The Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR) a not-for-profit, community-based advocacy and service organization for people with all types of disabilities is currently seeking a Director of Advocacy

Job Summary:

Organizes and directs the systems advocacy activities of a vital disability rights organization with influence across the nation.  Directs advocacy campaigns which will accomplish enduring systems change, eliminating the barriers to independence and integration faced by people with disabilities.  Accomplishes the goals of full Civil Rights, Integration, and Individual Rights of individuals with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the advocacy agenda and activities.
  
  
• Advocacy through public relations and the media: Effectively communicates with legislatures and politicians affecting individuals with disabilities.
  
  
• Informs the community and organizations with memberships on updated issues and future actions to be taken via CDR website, letters, brochures, etc.
  
  
• Supervisory duties including, but not limited to: Hiring, Promoting, Compensating, Training, Budgeting, Disciplining, Scheduling, Directing, Terminating, Developing, and Measuring performance.
  
  
• Develops strategies to change current issues in a timely manner
  
  
• Develops and publishes reports to funding agencies, policy makers and the public.
  
  
• With committee and board involvement, determines the goals for the Advocacy department.
  
  
• Adequately distributes available resources to goals and projects.
  
  
• Raises additional awareness, funding and resources for projects and goals.
  
  
• Travel across the state and to Washington, D.C. for advocacy demonstrations, marches, protests, etc.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Must possess a fierce dedication to the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.  Must have excellent communication skills as there is frequent communication between state and local government officials, legislatures, advocacy groups, the community, and other organizations committed to full Civil Rights, Integration, and Individual Rights of individuals with disabilities. Superb writing skills are necessary for this reason as well. Great public speaking skills are critical to the Advocacy department. Supervisory skills are necessary. Must be organized and good at multitasking. A good understanding of policy-making procedures and is able to read and understand government writings. American Sign Language or Spanish a strong plus, but not required. Computer literacy is necessary to the office functions of this position especially MS Office Suite and Publisher. Travel for as much as a week at a time in common.  Cell phone and text pager know-how is needed.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, Communications, Political Science, or related field.
  
  
• Greater than three (3) years disability related experience.
  
  
• Personal disability can be substituted for education.

Position Specifics:

• Location: Rochester, NY
  
  
• Salary: TBD
  
  
• Shift: (must be flexible) 9am till 5pm
  
  
• Monday – Friday
  
  
• Benefits available: Medical, Paid time off, Sick pay, Paid holidays, Dental, Flexible spending, Life insurance, Cancer insurance, Vision, and 401k.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements:

The duties are representative of the essential functions of the position. The physical requirements for this position are those typically present in normal office environment conditions. Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs. Reliable transportation is necessary as there is local day business travel required of this position.

CDR strives to be a consumer-controlled, organization that is reflective of the community it serves.  CDR values diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, cultural or ethnic group membership, disability status, educational level, family status, gender, income, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.  People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. CDR will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

*All Persons Hired are Subject to a Background Check Before the First Day of Work*
No Phone Calls, Please.

Mail, Fax, or Email Cover Letters and Resumes to:

Center for Disability Rights, Inc.
Joan Hart
497 State Street
Rochester, New York 14608
Fax: (585) 546-1724
resumes@cdrnys.org

CDR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
People with Disabilities are Encouraged to Apply!