Job Description

Lead with Heart. Empower with Purpose.

Do you have the vision, compassion, and drive to make a lasting impact on children with special needs? Variety of Texas is searching for a dynamic leader to guide our mission. We envision a world where every child is valued, supported, and empowered.

As the Executive Director, you’ll:

• Champion and embody our HEARTS values (Honesty, Excellence, Accessibility, Respect, Togetherness, Service)

• Be a changemaker, helping to transform lives and challenge stigma

• Lead with purpose, overseeing programs that touch lives across Texas

• Collaborate with a passionate team and community

About Us

Established in 1936 and currently based in Austin, Variety of Texas is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit and a chapter (or “Tent”) of Variety International. Dedicated to creating a world free from stigma and isolation for children with special needs and their families, our mission is to impact children with special needs by providing resources and empowering experiences. As part of a globally federated brand, Variety of Texas operates independently, ensuring funds raised locally stay within the state to directly support our programs and initiatives.

Among Variety of Texas’s pillar programs is Peaceable Kingdom (PK), our accessible 122-acre retreat in Killeen. PK serves thousands of children and adults annually, offering outdoor adventures that foster self-reliance, friendship, and lifelong memories. In addition to children with special needs, PK welcomes adults with special needs and hosts team building and leadership experiences for community and professional groups across Central Texas.

Job Description

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the key leader of Variety - the Children’s Charity of Texas. The ED is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through visionary leadership, operational oversight, and community engagement. This role includes fundraising, strategic planning, financial stewardship, human resources compliance, technological proficiency, and program development while fostering partnerships and expanding outreach across the state.

This role requires a compassionate, adaptable leader with good judgement and a people-first approach, ensuring programs are inclusive and adaptable. The ED will embody the HEARTS values, fostering a positive and impactful environment for youth with special needs. Reporting to the Board of Directors, they also serve as President of the Board (ex officio, non-voting) and report to the Chairperson for performance reviews.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Board Governance:

• Leads Variety of Texas in alignment with its mission, partnering with the Board on policy decisions, fundraising efforts, and strategic initiatives to enhance visibility and impact

• Collaborates with the Board and committees to address challenges, facilitate strategic planning, and develop policies

• In collaboration with the Board Chair or Committee Chairs, organizes and facilitates Board and committee meetings, ensuring productive discussions and strategic alignment

• Communicates timely and accurate information to the Board for informed decision-making and transparent governance

Financial Performance & Viability:

• Oversees the development and execution of the annual budget (~ $2 million), ensuring financial sustainability, accountability, and resource optimization

• Expands diverse revenue streams, including grants, corporate partnerships, and donations, to support ambitious fundraising goals

• Ensures fiscal integrity through comprehensive financial reporting, including annual budget proposal and quarterly financial statements to the Board

• Develops and implements business plans with measurable goals that align with the organization’s mission and vision

Fundraising, Development & Community Outreach:

• Acts as the primary spokesperson for Variety, enhancing its public profile through media relations, events, and community engagement

• Establishes and nurtures strategic partnerships with professional, civic, and private organizations across Texas to expand awareness and support for Variety’s programs and services and to broaden Variety’s impact

• Leads fundraising initiatives and campaigns, developing and overseeing new revenue streams to ensure organizational growth and impact

• Oversees marketing and communications, including digital strategies, to maintain consistent messaging and maximize outreach efforts

Staffing & Operations:

• Oversees the hiring and retention of qualified staff (~18 team members with 15 located at the retreat in Killeen), including ensuring alignment with Variety’s HEARTS values in recruitment and retention practices

• Builds and leads a high-performing team, committed to advancing Variety’s mission through effective programs, technology driven strategies, community engagement, and fundraising initiatives

• Ensures efficient organizational operations by implementing policies and procedures that enhance performance and program success, staying informed of technological advancements to drive innovation and solutions

• Reviews and approves service contracts and agreements, ensuring alignment with Variety's mission, financial policies, and strategic objectives

Additional Job Functions:

• Ensures Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across all organizational activities and team culture

• Fosters Variety’s distinctive culture; promotes trust, clear communication, teamwork, and mutual support

• Other duties as assigned

Education, Licensing, and Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in social services, nonprofit management, or related field preferred or commensurate years of experience

• Valid driver’s license and CPR & First Aid certification required

• Must pass an annual criminal background check

• Completion and passing of an annual Child Abuse Awareness Training Course

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum of five years of senior nonprofit leadership experience, including Board experience

• Proven leadership in nonprofit sectors, fundraising, and community engagement

• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse team, fostering a collaborative, positive work environment

• Compassionate, adaptable, and focused on people-first leadership

• Strong skills in strategic planning, decision-making, and organizational visioning

• Demonstrated success in diversifying revenue streams and meeting financial goals

• Excellent public speaking, communication, and media relations skills

• Successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including staff members, funders, partners, and volunteers

• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising strategies and donor relations

• Strong organizational skills in program development, task facilitation, and team management

• Financial expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and reporting

• Commitment to DEI in programs and team culture

• Strong familiarity and proficiency utilizing Mac/Apple products (macOS, iOS apps, and hardware devices), Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, SharePoint, Teams, OneNote), and QuickBooks

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with special needs populations, with a commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and adaptable programming, and knowledge of mental and behavioral health services for children and their families.

• Certified Fund-Raising Executive Certification (CFRE)

• Experience working with databases and software systems – Blackbaud, Dropbox, Fundraise Up, Hello Fund

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work occurs in both office and camp settings, with outdoor activities in varied conditions, including direct sunlight and weather extremes. Requires extended periods of desk work, computer use, and manual dexterity for office tasks. Occasional lifting (up to 30 pounds), flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, manage multiple tasks, and work extended hours, including nights and weekends, is essential.

Benefits:

Variety of Texas provides a generous benefits package promoting health, financial well-being, and professional growth, ensuring a balanced work experience. Employees may receive:

• 100% paid health insurance for employees (medical/dental/Rx/vision/mental health support), partial paid family benefits (including domestic partners), and paid parental leave benefits

• Life and disability benefits, Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance Program options, 403 (b) retirement plan with employer matching

• Remote and hybrid work options, paid holidays, and unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) with approval

• Professional Development, certification assistance, loan forgiveness opportunities, and an annual Cinema Passport for free movie admission for employees and a guest at participating Texas theaters

• Cell phone/technology use reimbursement (as applicable)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:

Variety of Texas is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and reflects the communities we serve. We encourage those with lived experience relevant to our mission to apply.

If you’re ready to lead with heart and help us write the next chapter of hope and inclusion, this is your moment. Learn more and apply today to join us in making Texas a better place for ALL children! Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $115,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Nonprofit management: 5 years (Preferred)
• Fundraising: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Austin, TX 78751

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Work experience placement, Outdoor, Relocation package, Flexible hours, Night shift, Monday to Friday,

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