Purpose: The Executive Director (ED) of Center for Independence is responsible for leading the strategic

growth and direction of the organization as well as the successful day-to-day operations of the Center’s

programming and services. The ED directly supervises the management team, oversees all other staff

positions, and reports to the Board of Directors (Board). Major functions are:

● Providing vision and leadership of, and taking responsibility for, the overall success of the CIL, including

its continued impact in the community and its long-term and daily financial health.

● Developing, establishing, and sustaining cooperative and innovative programs and services to enhance

opportunities for independence for people with disabilities.

● Developing, leading, and maintaining all relationships with key strategic partners.

● Communicating effectively on behalf of the organization and its mission, and representing the CIL and

disability issues to community organizations, state government entities, legislative committees, and

advocacy groups.

● Having a strong understanding of DEIA; being able to apply a deep understanding of DEIA principles to

foster an inclusive and equitable environment for staff, the board, and the community while serving as

the organization's ambassador.

Key Responsibilities: The ED is responsible for carrying out the objectives and purposes of the Center for

Independence as established by the Board and defined by the mission. The ED will:

Programming and Services

● Set strategy and oversee the implementation and operations of all programming and services, ensuring

that programs and services are of the highest quality to meet the needs of people with disabilities in

Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan, Island, South King, Pierce and Thurston Counties, and

exemplify some of the best practices in the state and country.

● Develop new and innovative programming to keep the CIL’s service offerings at the forefront of best practices for improving the lives of people with disabilities, placing focus on models such as fee-for-

service programming and social enterprises, to diversify and grow the CIL’s capacity, impact, and financial sustainability.

● Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of program performance to ensure community and consumer

needs, priorities, and goals are met, and making changes to underperforming programs to maximize

the impact of programs and services.

Community Relations and Advocacy

● Develop and establish significant strategic partnerships with other organizations and networks to

promote CIL services and maximize the collaborative utilization of resources.

● Promote positive relations and collaborations with other Centers for Independent Living, Vocational

Rehabilitation Services, school districts, and other providers to facilitate services and advance key

advocacy issues.

● Serve as the public face of the organization, representing and promoting the CIL and its mission to

government agencies, strategic partners, the general public, the media, and other stakeholders. The

ED serves as spokesperson, promoting the CIL and its mission to diverse audiences through a lens of

diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

● With the management team, respond to and advocate for current events and issues in the community

pertaining to the organization’s mission.

● Mobilize community resources including volunteers, consumers, consultants, and professionals to help

the CIL achieve its goals.

Fund Sourcing and Fundraising

● Oversee all fund-generating activities, including the development of grant proposals and project

proposals, and monitor their implementation, ongoing success, and reporting.

● Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate philanthropic fundraising plans and events in collaboration

with the staff and Board.

● Foster positive relations with existing and potential fund sources and donors.

● In collaboration with the Board, solicit funds from private sources. Partner with the Board to cultivate

and secure funding from private donors in support of the organization's mission and goals.

● Proven expertise in crafting persuasive grant proposals for both private and public funding sources to

secure operational costs.

Personnel Management

● Oversee and manage the CIL staff through leadership and the supervision of the management team.

● Cultivate and foster an employee culture and climate of inclusiveness and positive performance that

maximizes the contributions of all employees and creates a positive place of work and community for all

employees, participants, and visitors to the Center.

● Oversee all HR processes, including hiring, orientation, ongoing staff management, talent development

and training, staff performance evaluations, and any disciplinary or grievance issues.

● Ensure all HR policies and employee benefits are in compliance with all appropriate legislation and

regulations and consistent with those of other, similar organizations.

● Hire and retain top-performing staff by implementing effective recruitment strategies and fostering a

culture of engagement and excellence.

● Ensure all policies and procedures maximize the efficiency and efficacy of the CIL’s mission and

values.

Financial Management

● Lead and oversee the financial strength and wellbeing of the Center.

● Lead the development and oversight of all financial records and supervise the preparation of all

financial statements and management reports to fulfill external reporting requirements.

● Oversee all expenditures, accounts, and reconciliations with the business office and/or Board treasurer.

● Oversee the projection of financial needs and cash flows in appropriate budget formats, and with the

business office resolve all accounting and financial issues.

● Oversee the strength of all investments and financial resources.

● Participate in annual audits and/or financial reviews.

● Ensure compliance with federal and state policies regarding financial management of grant- and

government-funded revenue and expenses.

Marketing and Communications

● Ensure the ongoing alignment of the Center’s programs and services with needs in the community.

● Ensure the organization is positioned in the service communities as a leading and impactful

organization addressing the most critical needs of people with disabilities.

● Ensure the development and distribution of strategic communications about the CIL through digital,

print, and other promotional channels. Ensure the CIL has active outreach to stakeholders through its

website, social media, email, earned media, and other third-party media.

● Ensure all communications are of a high quality and consistent with and advancing of the organization’s

mission, establishing a recognizable brand in the community.

Board Relations and Strategic Planning

● Support the Board in its governance role and assist with Board member cultivation and development.

● Keep the Board informed of internal conditions, important external developments, and the overall

activities of the CIL through regular reports to and communication with the Board and its authorized

committees.

● Facilitate the work of the Board and its committees.

● Attend meetings of the Board and serve as a non-voting, ex officio member of the Board.

● Working in conjunction with the Board in the development, implementation, and success of short-term

and long-range strategic plans in coordination with the Board.

● Collaborate with the Board President to engage in all areas of the Board (e.g. Board Meetings, agenda

items, retreats, business and events of the organization) Provide comprehensive support to the Board

President in managing and executing the Board's responsibilities.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

● Ensure the CIL complies with all relevant laws and regulations and internal policies and procedures.

● In partnership with the Board, ensure the CIL operates within its bylaws, monitor for changes to the

bylaws, and make recommendations for changes as necessary.

● Serve as a liaison with federal, state, and local agencies and legislative bodies where appropriate.

● Sign contracts, grants, and all other legally binding agreements within limitations and authority as set

forth by the Board.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

● Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s or advanced professional degree preferred.

● Five to eight years of senior-level leadership and management experience, including personnel

management, operations management, and financial management. Experience in business or

nonprofit management preferred, although all industry backgrounds are welcome.

● Demonstrated knowledge of the independent living philosophy and empowering people with

disabilities. Personal experience with disability preferred.

● Demonstrated ability to work with and incorporate the perspectives and input of a diverse range of

people, backgrounds, and skills.

● Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate productively with a broad variety of

audiences, partners, and constituents.

● Experience in working with governing boards or similar structures.

● Proven track record of success in securing grants and donations.

● Strong writing and communication skills with experience in crafting compelling grant proposals and

fundraising materials.

**TO APPLY: Send resume and cover letter to CFI Board cfi.waedsearch@gmail.com Applicants who apply by

June 30th will be prioritized. Salary: $70,000-$80,000, depending on experience**

Center for Independence is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training service. CFI does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.