[Nfbnet-members-list] BLIND Inc. is Seeking our Next Executive Director

[ryan.strunk at gmail.com]

For 30 years, Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND, Inc.) has 
provided small group instruction in the alternative techniques of 
blindness. Our programs are based on a positive attitude toward 
blindness and a belief in the normality and competency of blind 
people. We know that with proper training and opportunity, blind 
people can live full, happy, and successful lives. We work hard to 
create an environment that promotes active learning and collegiality 
where adult students can empower themselves and pursue their dreams. 
We are one of three training centers rooted in the philosophy of the 
National Federation of the Blind and are located just blocks south of 
downtown Minneapolis.



The Executive Director is hired by and reports to a seven-member 
board of directors. The Executive Director will manage an annual 
budget in excess of $2 million and currently 11 full-time, 2 
part-time employees, and some volunteers. They will be responsible 
for a wide range of functions, including strategic and operational 
management, policy planning and development, board relations, 
staffing, community outreach and public education, maintaining 
relations with state rehabilitation agencies, budgeting and fiscal 
management, and funding development and donor relations. This is a 
critical position in an essential organization. The successful 
applicant will have a strong commitment to the independence and 
self-determination of blind people. They will embody passion, 
idealism, integrity, and a positive attitude, and be mission-driven 
and self-directed.



Primary Duties and Responsibilities:


Program administration and development:

    * Supervise recruitment of students from Minnesota, other states, 
and internationally.
    * Serve as primary liaison with rehabilitation counselors and 
other referral sources.
    * Develop and enforce organizational policies.
    * Cultivate a strong transparent working relationship with the 
Board of Directors.
    * Supervise center maintenance and renovation, seeking bids and 
approving contracts.
    * Supervise residential component of program.
    * Manage student review, staffing, and progress report processes.
    * With Board and staff, develop and implement strategic and 
operational plans.
    * Negotiate, approve, and implement contracts with state agencies.
    * Maintain working knowledge of laws and regulations governing nonprofits.
    * Promote the National Federation of the Blind's philosophy of 
blindness and encourage active participation by students and staff.
    * Prepare BLIND, Inc. annual report with staff assistance.
    * Supervise program development, including course curricula.
    * Maintain student confidentiality within the law.




Communications:

    * Publicize the programs, activities, and goals of BLIND Inc. 
through applicable media.
    * Represent the programs and point of view of BLIND, Inc. to 
state agencies, organizations, government bodies, and the general public.
    * Keep the board fully informed on the condition of the 
organization and all important factors influencing it.
    * Build and maintain relationships with members of the NFB and 
other blind people throughout the country.
    * Build and maintain relationships with BLIND, Inc. alumni, their 
families, and friends.




Human Resources:

    * Recruit, hire, train, supervise, reward, and discipline staff 
based on performance.
    * Develop an effective tone and spirit of teamwork among staff 
and students.
    * Develop and implement sound human resource practices.
    * Develop an effective management team, with delegation of 
responsibilities, effective feedback systems, and succession planning.
    * Develop and maintain an effective staff training and 
development system which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse 
complement of quality people.
    * Create and promote a positive work environment with open communications.
    * Maintain staff confidentiality within the law.




Budget and Finance:

    * Develop and manage an annual budget that meets the needs of the 
organization.
    * Develop and maintain sound fiscal practices, ensuring fiscal 
controls are in place.
    * Set financial priorities accurately to ensure the organization 
is operating in a manner that supports the needs of the program and staff.
    * Submit documents to auditor and supervise the audit process.
    * Supervise grant writing, fundraising, and other revenue 
generating processes.
    * Supervise monthly invoices to state agencies and other referral sources.
    * Supervise all purchasing of goods and services.




Minimum Qualifications:

    * Possession of a four-year college degree or equivalent 
experience in providing vocational rehabilitation services.
    * Management, supervisory, or leadership experience.
    * Seven years of professional experience in any field.
    * Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse 
groups of people.
    * Excellence in organizational management skills with the ability 
to coach staff, develop and manage a high-performing team, and set 
and achieve strategic objectives.
    * Outstanding oral and written presentation and communication 
skills, with the ability to be an outgoing spokesperson, relationship 
builder, and fundraiser.
    * Budgeting and fiscal management experience.
    * Willing to travel to NFB national and state conventions and 
other venues representing BLIND, Inc.




Preferred Qualifications:

    * Experience working with blind people and ability to be an 
effective role model for them.
    * Leadership experience in the National Federation of the Blind.
    * Demonstrated proficiency in the use of nonvisual techniques.




Position Benefits:

    * Medical benefits
    * Employer-contributed retirement program
    * Greater Minneapolis monthly transit pass
    * Paid attendance (including transportation, lodging and stipend) 
at National Federation of the Blind state and/or national conventions
    * Paid holiday leave totaling 19 days annually on average
    * Accrued additional paid leave based on hours worked



All employees of BLIND, Inc. are required to undergo staff training 
in order to ensure that they are fully competent and understand the 
experiences of students in training and build a solid foundation in 
the beliefs of blind people. This training requires use of learning 
shades and travel with the long white cane.



Interested applicants should submit a resume and a 1-page writing 
sample describing what makes the candidate unique for this position 
to <mailto:careers at blindinc.org>careers at blindinc.org. Please be sure 
to include all materials as incomplete applications will not be considered.



Contact <mailto:careers at blindinc.org>careers at blindinc.org with any 
questions regarding this position.





Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND) Inc. is an equal 
opportunity employer.  Accordingly, all terms and conditions of 
employment will be carried out without regard to race, creed, color, 
religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, 
age, or disability.  For more detailed information about our 
commitment to equal opportunity in employment, please email a request 
to <mailto:careers at blindinc.org>careers at blindinc.org.




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