000 – $120,000, commensurate with experience. DSL offers a wide range of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, short- and long-term disability and a retirement savings plan and a generous PTO and holiday schedule.