Job Description

Executive Director

Overview:  The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer of Lane Independent Living Alliance, one of 8 certified Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Oregon.  LILA is also the statewide information and training resource for the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The Executive Director leads the organization in addressing systems issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities.  She/he ensures proper administration of contracts, budgets, finances, personnel, operations, agency and contract goals, resource development, and marketing.  She/he carries out the policies and direction established by the Board of Directors, and ensures that LILA complies with all the laws and requirements that govern CILs in Oregon.  The ED will be expected to apply appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviors in the following performance areas:

Human Resource Activities:

• Ensures that LILA recruits, trains, mentors and evaluates staff; build a strong, cohesive team. 
• Develops a positive, productive organizational culture and climate. This includes determining the level of employee participation in administrative decisions.
• Lead the management team in preparation of program objectives for each program area and related contract.
• Provides opportunities for staff development and, when possible, promotion;  explores ways of rewarding staff.
• Assists with developing volunteer leadership and identifying problems that relate to consumer concerns.
• Plans his or her own professional development.

Strategic Planning and Implementation

• Responsible for administering and ensuring appropriate operations of the entire agency and its programs within the framework of policies established by the Board of Directors, and all current, appropriate standards, regulations and laws.
• Actively collaborates with staff to ensure quality delivery of LILA programs.
• Leads the effort to define LILA’s vision and mission.
• Insures the development of a strategic marketing plans for enhancement of LILA’s services and image.
• Ensures that systems advocacy issues are identified with consumer involvement, and strategies for change are established and applied.  
• Ensures the implementation of outreach strategies to serve underserved and unserved populations (one of our required CIL activities).
• Insures the development of strategic, short and long-range plans for enhancement of LILA’s growth and continuity.

Operations Management:

• Insures the establishment of organizational plans and procedures as necessary for effective operation.
• Manages and directs staff activities, assigning supervisory roles as needed to ensure that all staff have reasonable oversight and supervision.
• Develops effective and efficient support systems for LILA, including computer services, training, personnel, purchasing and MIS (Management and Information Systems).
• Establishes and maintains effective and efficient service delivery systems.
• Makes effective use of supplies, equipment and space.
• Manages financial resources, including operating budget and collection, disbursement, and accounting of all funds and official records. 
• Work with the bookkeeper and board Treasurer to provide detailed monthly financial reports to the board.
• Manages cash flow in a conservative manner.
• Responsible for raising funds from government and private sources with cooperation and assistance from the Board and staff.
• Identify, analyze and prepare proposal information for new funding sources; involve consumers in this process

Community and Partner Relations:

• Works in coordination with the State Independent Living Council (SILC) and the 7 other members of the Association for Oregon Centers for Independent Living (AOCIL).
• Conducts and/or organize presentations on LILA and issues related to disability rights, in cooperation with other Center staff.
• Actively promotes disability rights and independent living philosophy through all activities conducted within and on behalf of LILA.
• Represents LILA on professional and community committees.
• Cultivates and develops cooperative relationships necessary to fund and implement effective services; encourages collaboration, and build effective coalitions with entities and groups in the community and throughout the State.
• Enhances public understanding and support of LILA activities through a coordinated public relations and communications program.

Board Relations:

• Develop a positive working relationship with LILA’s board president, utilizing the president as the official liaison to the board.
• Develop a positive working relationship with the board treasurer, utilizing the treasurer as a consultant on significant financial plans and issues.
• Attend all meetings of the Board of Directors; advise the Board
• regarding matters relating to LILA operations and report on successes,
• challenges and issues pertaining to LILA programs and activities.  Report on trends and changes throughout the field of independent living.
• Work with the board to assure continuity of top-level board direction through a program of cultivation, recruitment and motivation of board members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Combination of education and experience that demonstrates ability to carryout job duties. Bachelor’s degree and minimum 10 years relevant work experience preferred. 
• Prior experience with leadership and staff supervision required.  Must demonstrate commitment to disability rights and independent living philosophy.
• Must have clear, effective communication, and possess interpersonal and group dynamic skills. 
• Must be well organized, able to work independently and able to meet deadlines. 
• Must have experience in designing, implementing and/or monitoring programs in response to community needs.
• Must be experienced in managing budgets/finances. Demonstrated success in grant writing desired.
• Demonstrated success in advocating for human rights/social justice a plus.
• Public Relations and marketing experience a plus.
• Experience with independent living, accessibility, and/or grassroots organizing a plus.
• Knowledge of ADA and other disability rights legislation a plus. Personal experience with disability a plus. 
• Bilingual or second language (American Sign Language, Spanish) a plus.

Note:  Lane Independent Living Alliance actively promotes and supports the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities.  Accommodations required by a candidate with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position as listed will be provided to the upward limit of LILA’s ability to do so.

Employee Agreement:  I have read and understand my job description and agree that it adequately describes my current duties.  I understand that it is my responsibility to address any concerns about my job duties or description with my supervisor. 

Signed ____________________________   Date _______________