The Executive Director Position and Opportunity
GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville invites interest in this rare opportunity for a proven nonprofit leader to guide one of the premier Down Syndrome Achievement Centers in the country. Ranked in the Top 5 of more than 60 locations, the Nashville Playhouse, located in Brentwood, TN, is a flagship known for innovation, community integration, transformative programs, and as a center of excellence. This is a full-time (onsite) position with competitive salary and benefit.
The Organization
Mission: To change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.
Purpose: To change lives through the consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community.
Vision: To see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities.
Promise: A lifetime commitment to our families.
The “Best of All” Funding Model GiGi’s Nashville operates on a unique 100% community-funded model.
Commitment to Accessibility:
All programs are provided free of charge to families of children and adults of all ages.
Economic Reality:
While free to families, their services are not free to provide. The annual operating budget is 100% reliant on community generosity, with no government funding.
Revenue Evolution:
Typically, 75% of annual income is generated during their signature “I Have a Voice” Gala hosted each March and through an annual Golf Benefit. The new Executive Director will leverage these successful events and scale financial support from individuals, organizations, and foundations.
Organizational Overview Following a recent facility expansion and entering a 2026 fiscal year with an
$852,000 operating budget , GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville is poised for a new era of local and regional impact. The incoming Executive Director will inherit a high-performing organization, passionate team, successful programs, and lead a strategic transition toward diversified, sustainable philanthropic growth.
GiGi’s Playhouse is more than a center; it is a global movement. Its mission is to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome through high-impact, research-based programs.
National Excellence:
Established in 2013 as the 16th Playhouse, GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville has become a national leader in the GiGi’s network.
Innovative Infrastructure:
A recently completed expansion has grown the facility to 6,000 square feet, allowing for expanded programs, therapy and career-skills training.
Strategic Clinical Partnerships:
Through its partnership with Belmont University, graduate-level OT and PT students provide onsite services, ensuring clinical excellence at no cost to the families or the organization.
VALUES & CULTURE: THE GIGI’S WAY At GiGi’s, they don’t strive for perfection; they strive for “Best of All.” This is a continuous, positive drive to do a little more than the day before.
For Participants: Reaching new milestones in speech, physical strength, and career skills.
For Staff: Delivering excellence in every program and donor interaction.
For Leadership: Pushing the boundaries of what community support can achieve for the Down syndrome community.
The Generation G Social Movement and Pledge The Nashville Executive Director is the chief ambassador for Generation G in Middle Tennessee. This isn’t just a slogan; it is a conscious decision to be better every day.
PLEDGE: “I accept you as you are. I choose to be better every day by being accepting, being generous, and being kind.”
Championing a world where individuals are seen for their abilities, not their diagnosis.
Inspiring the community to give their time, talent, and treasure to fuel their 100% community-funded model.
Leading with empathy and courageously challenging the status quo to foster a culture of inclusion.
Job Responsibilities The Leadership Mandate Reporting to a highly engaged and influential Board of Managers, the Executive Director will serve as the primary external ambassador and organizational leader for GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville.
Key Objectives
Development & Stewardship:
Architect and execute a plan to diversify income streams, which includes establishing and leading a development staff; and stewarding all key stakeholders.
Strategic Growth:
Partner with the Board on a Middle Tennessee regional strategy to expand the number of families served and grow a diverse source of income.
Team Optimization:
Lead and mentor a professional staff ensuring a culture of “Best of All.”
Community Integration:
Build meaningful relationships with all families served and the corporate, individuals and foundations who help fund the GiGi’s mission.
Qualifications Professional Qualifications The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with a demonstrated track record of organizational, operational and fiscal management, team oversight and engagement, and fundraising success.
Experience:
5+ years of executive leadership in a non-profit.
Fundraising Acumen:
Proven ability to lead a multi-faceted development program raising a minimum of $1,000,000 annually from large scale events, grants, planned giving, and major gifts from individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations. Prefer knowledge of the philanthropic community in Williamson and Davidson counties and Middle Tennessee.
Executive Presence:
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to inspire a diverse range of stakeholders.
Mission Alignment:
A deep commitment to the Down syndrome community and the values of Generation G: Acceptance, Generosity, and Kindness.
Additional Information GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville offers competitive salary compensation based on experience, health insurance, retirement, PTO, professional work environment plus professional development.
How to Apply Inquiries All inquiries will remain confidential. Please do not contact the local GiGi’s office. All inquiries will receive a reply with confirmation of interest by the organization. Inquiries or nominations should be sent by email to:
Please put “Executive Director Position” in the email subject line. Attach a resume that includes a mailing address, phone number, and email. Please include a cover letter detailing your specific alignment with the GiGi’s mission.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Organization
Mission: To change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.
Purpose: To change lives through the consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community.
Vision: To see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities.
Promise: A lifetime commitment to our families.
The “Best of All” Funding Model GiGi’s Nashville operates on a unique 100% community-funded model.
Commitment to Accessibility:
All programs are provided free of charge to families of children and adults of all ages.
Economic Reality:
While free to families, their services are not free to provide. The annual operating budget is 100% reliant on community generosity, with no government funding.
Revenue Evolution:
Typically, 75% of annual income is generated during their signature “I Have a Voice” Gala hosted each March and through an annual Golf Benefit. The new Executive Director will leverage these successful events and scale financial support from individuals, organizations, and foundations.
Organizational Overview Following a recent facility expansion and entering a 2026 fiscal year with an
$852,000 operating budget , GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville is poised for a new era of local and regional impact. The incoming Executive Director will inherit a high-performing organization, passionate team, successful programs, and lead a strategic transition toward diversified, sustainable philanthropic growth.
GiGi’s Playhouse is more than a center; it is a global movement. Its mission is to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome through high-impact, research-based programs.
National Excellence:
Established in 2013 as the 16th Playhouse, GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville has become a national leader in the GiGi’s network.
Innovative Infrastructure:
A recently completed expansion has grown the facility to 6,000 square feet, allowing for expanded programs, therapy and career-skills training.
Strategic Clinical Partnerships:
Through its partnership with Belmont University, graduate-level OT and PT students provide onsite services, ensuring clinical excellence at no cost to the families or the organization.
VALUES & CULTURE: THE GIGI’S WAY At GiGi’s, they don’t strive for perfection; they strive for “Best of All.” This is a continuous, positive drive to do a little more than the day before.
For Participants: Reaching new milestones in speech, physical strength, and career skills.
For Staff: Delivering excellence in every program and donor interaction.
For Leadership: Pushing the boundaries of what community support can achieve for the Down syndrome community.
The Generation G Social Movement and Pledge The Nashville Executive Director is the chief ambassador for Generation G in Middle Tennessee. This isn’t just a slogan; it is a conscious decision to be better every day.
PLEDGE: “I accept you as you are. I choose to be better every day by being accepting, being generous, and being kind.”
Championing a world where individuals are seen for their abilities, not their diagnosis.
Inspiring the community to give their time, talent, and treasure to fuel their 100% community-funded model.
Leading with empathy and courageously challenging the status quo to foster a culture of inclusion.
Job Responsibilities The Leadership Mandate Reporting to a highly engaged and influential Board of Managers, the Executive Director will serve as the primary external ambassador and organizational leader for GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville.
Key Objectives
Development & Stewardship:
Architect and execute a plan to diversify income streams, which includes establishing and leading a development staff; and stewarding all key stakeholders.
Strategic Growth:
Partner with the Board on a Middle Tennessee regional strategy to expand the number of families served and grow a diverse source of income.
Team Optimization:
Lead and mentor a professional staff ensuring a culture of “Best of All.”
Community Integration:
Build meaningful relationships with all families served and the corporate, individuals and foundations who help fund the GiGi’s mission.
Qualifications Professional Qualifications The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with a demonstrated track record of organizational, operational and fiscal management, team oversight and engagement, and fundraising success.
Experience:
5+ years of executive leadership in a non-profit.
Fundraising Acumen:
Proven ability to lead a multi-faceted development program raising a minimum of $1,000,000 annually from large scale events, grants, planned giving, and major gifts from individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations. Prefer knowledge of the philanthropic community in Williamson and Davidson counties and Middle Tennessee.
Executive Presence:
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to inspire a diverse range of stakeholders.
Mission Alignment:
A deep commitment to the Down syndrome community and the values of Generation G: Acceptance, Generosity, and Kindness.
Additional Information GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville offers competitive salary compensation based on experience, health insurance, retirement, PTO, professional work environment plus professional development.
How to Apply Inquiries All inquiries will remain confidential. Please do not contact the local GiGi’s office. All inquiries will receive a reply with confirmation of interest by the organization. Inquiries or nominations should be sent by email to:
Please put “Executive Director Position” in the email subject line. Attach a resume that includes a mailing address, phone number, and email. Please include a cover letter detailing your specific alignment with the GiGi’s mission.
#J-18808-Ljbffr