Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) is a dynamic, mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and adults with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports training and competition, health and wellness initiatives, leadership development, and inclusive community engagement. As the Pennsylvania affiliate of the global Special Olympics movement, SOPA serves more than 15,000 participants annually through nine regional programs, offering more than 20 sports and over 1,000 competition opportunities each year. With the support of 84 staff members and approximately 14,000 volunteers, the organization is advancing inclusion and opportunity across the Commonwealth while ensuring all programs remain free of charge for athletes and their families.
This is an exciting and transformational moment for Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Guided by an ambitious 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, SOPA is committed to doubling the number of athletes it serves by 2030 while expanding Unified programs, strengthening athlete health and wellness initiatives, increasing organizational capacity, and deepening its impact in communities statewide. As one of Pennsylvania's most respected nonprofit organizations, SOPA is uniquely positioned to build on more than five decades of success and further its vision of creating an inclusive world for all, driven by the power of sport.
The President & CEO will serve as the organization's chief executive officer and primary ambassador, responsible for advancing SOPA's mission, vision, and strategic priorities while ensuring long-term sustainability and organizational excellence. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will provide visionary leadership to a talented and dedicated staff, foster a culture of inclusion and collaboration, oversee statewide operations, and strengthen relationships with athletes, families, volunteers, donors, corporate and community partners, government leaders, and Special Olympics stakeholders. The successful candidate will lead resource development efforts, guide financial stewardship, champion organizational growth, and serve as a persuasive advocate for the transformative impact of Special Olympics throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic, mission-driven executive with demonstrated success leading complex organizations, building high-performing teams, and driving sustainable growth. They will bring strong business acumen, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a passion for creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Experience in fundraising, board relations, operational leadership, and organizational management will be essential. Above all, the next President & CEO will bring the vision, energy, and commitment necessary to lead Special Olympics Pennsylvania into its next chapter of growth, impact, and inclusion.
For best consideration, please submit a current resume and letter of interest by August 26, 2026, to Kittleman & Associates, LLC.
For more information about Special Olympics Pennsylvania, please visit www.specialolympicspa.org
Special Olympics Pennsylvania - CEO Position Guide
Skills Required
- Proven success leading complex organizations and driving sustainable growth
- Experience in fundraising and resource development
- Experience managing board relations and reporting to a board of directors
- Operational leadership overseeing statewide or multi-regional programs
- Organizational management skills including building and leading high-performing teams
- Strong financial stewardship and budget oversight experience
- Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills (donors, partners, government, volunteers)
- Passion for and commitment to inclusion and serving individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Excellent communication, advocacy, and public-facing leadership abilities
What We Do
Kittleman & Associates is an executive search firm dedicated exclusively to nonprofit leadership. It helps nonprofit organizations identify and recruit CEOs and executive directors, combining customized search processes, analytics, sector expertise, and hands-on guidance from consultants with nonprofit leadership or board experience. The firm also advises clients on leadership transitions and succession, supporting organizations across a broad range of nonprofit sectors.
