Independent Living Center-Executive Director

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio (ILCNCO) and is responsible for the overall leadership, management, administration, financial stewardship, strategic planning, community engagement, advocacy efforts, and operational success of the organization. This position is critical to the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. The Executive Director must provide visionary leadership while ensuring the organization remains responsive to the needs of individuals with disabilities and the communities it serves. The Executive Director is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct. The Executive Director shall work closely with the Board of Directors to implement organizational goals and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, grant requirements, and organizational policies.

Reporting Relationship

The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and serves at the direction of the Board. The Executive Director shall:

• Maintain open, transparent, and regular communication with the Board of Directors. Inform the Board promptly of all significant operational, financial, legal, personnel, programmatic, and strategic matters affecting the organization. Seek guidance and approval from the Board on major organizational decisions as required by policy.
• Attend all Board of Directors meetings and committee meetings as requested.
• Provide a comprehensive written monthly report to the Board of Directors detailing:
  • Financial status and budget performance
  • Program and service outcomes
  • Community engagement activities
  • Advocacy initiatives
  • Consumer statistics and service trends
  • Staffing updates
  • Grant activities and funding opportunities
  • Community partnerships and collaborations
  • Strategic goals and progress toward objectives
  • Significant organizational challenges and accomplishments

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction for all organizational operations.
• Implement policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives approved by the Board of Directors.
• Develop and maintain a positive organizational culture focused on inclusion, advocacy, accountability, and excellence.
• Ensure the organization’s mission and values are reflected in all programs and services.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support staff development and performance.
• Promote continuous improvement and innovation throughout the organization.
• Provide training and support of staff and Board of Directors members.

Financial Management

• Develop and administer the annual operating budget.
• Ensure sound financial practices and fiscal accountability.
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, grants, and contracts.
• Pursue funding opportunities through grants, partnerships, and fundraising efforts.
• Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

The Executive Director shall serve as the primary public representative and ambassador of the Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio.

The Executive Director is expected to maintain a strong and highly visible presence throughout Richland County and the organization’s service area.

Responsibilities include:

• Actively engaging with community leaders, government officials, businesses, educational institutions, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and service organizations.
• Building and maintaining collaborative partnerships that advance the mission of ILCNCO.
• Advocating for the rights, independence, accessibility, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
• Promoting public awareness of independent living services and disability-related issues.
• Identifying community needs and opportunities for program development.
• Representing ILCNCO in a professional and positive manner at all professional, civic, community, networking, educational, and social events.
• Serving as a visible leader and advocate within the community.
• Participating in local, regional, and statewide initiatives that support individuals with disabilities.

Board Relations

• Develop and maintain a productive working relationship with the Board of Directors.
• Provide accurate and timely information to support Board decision-making.
• Assist the Board in strategic planning and organizational development.
• Carry out directives and policies established by the Board.
• Ensure organizational transparency and accountability.

Program Oversight

• Oversee all programs and services provided by ILCNCO.
• Ensure services meet the needs of consumers and comply with applicable regulations and funding requirements.
• Monitor program effectiveness and outcomes.
• Promote consumer-centered and independent living philosophies throughout the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership, management, administration, advocacy, education, or human services experience.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing organizational operations.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and community stakeholders.
• Knowledge of disability rights, independent living philosophy, and community-based services.
• Must be a resident of Richland County, Ohio, or establish residency within six (6) months of hire.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree preferred in Education, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Social Work, Rehabilitation Services, Human Services, or a related field.
• Experience in nonprofit executive leadership.
• Experience in community advocacy and public policy initiatives.
• Experience securing grants, fundraising, and resource development.
• Experience working directly with individuals with disabilities.
• Demonstrated success in developing community partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
• Experience working with governmental agencies, boards of directors, and community organizations.

Leadership Expectations

The Board of Directors seeks an Executive Director who is an engaged, visible, and respected community leader.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to the Independent Living philosophy.
• Exceptional integrity, professionalism, and ethical leadership.
• A passion for community advocacy and public service.
• The ability to build relationships with individuals from all backgrounds and life experiences.
• Experience working effectively with individuals with disabilities and other underserved populations.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• A commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• The ability to represent ILCNCO with professionalism, dignity, and credibility throughout North Central Ohio.

The Executive Director must understand that this position extends beyond daily office operations and requires active engagement within the community to strengthen relationships, advance advocacy efforts, increase organizational visibility, and further the mission of the Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position will be between $70-80k, depending on experience and qualifications. The benefits include paid vacation, holidays, PTO and life insurance.

Please send your resume and cover letter via email.  The board of directors will be reviewing resumes over the next three weeks and contacting candidates.  The board expects to interview and make a hiring decision in a very timely manner.