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President & CEO

Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Milwaukee, WI

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Address Management, Analysis Skills, Balance Sheet, Budgeting, Business Development, Business Growth, Business Model, Business Operations, Business Skills, Business Strategy, Business Transformation, Capital Budgeting, Cash Flow, Channel Support, Communication Skills, Consulting, Distribution Operations, Distribution Services, Finance, Financial Management, Financial Operations, Financial Strategy, Government, Government Funding, Government Sales, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Operations Management, Market Analysis, Market Trend Analysis, Military, Military Industry, Nonprofit, Operational Improvement, Operational Strategy, Organizational Skills, Performance Management, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Public/Media/Press/Analyst Relations, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Revenue Growth, Risk Management, Safety Compliance, Sales Qualification, Stewardship, Strategic Planning, Sustainability, Talent Management, Time Management, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Milwaukee, WI
POSTED
Today
About Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IBVI) Founded in 1948 with a simple but powerful vision—to create meaningful employment for a blind family member—IBVI has grown into one of the nation’s leading mission-driven manufacturing and distribution enterprises dedicated to creating jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. Today, more than 75% of direct labor on IBVI’s AbilityOne contracts is performed by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, reflecting the organization’s enduring commitment to purpose, dignity, and economic opportunity.   IBVI operates at the intersection of mission and enterprise. As both a nonprofit organization and a complex manufacturing and distribution business, IBVI delivers high-quality industrial, office, and specialty products to government and military customers while providing accessible, purpose-driven employment.   Where IBVI Is Today IBVI is a resilient, respected organization with strong operational capability and a deeply committed workforce. At the same time, it is entering a new chapter marked by: The need for stronger strategic focus and long-term vision Revenue concentration in federal channels and a desire to diversify Recent financial pressure and the need for improved accountability and performance alignment An executive team ready for direction, cohesion, and leadership partnership Growing external interest from potential business and industry partners A culture rooted in respect, professionalism, service, and flexibility, now ready for transformation and modernization   IBVI seeks a leader who can honor its mission legacy while boldly reimagining its future.   Position Summary The President & CEO serves as the strategic, operational, and cultural leader of IBVI, reporting to the Board of Directors. This role champions innovative manufacturing and distribution practices, strengthens financial performance, and positions the organization for continued success in a rapidly evolving economic, technological, and regulatory environment.   The CEO is responsible for: Defining and executing a bold, future-oriented enterprise strategy Leading a mission-driven social enterprise organization of national scale Driving financial sustainability and operational accountability Expanding and diversifying revenue beyond traditional channels Serving as IBVI’s primary ambassador to government, industry, and community partners IBVI seeks a bold, charismatic, and confident leader—a career-minded CEO with the gravitas to lead transformation, the business acumen to manage complexity, and the heart to steward a mission centered on opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired.   Relocation assistance is provided. A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered, including performance-based incentives.   Position Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Vision Articulate and operationalize a compelling long-term vision that aligns mission, manufacturing, distribution, and market opportunity Lead development and execution of multi-year strategic plans Redefine and clearly communicate IBVI’s value proposition and “why” Anticipate and respond to economic, political, regulatory, and technology trends impacting federal and commercial markets Identify and evaluate opportunities for new product lines, technologies, and business models   Organizational & Operational Management Oversee all manufacturing, distribution, and business operations Ensure high standards of quality, efficiency, compliance, and safety Create short- and long-term sustainable goals in partnership with the executive team and Board Align operational performance with strategic and financial objectives Champion modernization, systems improvement, and data-informed decision-making Ensure full compliance with AbilityOne and other federal requirements   Financial Stewardship & Performance Accountability Strengthen financial performance and sustainable operating health Provide disciplined financial oversight, focusing on budgeting, capital planning, cash flow, and performance management Address structural deficits through revenue growth, cost discipline, and operational improvement Partner closely with the Board Finance Committee and executive leadership Foster an organization-wide culture of accountability and results   Business Development, Diversification & Growth Lead enterprise-level business development strategy, including government and commercial markets Build and maintain strong relationships with federal partners, military stakeholders, and industry leaders Support long-cycle government sales efforts while expanding commercial diversification Leverage IBVI’s mission and manufacturing capabilities to unlock new markets Maintain and grow momentum with visiting partners and external stakeholders   Leadership, Culture & Talent Development Lead, develop, and align executive leadership team Model integrity, professionalism, and transparency Build trust through visible, engaged, and present leadership Drive cultural transformation toward accountability, collaboration, and shared purpose Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for employees who are blind or visually impaired   External Relations, Advocacy & Partnerships Serve as IBVI’s primary spokesperson and external ambassador Strengthen relationships with AbilityOne stakeholders, government agencies, and community partners Build key local and national relationships Elevate IBVI’s brand and credibility in both mission and enterprise arenas   Board Relations & Governance Partner with the Board to align governance, strategy, and oversight Provide clear, timely, and transparent communication Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner Support effective Board engagement in strategy, finance, and mission outcomes Candidate Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred Minimum of 10 years of senior executive leadership experience within complex organizations, ideally within social enterprise and/or mission-driven environments Demonstrated ability to lead organizational transformation and cultural change Proven success in enterprise strategy, business growth, and revenue diversification Strong command of financial principles including budgeting, balance sheets, cash flow, capital planning, and performance management In-depth knowledge of manufacturing and/or distribution environments, including risk management, compliance, and regulatory requirements Experience navigating federal funding environments and government stakeholders Exceptional relationship-building and partnership skills Strong communicator with executive presence and credibility High emotional intelligence and ability to unify diverse stakeholders Ability to make tough decisions while maintaining trust Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving ability Willingness to travel approximately 20–22% Unimpeachable integrity The Batten Group, a national executive search and consulting firm specializing in nonprofit and mission-based philanthropy has been retained by IBVI to conduct this search.  POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING The Batten Group and Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired are equal-opportunity employers committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

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Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired