NCIL Executive Director

Dear NCIL Members and Colleagues:

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) has commenced its search for a new Executive Director.  NCIL is a non-profit, grassroots, membership organization that advocates for the human rights of, and services for people with disabilities and works to ensure their full integration and participation in society through equal opportunity, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.  Located in Washington, DC, NCIL provides its members: advocacy and representation before government, insurance policies, an annual conference, information, and training and technical assistance.  NCIL represents the interests of the Nation's network of Centers for Independent Living and State Independent Living Council's before the US Congress and the major Executive Branch agencies.

Under the direction of the Governing Board, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of NCIL including: policy, budget and program development; leadership and oversight of NCIL legislative and advocacy efforts; membership development; resource development and public relations; representation of NCIL before the public; and management of NCIL's staff and activities.

The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, a proven track record in systems advocacy, and demonstrated non-profit financial and program management experience.  A strong working familiarity with the Independent Living Movement is essential.  A thorough understanding of various federal laws, policies and programs that affect the lives of and services for people with disabilities is essential.  Experience working in a center for independent living and/or a statewide independent living council is a significant plus.  Personal experience with disability is preferred.  Demonstrated success in resource development and marketing is an important factor in determining the final candidate.

The Executive Director will work out of NCIL's Washington, DC office and report to the NCIL President.  Salary is negotiable commensurate with the selected applicant's qualifications and experience and consistent with NCIL's existing salary structure and annual operating budget.  NCIL offers health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, and paid sick and annual/vacation leave.

Qualified applicants should submit a detailed professional resume, relevant writing sample, at least three professional references, and a cover letter.  The cover letter should be responsive to this posting and job description and amplify relevant qualifications and experiences.  It should also thoroughly explain the applicant's interest in disability rights and the Independent Living Movement. 

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and three (3) past or present employer references to the NCIL Search Committee.  All applications must be sent electronically, VIA EMAIL, to ann.meadows@wvsilc.org no later than COB Friday, October 31, 2008.  Selection through NCIL committee review and interviews of top applicants by the Governing Board will be completed as quickly as possible with the intent of having the selected applicant start work in early 2009.  Any questions should be directed to NCIL's current Executive Director, John Lancaster, by telephoning the NCIL office at 202-207-0334/or 711 relay; questions submitted by email or in writing will NOT be answered.  Please see the attached NCIL Executive Director Position Description.

NCIL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, military veteran status, or political party affiliation. People with disabilities and individuals from diverse populations are encouraged to apply.

Sincerely,
John A. Lancaster
Executive Director
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON INDEPENDENT LIVING
JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Executive Director

Reports to: Governing Board and Board President

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).  The Executive Director reports to and is supervised by the President; serves as a voting member of the Governing Board, Executive Committee and Finance Committee; and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.

In program development and administration, the Executive Director will:

1. Assure that the organization has a long-range strategy, which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress;
   
   
2. Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Governing Board and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the board;
   
   
3. Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization's work;
   
   
4. Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations; and
   
   
5. Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.

In communications, the Executive Director will:

1. See that the Governing Board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it;
   
   
2. Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs and goals;
   
   
3. Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations; and
   
   
4. Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.

In relations with staff, the Executive Director will:

1. Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, management, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers;
   
   
2. Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are conducted, and that sound human resource practices are in place;
   
   
3. See that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place;
   
   
4. Encourage staff and volunteer development and education, and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total mission of the organization; and
   
   
5. Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.

In budget and finance, the Executive Director will:

1. Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices;
   
   
2. Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the Governing Board in preparing a budget and insuring that the organization operates within budget guidelines;
   
   
3. Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work; and
   
   
4. Jointly, with the President and Secretary of the Governing Board, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents.