[blindlaw] FW: [ABA-3D] FW: [DRBA] job posting for Disability Rights Iowa, Iowa P&A EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Fri Feb 17 20:12:54 UTC 2012

From: Disability Discussion Docket (3D) covers disability law and disability rights [mailto:3D at MAIL.AMERICANBAR.ORG] On Behalf Of Phelan, William
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2012 11:04 AM
To: 3D at MAIL.AMERICANBAR.ORG
Subject: [ABA-3D] FW: [DRBA] job posting for Disability Rights Iowa, Iowa P&A EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Job posting in Iowa.

William J. Phelan, IV, Esq.
Special Projects and Technology Coordinator
  Commission on Disability Rights
American Bar Association

william.phelan at americanbar.org<mailto:william.phelan at americanbar.org>
http://www.americanbar.org/disabilityrights

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________________________________
From: Disability Rights Bar Association
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2012 12:19 PM
To:
Subject: [DRBA] job posting for Disability Rights Iowa, Iowa P&A EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Please feel free to circulate widely.

Disability Rights IOWA

Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) is seeking an Executive Director to lead this non-profit organization that is responsible for providing legally-based protection and advocacy services to advance the rights of individuals with disabilities in the State of Iowa.  Working with the Board of Directors, DRI's next Executive Director will facilitate and provide the leadership to further the development of DRI's vision and role as an exemplary legal advocacy organization and integral part of Iowa's disability, civil rights and social justice communities.
Mission

DRI's mission is to provide legal advocacy on disability issues that promote the fundamental rights of all people with disabilities to participate fully and equally in the social and economic life of Iowa. In order to achieve this mission, DRI provides a range of services including information, referral, technical assistance and trainings as well as individual representation and systemic advocacy regarding legal rights and services for people with disabilities.

DRI Advocacy

DRI pursues legislative and administrative advocacy and litigation on a wide variety of issues relating to civil rights, special education, health and benefits and rights of people in facilities.  DRI was successful in compelling changes to the complaint process for parents and students with disabilities in special education to better access the process and have their complaints investigated.  In 2011, DRI successfully represented five individuals in administrative hearings who had services terminated from their home and community based waivers and services were reinstated.  DRI also settled an employment discrimination case resulting in a monetary award for the client.  DRI works collaboratively with partners in the community on a wide variety of issues related to mental health advocacy, community integration, voting rights, and accessibility.

About the Position

DRI's next Executive Director comes at a time of great opportunity and challenges for DRI and the disability community in Iowa.   The Executive Director will communicate DRI's understanding of the challenges faced by the community, and expand DRI's vision and ability to meet the challenges.  More specifically, the Executive Director's duties include policy and advocacy leadership to the disability community and for the staff, oversight of administrative, human resources, and financial operations of the organization while building the public profile and funding base of the organization. The ideal candidate for this position combines a commitment to the mission of advancing the rights of people with disabilities, dynamic, entrepreneurial leadership skills and strong non-profit management experience.

Summary of Executive Director Responsibilities:

Articulate and implement a strategic vision and leadership for DRI

 *   Develops vision and long-term strategic plan including identifying resources needed to accomplish the plan.  Clearly communicates vision to internal and external stakeholders.
 *   Positions DRI to meet the challenges of the disability community.
 *   Motivates and inspires staff to work collaboratively toward vision and goals.
 *   Expands DRI's agenda for systemic change to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, leveraging policy opportunities and effectively understanding and working within the political landscape.
 *   Assumes a position of leadership for DRI within the disability, civil rights, social justice and other key stakeholder communities.
 *   Assists the Board of Directors in its development of knowledge and skills for its stewardship of the organization.  Keeps Board of Directors apprised of programmatic, resource and employee relations matters and timely notifies of any issues.

Management of the enterprise

 *   Deploys resources efficiently and effectively toward organizational goals, working with staff to balance workload and effort.
 *   Affirms sustainability and growth of DRI.
 *   Builds the skill of key staff in the organization, so that they can mentor, encourage and motivate staff.  Provides regular feedback so that key staff can continuously improve their supervision and mentoring skills.  Provides advice to key staff on personnel and resource allocation issues.  Oversees performance management and employee professional development for staff.

Maintain, increase and diversify funding resources and provide strong stewardship of financial resources

 *   Assures adequate resources are available now and in the future to accomplish the mission of DRI.
 *   Engages in long-term fiscal planning to provide for the fiscal stability of the organization.
 *   Develops annual budgets that reflect long-term fiscal goals.
 *   Creates fundraising plans in concert with the Board of Directors.  Develops and cultivates relationships with individual, corporate and foundation donors.  Conducts research on viable foundation opportunities and grant writing opportunities.
 *   Oversees and ensures that all reporting and compliance requirements are met for each funding source.
 *   Notifies Board of Directors of fiscal status and highlights fiscal issues that may require the Board's attention.
 *   Negotiates all contracts on behalf of DRI, both internal and external.

Raise the profile of DRI through external communications

 *   Serves as an active spokesperson for DRI through personal contact with media, finding opportunities to promote the policy agenda of DRI and increase public awareness of the DRI mission.
 *   Communicates the programs, policies and purpose of the agency to public constituencies, government bodies (executive, legislative, judicial) and staff in a way which will motivate them to support organizational operations, goals and objectives.
 *   Fosters effective working relationships with other agencies involved in service to citizens with disabilities, and civil rights and social justice organizations.

Qualifications:

 *   Juris Doctor, Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, or similar credential.  If academic credential is other than a Juris Doctor degree, a solid understanding of the role of litigation in advancing public policy is required.
 *   Strong commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and to the mission of DRI.
 *   Demonstrated knowledge of disability and civil rights laws, issues and history.
 *   Experience in leading and managing a complex organization including setting strategic vision, implementing business plans, managing personnel, overseeing finances and internal control systems, fostering good relationships with external stakeholders.
 *   Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the ability to motivate and inspire staff and funders.
 *   Demonstrated experience working with organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives, including staff, the public, elected and appointed officials, and consumers of service.
 *   Keen understanding of public policy issues and processes involving the rights of individuals with disabilities.
 *   Demonstrated ability and a desire to develop and expand the resources of DRI.

Desired Attributes:

 *   Interest in and commitment to working in DRI.
 *   Energy and enthusiasm for policy and advocacy work.
 *   Creativity in devising new strategies for managing the organization and growing the funding base.
 *   Integrity and fairness in working in a complex environment.
 *   Flexibility in dealing with staff issues, balancing the needs of the individual and the needs of the organization.
 *   Ability to listen well to a variety of perspectives, including board, staff and outside stakeholders such as funders.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Interested candidates should submit a letter expressing in detail your interest in the position of Executive Director of Disability Rights Iowa, and what you believe you can contribute to the future of DRI and its client community.  The letter should be accompanied by a current resume and names and contact information for three references.
DRI is being assisted in the search by Robert Half International, 801 Grand Avenue, Suite 2950 in Des Moines, IA  50309.  Their phone number is 515/244-4414 and their fax number is: 515/244-5613.  Candidates with questions about the position or process are encouraged to contact Judy Billings at Robert Half International.

Electronic submissions are preferred.  Materials should be emailed to judy.billings at roberthalf.com<mailto:judy.billings at roberthalf.com> in Microsoft Word format.  Mailed and faxed submissions will be accepted.

DRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package.  DRI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates with disabilities, women, persons of color and others who represent distinct linguistic or cultural communities to apply.

About Disability Rights Iowa

Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) is the Protection and Advocacy agency for Iowa.  DRI is a private, non-profit organization responsible for providing protection and advocacy for the rights of Iowa residents with disabilities. DRI receives Federal funding but is not part of the state or Federal government.
DRI is located in Des Moines and has a current staff of 13, and an annual budget of $1.2 million, 100% of which comes from federal grants.

The mission of DRI is to provide legal advocacy on disability issues that promote the fundamental rights of all people with disabilities to participate fully and equally in the social and economic life of Iowa.  Toward this end, DRI provides information, referral, technical assistance and representation regarding legal rights and services for people with disabilities; and legal services to eligible people and groups whose cases meet DRI's priorities.  DRI seeks to strike a balance between systemic advocacy and individual representation.  In addition, it conducts trainings for community groups and other advocacy organizations.

Please view the DRI website, www.disabilityrightsiowa.org<http://www.disabilityrightsiowa.org>, for additional information about the organization and its priorities.

Kenneth Shiotani
National Disability Rights Network
(202) 408-9514 x 126 voice
Kenneth.Shiotani at ndrn.org<mailto:Kenneth.Shiotani at ndrn.org>

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