Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center

999 Pyramid Way

Sparks, NV  89441

 

Farrell Cafferata Jenkins

Search Committee Chair

Phone:  775-355-8994

Email:  Farrell@NVASL.com

Website:   www.dhharc.org

 

notice:

 

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Executive Director

 

ORGANIZATION:

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center (DHHARC) is a statewide advocacy, resource, telecommunications distribution, and direct service center offering advocacy, referral and community education services throughout Nevada. DHHARC has two offices: one in Las Vegas and one in Reno/Sparks.

 

THE OPPORTUNITY:

DHHARC is seeking a talented and visionary leader for the position of Executive Director. The ideal candidate for this position will have a passionate commitment to advancing the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and an understanding of disability civil rights, history and law. This person will have responsibility for the overall statewide operation of the agency. Responsibilities are both managerial and representational and include program planning, strategic budgeting, evaluation and reporting, financial planning and monitoring, organizational development, human resources, legislative and public policy advocacy, fundraising, public affairs and public relations.

 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Executive Director (ED) provides leadership and direction for the operations and programs of DHHARC and ensures the organization is financially sustainable. The ED is responsible to promote increased awareness of the organization in the local community and the disability community. Specific responsibilities include:

Board of Directors:

•         Responsible for nurturing the development of a proactive, supportive and knowledgeable Board of Directors.

•         Engages the Board in the work of DHHARC, strategic development and articulation of vision.

•         Assists the Board in creating and maintaining active committees to supervise specific areas of the ED’s role. The ED coordinates staff support to the Board and its committees.

•         Assists the Board in development of annual plan for activities.

•         Implements the policies and directives of the Board.

•         Prepares and submits timely administrative reports as required by the Board.

•         Attends and participates in Board and committee meetings to provide information and receive general direction as required by the Board.

•         Assists the Board in an assessment of its skills and aides in recruitment and orientation of new members.

•         Supports the Board in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibility including development of resources.

 

Planning and Evaluation:

•         Responsible for the overall planning, organizing, direction, supervision and evaluation of DHHARC and its activities.

•         Develop an annual strategic plan and budget with the Board that maximizes the effectiveness of resources.

•         Conduct staff planning retreats to receive input on the overall direction of DHHARC and management issues and to assess progress toward goals and objectives, identify needs, set priorities and develop strategies.

•         Develop structure for DHHARC that maximizes the effectiveness of staff resources.

•         Conduct regular evaluations of DHHARC services and develop reports and analysis on specific topics on a proactive basis.

•         Assist the Supervisors in the planning, evaluation and supervision of all advocacy work of DHHARC.

•         Ensure ongoing and meaningful input in the services of DHHARC from key stakeholder communities including persons with disabilities.

 

Emerging Issues:

 

•         Responsible for anticipating and planning for emerging needs of the agency.

•         Review state and Congressional action, federal laws, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) policies, etc. to determine actions that need to be taken by DHHARC.

•         Proactively develop strategies to ensure DHHARC continues to grow as an organization.

 

Human Resources:

 

•         Responsible for creating a progressive and productive work environment for employees.

•         Motivate and inspire staff members.

•         Oversee procedures for selection and hire of competent personnel.

•         Evaluate, budget, and identify a set of employee benefits that will enhance the health, welfare and productivity of the staff and present recommendations to the Board for approval.

•         Create job descriptions, job classifications and performance measures for all staff positions.

•         Organize personnel resources statewide in a structure which effectively enables DHHARC to carry out its goals and objectives.

•         Make staff advancements, probationary measure and terminations as appropriate.

•         Support employees in personnel matters related to disability, family leave, etc.

 

Community Relations:

 

Coordinate with and support the effort of Supervisors in creating an overall favorable image of DHHARC, its services and its role in advancing and protecting the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in Nevada.

•         Promote and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, public and private officials, and other such persons involved in direct or indirect services to individuals with disabilities.

•         Increase awareness of DHHARC among Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.

•         Assume an ongoing public information program through the media, newsletters, and other publications to apprise citizens of the services of DHHARC and the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens.

•         Serve as chief spokesperson for DHHARC in the media, or designate that role to a more appropriate person.

•         Participate on local, state, and national Boards and Committees concerned with the needs of people with disabilities.

 

Development:

 

Coordinate with the Board of Directors to increase the diversity and amount of funding for its programs and services.

 

Legislative and Public Policy Advocacy:

 

Coordinate with private and public entities in the development of policy initiatives, positions, legislation and other activities that protect or further the legal rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in the Nevada State Legislature and Congress.

 

Fiscal and Program Management:

 

•         Responsible for the overall financial management of the agency’s approximate $900,000 budget.

•         Develop the annual strategic budget.

•         Monitor and control the financial affairs of DHHARC.

•         Conduct all financial management practices according to generally accepted accounting principles and ensure internal control systems are in place
       to provide accurate accounting of funds.

•         Arrange for an annual independent audit of DHHARC and ensure that each audit is clean.

•         Regularly report the financial status of DHHARC to Board, appropriate funding sources and other bodies as required.

•         Responsible for the accurate completion of all financial and program reports required by federal, state, local and private funding sources.

•         Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities and general responsibilities as assigned.

 

 

DIMENSIONS

 

Budget:

$900,000 approximately

 

Staff:

10 employees (full and part-time)

 

Clientele:

 

Staff and Board of Directors of DHHARC, Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons living in the state of Nevada, federal, state and local government officials and agencies, federal and private funders and the broader disability communities.

 

Relationships:

 

This Executive Director works directly with staff and the Board of Directors of DHHARC, elected officials at the state and national level, other community based organizations and the leadership of Nevada’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Cooperative working relationships are maintained with these individuals/agencies to ensure that DHHARC functions well internally and is seen as an effective, efficient and responsible agency.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 

Must be sensitive to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and knowledgeable about federal and state laws, programs and issues concerning persons with disabilities. Requires excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Must have management skills to train personnel, delegate responsibility, and develop an effective organization, must be able to prepare a budget and monitor expenditures. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, encouragement and opportunities for staff development. Position requires personal flexibility, energy, stamina, and diplomacy. Must be able to travel statewide and nationally.

 

Problem Solving:

 

Must be able to solve problems independently. Must have the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to conduct staff and client assessments for the purposes of planning and evaluation of DHHARC services, strategies and goals.

 

Required Work Experience:

 

Minimum of three years of job related work experience with demonstrated competence in the following areas: working with people with disabilities, familiarity with the legislative process, budget, program planning, grant writing and non-profit or government management responsibility.

 

Decision Making and Problem Solving:

 

Selection, discipline, and termination of agency personnel. Develops programs and works with staff to set agency priorities. Represents agency in community. Negotiates agency contractual agreements, sets budgets and approved expenditures.

 

Freedom to Act:

 

The incumbent has general freedom to act within the assigned responsibilities and with consultation of the President of the Board of Directors. Reporting is accomplished through oral and written reports to the Board.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

•         At least Bachelors of Arts/Science Degree in Business, Education, Human Resources, Management, Public Administration Human Services or other
       related field.

•         Experience managing a complex organization.

•         Not less than three years professional experience in positions with increasing administrative and managerial responsibilities

•         A passionate commitment to advancing the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons.

•         Knowledge about disability and/or civil rights law and history.

•         Proven successful experience in working with non-profit organizations and with volunteer Boards of Directors.

•         Proven successful experience in working with governmental entities on issues related to systemic advocacy for people with disabilities or other
       populations with similar needs.

 

Past work experience should include successful:

•         Advocacy skills at the individual and systematic levels; including state and federal issues.

•         Budget creation and management.

•         Direct responsibility for personnel and human resource management.

•         Working with a board of Directors.

•         Business management decisions based on fiscal realities and organizational missions and values.

•         Analysis of political landscapes and programmatic trends.

•         Interagency coordination/cooperation.

•         Quality relations with the media.

 

Demonstrated skills must include:

•         Excellent verbal and written communication.

•         Building linkages to the legal, political, foundation and disability communities.

•         Successful strategies in solving problems and bringing together divergent agendas.

•         Managing multiple funding sources and agendas.

•         Planning long-term goals and implementing strategies to accomplish said goals.

 

Knowledge of:

•         State, local and federal programs and services for people with disabilities and their families.

•         Current trends in the field of disabilities and human services.

•         Applicable rules, laws and regulations related to personnel management, fiscal management of organizational resources.

•         Internal management and fiscal controls.

 

Ability to:

•         Comprehend and communicate in American Sign Language as well as other communication modes of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.

•         Provide the overall direction to the organization in carrying out its mission.

•         Serve as the lead staff and professional resource to the Board of Directors.

•         Serve as a role model for the agency staff, mentor the growth of all staff and set the pattern of work expectations for other staff.

•         Provides leadership and vision within the disability community.

•         Willingness to work irregular and extended schedules.

•         Willingness to travel statewide and throughout the United States.

•         Self-starter, with proven ability to manage schedule and establish priorities that respond to the mission and the goals of DHHARC.

 

COMPENSATION

 

DHHARC offers a competitive salary and customary benefits. The salary range for this position is $57,000-$62,000, depending on education and experience. DHHARC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

 

TO APPLY

 

All applicants must submit a cover letter and resume electronically, which includes a list of at least three professional references and compensation requirements via email to Farrell@NVASL.com  and Laura.daviton@dhharc.org APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5PM ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE OF March 13, 2012.

For further information, please contact Search Committee Chair J. Farrell Cafferata Jenkins at Farrell@NVASL.com.

 

DHHARC selects applicants for employment based on job related knowledge, skills and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.  

 

 

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