Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Serving as the Executive Director for the Black Child Development Institute of Wisconsin provides an exciting opportunity to have a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in Southeast Wisconsin.

The Executive Director is a salaried, full-time position with responsibility to develop and execute the organization’s strategic plan, manage all programs, partnerships and policies. The role also includes overseeing day-to-day operations, driving the organization's mission and vision forward, providing staff leadership and being directly accountable to the Board of Directors.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides strategic leadership to advance the mission of BCDI-Wisconsin
• Develops and implements strategic plans, policies, and programs to achieve organizational goals
• Ensures financial stability through effective budgeting, grant writing, fundraising, and grant management
• Oversees all aspects of organizational management, including financial management, fundraising, human resources, and program development
• Oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, as well as all applicable administrative rules
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with community partners, donors, and stakeholders, including Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and BCDI national headquarters (NBCDI)
• Leads and mentors a dedicated team of staff, promoting professional development and maintaining a positive work environment
• Represents the organization in public forums, advocacy efforts, and community partnerships to promote awareness and support for the mission of BCDI-Wisconsin
• Advocates for the needs of children and young families in our community, promoting awareness and support for all areas of focus and our Eight Essential Outcomes

Strategic Planning

Oversees and implements BCDI-Wisconsin’s short and long-term strategic plan in cooperation with the Board of Directors. Fully executes annual program plans within budgeted resources. Maintains frequent communication with Board of Directors and Board Chair as necessary.

Financial Management, Grants and Fundraising

Prepares and administers the annual budget and follows board-established financial management procedures. Compiles monthly financial statements and cash flow projections within financial software and presents to Board of Directors. Completes financial audits and annual reviews. Identifies, prepares, submits and manages grant submittals to community partners, private foundations, and applicable state and federal programs. Works closely with Children’s Wisconsin and other partners on contract administration. Creates and executes an annual development plan for BCDI-Wisconsin, including fundraising goals.

Organizational Development

Keeps Board of Directors informed of organizational progress and fundraising status by hosting quarterly meetings. Provides reports on important activities and any budgetary or resource concerns to Board of Directors. Explores program expansion opportunities.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Tracks organization’s progress and provides reporting on metrics for external communication. Represents BCDI-Wisconsin by serving on boards that are in alignment with organizational goals. Leads public relations and marketing efforts in alignment with national organization, including opportunities for fundraising, sponsorships and partnerships. Seeks partnership with other community resources. Prepares presentations for networking, grants and fundraising opportunities. Upholds all policies and procedures of BCDI-Wisconsin, working flexible hours with staff and volunteers to achieve success in all initiatives, including planning, assisting with special events which may take place during evening and weekend hours.

Supervisory Duties

Provides leadership and supervision of BCDI office, staff and volunteers. Administers personnel policies, recruits, hires, and oversees training of employees and volunteers. Ensures a safe work environment that emphasizes employee engagement, personal growth and career development. Manages employee performance, recognizes their accomplishments, creates a positive work environment to retain staff, community partners and volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in social work, education, child development, public health or related field, preferred. Associate’s degree with related work experience may be considered. Minimum of 5 years' experience leading a community organization.
• Strong leadership, organizational skills. Excellent communication, including oral, written, interpersonal and collaboration skills are required.
• Demonstrated track record of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with fund development, financial management, budgeting, and grant writing
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office programs, Google Docs and various social media platforms.
• Experience with a variety of database software and website content management would be ideal.
• Must have personal vehicle with acceptable auto insurance, ability to pass required background check and verifications

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: Employees must have an ability to lift 25 lbs.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job operates in a professional office environment, and also works with the public in community settings. All BCDI-Wisconsin employees must be fully vaccinated or approved for a medical or religious exemption. Local travel to community organizations, businesses or schools may be required.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Flexible Office Hours: Monday to Friday.
• Evenings and Weekends (based upon community engagement activities)

BENEFITS:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off, holiday pay
• Mileage reimbursement

WORK LOCATION: BCDI-WICSONSIN Headquarters, 6051 W. Brown Deer Road, Brown Deer, WI. Onsite, full-time, Monday – Friday, with flexible hours. Occasional travel to Racine, WI area to support broader community engagement.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Black Child Development Institute-Wisconsin (BCDI-Wisconsin) is a vital organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Black children and families. Our mission is to enhance the well-being of Black children, from birth through age eight. We focus on their unique attributes and needs, advocating for equitable opportunities and justice. We are the proud Wisconsin affiliate of the National Black Child Development Institute, with 50 years of success, having its headquarters in Springfield, MD. Information about the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) can be found at .

Our Areas of Focus:

• Early Care and Education: Promoting quality across the birth-to-eight continuum.
• Literacy: Ensuring reading proficiency by third grade for all students.
• Family Engagement: Encouraging long-term family involvement.
• Policy Advocacy: Informing policies at federal, state, and local levels.
• Child Welfare: Addressing critical issues affecting Black children.
• Health and Wellness: Supporting holistic well-being.

Our Impact: As the preeminent voice for Black children and families, BCDI Wisconsin strives to create an equitable and just future for children in the Southeast Wisconsin area.

Eight Essential Outcomes:

Our Eight Essential Outcomes provide a framework for Black child development from birth through age eight. We envision a world in which every Black child can have:

Safe Community: Black children thrive when they grow up in safe and supportive physical and social environments, fostering long-term resilience.

Positive Representation: Exposure to characters and stories that reflect their identity improves self-esteem, empathy, and cultural understanding. Nutrition: Access to culturally relevant meals ensures health and well-being.

Healthy Birth Weight: Being born between 5.5 and 8 pounds contributes to a healthier life.

Childhood Identity: When perceived as children, Black children can express themselves and explore imaginatively.

Clean Air and Water: Sustained access to clean air and water supports healthy development.

Digital Safety: Engaging with safe and age-appropriate digital content promotes learning and digital skills.

Affirming Schools: Participation in schools that support their identity expands their potential.

BCDI-Wisconsin is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.