Application Guide

How to Apply for President / CEO

at Easterseals Wisconsin

🏢 About Easterseals Wisconsin

Easterseals Wisconsin is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and community integration. Working here means being part of a legacy of advocacy and direct service that transforms lives, with a collaborative and supportive culture that values innovation and impact.

About This Role

As President/CEO, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, overseeing a team of 30+ and driving growth through new partnerships and services. This role is pivotal in ensuring financial sustainability and expanding the organization's reach, directly impacting the quality of life for individuals with disabilities across Wisconsin.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with program directors to review operations, followed by a meeting with the board chair to discuss strategic initiatives. You might spend time meeting with potential donors or partners, reviewing financial reports, and ending the day by drafting a vision for a new service line, all while ensuring your remote team feels connected and motivated.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Easterseals Wisconsin Is Looking For

  • A proven leader with 5+ years of progressive executive experience, ideally in nonprofit or disability services, with a track record of strategic planning and execution.
  • Deep understanding of disability issues and a genuine passion for improving lives, with experience in advocacy or direct service.
  • Skilled in board governance, staff supervision, and fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
  • Strong financial acumen, including budget management, fiscal compliance, and fundraising success, particularly in relationship-driven philanthropy.

📝 Tips for Applying to Easterseals Wisconsin

1

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience with disability services and your specific achievements in fundraising and financial management.

2

Research Easterseals Wisconsin's current programs and recent news to demonstrate your knowledge and genuine interest in their mission.

3

Emphasize your experience working with nonprofit boards and your ability to build strategic partnerships, as these are key to this role.

4

Showcase your leadership style and how you've fostered a positive culture in previous roles, using specific examples.

5

Be prepared to discuss how you would approach growth opportunities, such as new services or alliances, for a nonprofit of this size.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your commitment to the mission of Easterseals and your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in disability services.', 'Your proven track record in leadership, including examples of strategic growth, team development, and financial stewardship.', 'Your experience with fundraising and donor relations, with concrete results (e.g., capital campaigns, major gifts).', 'Your collaborative approach to working with boards, staff, and community partners to achieve shared goals.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Easterseals Wisconsin's annual reports, financial statements, and recent program expansions to understand their current priorities.
  • → Look into the national Easterseals organization to understand the broader network and any strategic initiatives that might impact the Wisconsin affiliate.
  • → Research the disability landscape in Wisconsin, including state policies, funding sources, and key community partners.
  • → Check the board of directors' backgrounds to understand the governance style and any potential areas of focus.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you assess the current needs of individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin and what new services would you consider?
2 Describe your experience with nonprofit board governance and how you would engage the board in strategic decision-making.
3 How have you successfully led an organization through financial challenges? Provide a specific example.
4 What is your approach to building a positive workplace culture, especially in a remote or hybrid environment?
5 How do you plan to expand Easterseals Wisconsin's partnerships and fundraising efforts to ensure long-term sustainability?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application that doesn't reference Easterseals Wisconsin specifically; show you've done your homework.
  • Avoid downplaying the importance of fundraising; this is a critical part of the role, so highlight your success and passion for it.
  • Don't overlook the remote aspect; express your comfort with leading a distributed team and your strategies for maintaining communication and culture.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Easterseals Wisconsin!

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