NCIL’s mission is to advance the disability-led Independent Living Movement to expand the capacity of Independent Living Programs to enhance the human and civil rights of all people with disabilities.

Closing / removal date: open until filled; Applicants who apply by June 30, 2024 will be prioritized
Posted: May 20, 2024

Background: CFI is a grassroots, disability led organization that serves people with all disabilities. We are a Center for Independent Living which are non-residential community based organizations that are designed and operated by people with disabilities to provide a variety of independent living services. We are a small non-profit with 15 employees and with an annual budget of about $1,000,000. For more information, please go to our website at .

Purpose: The Executive Director (ED) of Center for Independence is responsible for leading the strategic growth and direction of the organization as well as the successful day-to-day operations of the Center’s programming and services. The ED directly supervises the management team, oversees all other staff positions, and reports to the Board of Directors (Board).

Major functions are:

Providing vision and leadership of, and taking responsibility for, the overall success of the CIL, including its continued impact in the community and its long-term and daily financial health.
Developing, establishing, and sustaining cooperative and innovative programs and services to enhance opportunities for independence for people with disabilities.
Developing, leading, and maintaining all relationships with key strategic partners.
Communicating effectively on behalf of the organization and its mission, and representing the CIL and disability issues to community organizations, state government entities, legislative committees, and advocacy groups.
Having a strong understanding of DEIA; being able to apply a deep understanding of DEIA principles to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for staff, the board, and the community while serving as the organization’s ambassador.

Key Responsibilities: The ED is responsible for carrying out the objectives and purposes of the Center for Independence as established by the Board and defined by the mission. The ED will:

Programming and Services

Set strategy and oversee the implementation and operations of all programming and services, ensuring that programs and services are of the highest quality to meet the needs of people with disabilities in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan, Island, South King, Pierce and Thurston Counties, and exemplify some of the best practices in the state and country.
Develop new and innovative programming to keep the CIL’s service offerings at the forefront of best practices for improving the lives of people with disabilities, placing focus on models such as fee-for-service programming and social enterprises, to diversify and grow the CIL’s capacity, impact, and financial sustainability.
Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of program performance to ensure community and consumer needs, priorities, and goals are met, and making changes to underperforming programs to maximize the impact of programs and services.

Community Relations and Advocacy

Develop and establish significant strategic partnerships with other organizations and networks to promote CIL services and maximize the collaborative utilization of resources.
Promote positive relations and collaborations with other Centers for Independent Living, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, school districts, and other providers to facilitate services and advance key advocacy issues.
Serve as the public face of the organization, representing and promoting the CIL and its mission to government agencies, strategic partners, the general public, the media, and other stakeholders. The ED serves as spokesperson, promoting the CIL and its mission to diverse audiences through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
With the management team, respond to and advocate for current events and issues in the community pertaining to the organization’s mission.
Mobilize community resources including volunteers, consumers, consultants, and professionals to help the CIL achieve its goals.

Fund Sourcing and Fundraising

Oversee all fund-generating activities, including the development of grant proposals and project proposals, and monitor their implementation, ongoing success, and reporting.
Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate philanthropic fundraising plans and events in collaboration with the staff and Board.
Foster positive relations with existing and potential fund sources and donors.
In collaboration with the Board, solicit funds from private sources. Partner with the Board to cultivate and secure funding from private donors in support of the organization’s mission and goals.
Proven expertise in crafting persuasive grant proposals for both private and public funding sources to secure operational costs.
Oversee and manage the CIL staff through leadership and the supervision of the management team.
Cultivate and foster an employee culture and climate of inclusiveness and positive performance that maximizes the contributions of all employees and creates a positive place of work and community for all employees, participants, and visitors to the Center.
Oversee all HR processes, including hiring, orientation, ongoing staff management, talent development and training, staff performance evaluations, and any disciplinary or grievance issues.
Ensure all HR policies and employee benefits are in compliance with all appropriate legislation and regulations and consistent with those of other, similar organizations.
Hire and retain top-performing staff by implementing effective recruitment strategies and fostering a culture of engagement and excellence.
Ensure all policies and procedures maximize the efficiency and efficacy of the CIL’s mission and values.
Lead and oversee the financial strength and wellbeing of the Center.
Lead the development and oversight of all financial records and supervise the preparation of all financial statements and management reports to fulfill external reporting requirements.
Oversee all expenditures, accounts, and reconciliations with the business office and/or Board treasurer.
Oversee the projection of financial needs and cash flows in appropriate budget formats, and with the business office resolve all accounting and financial issues.
Oversee the strength of all investments and financial resources.
Participate in annual audits and/or financial reviews.
Ensure compliance with federal and state policies regarding financial management of grant- and government-funded revenue and expenses.

Marketing and Communications

Ensure the ongoing alignment of the Center’s programs and services with needs in the community.
Ensure the organization is positioned in the service communities as a leading and impactful organization addressing the most critical needs of people with disabilities.
Ensure the development and distribution of strategic communications about the CIL through digital, print, and other promotional channels. Ensure the CIL has active outreach to stakeholders through its website, social media, email, earned media, and other third-party media.
Ensure all communications are of a high quality and consistent with and advancing of the organization’s mission, establishing a recognizable brand in the community.

Board Relations and Strategic Planning

Support the Board in its governance role and assist with Board member cultivation and development.
Keep the Board informed of internal conditions, important external developments, and the overall activities of the CIL through regular reports to and communication with the Board and its authorized committees.
Facilitate the work of the Board and its committees.
Attend meetings of the Board and serve as a non-voting, ex officio member of the Board.
Working in conjunction with the Board in the development, implementation, and success of short-term and long-range strategic plans in coordination with the Board.
Collaborate with the Board President to engage in all areas of the Board (e.g. Board Meetings, agenda items, retreats, business and events of the organization).
Provide comprehensive support to the Board President in managing and executing the Board’s responsibilities.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Ensure the CIL complies with all relevant laws and regulations and internal policies and procedures.
In partnership with the Board, ensure the CIL operates within its bylaws, monitor for changes to the bylaws, and make recommendations for changes as necessary.
Serve as a liaison with federal, state, and local agencies and legislative bodies where appropriate.
Sign contracts, grants, and all other legally binding agreements within limitations and authority as set forth by the Board.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s or advanced professional degree preferred.
Five to eight years of senior-level leadership and management experience, including personnel management, operations management, and financial management. Experience in business or nonprofit management preferred, although all industry backgrounds are welcome.
Demonstrated knowledge of the independent living philosophy and empowering people with disabilities. Personal experience with disability preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work with and incorporate the perspectives and input of a diverse range of people, backgrounds, and skills.
Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate productively with a broad variety of audiences, partners, and constituents.
Experience in working with governing boards or similar structures.
Proven track record of success in securing grants and donations.
Strong writing and communication skills with experience in crafting compelling grant proposals and fundraising materials.

TO APPLY: Send resume and cover letter to CFI Board (email protected). Applicants who apply by June 30th will be prioritized.

Salary: $70,000-$80,000, depending on experience

Center for Independence is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training service. CFI does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The Center for Independence is a 501 (C) (3) organization serving as a resource for individuals with disabilities to fully access and participate in the community through outreach, advocacy, and independent living skills development. We serve senior citizens with senior-related disabilities as well.

Voice: 202.207.0334
Toll free: 1.844.778.7961

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