Executive Director, AUCD

ProFound Executive Search is serving as an external search partner to AUCD in its search for the Executive Director. This position reports to the AUCD Board of Directors.

ProFound Executive Search is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible candidate experience. Candidates may request accommodations by contacting ProFound at:

https://wkf.ms/4mJA0rw

About AUCD

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a national association that supports Network members in their research, training, education, and service so that together, AUCD and Network members can promote the quality of life, health, and well-being of people with disabilities.

Learn more about AUCD: https://www.aucd.org/about-us

Position Summary

AUCD has a long history and foundation in advancing disability research, training, services, and advocacy. For decades, it has served as a national organization connecting UCEDDs, LEND programs, and IDDRCs, supporting leadership development and systems change. With this legacy continuing to be a source of pride and credibility across the network, the Executive Director will lead AUCD into its next chapter.

Position Responsibilities

Network-level responsibilities:

• Lead and strengthen AUCD’s national network of UCEDDs, LEND programs, and IDDRCs by fostering collaboration and ensuring members receive clear value.
• Align a wide array of programs around a shared mission to advance research, training, services, and systems change in the disability community.
• Build trust and cohesion across the network through clear, consistent communication and active listening.
• Facilitate meaningful connections across member organizations to support collaboration and shared learning.

Organization-level responsibilities:

• Lead AUCD’s staff and operations, ensuring a high-performing, inclusive, and accountable organizational culture in which staff can grow and thrive to their full potential.
• Oversee AUCD’s budget, evaluating resources, maintaining fiscal stability, and identifying opportunities to support long-term financial sustainability.
• Ensure the infrastructure, systems, and talent are in place to effectively support the network and deliver on AUCD’s mission.
• Enhance a culture of trust by identifying needs and aligning resources with AUCD’s mission.
• Strengthen internal operations, including systems, processes, and role clarity, to support staff effectiveness and retention.

Board-level responsibilities:

• Refine and communicate AUCD’s value proposition, ensuring members understand and experience the benefits of engagement.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to set and execute organizational strategy and ensure strong governance and financial stewardship.
• Provide clear, consistent communication and cultivate Board relationships to support effective decision-making and alignment.
• Help the Board champion a cohesive vision for AUCD’s future.

External partner-level responsibilities:

• Serve as AUCD’s primary ambassador, representing the organization with federal agencies, policymakers, and partner organizations.
• Strengthen AUCD’s national presence, influence, and partnerships to advance its mission and expand its impact.
• Build upon relationships within the disability and policy landscape at a local, state, and national level.
• Identify and cultivate new partnerships and funding opportunities to support long-term sustainability.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships across the broader ecosystem, including councils, special interest groups, alumni, trainees, emerging leaders, and faculty, to create opportunities for research, shared learning, and leadership development.
• Engage beyond disability networks to establish new relationships and partnerships in support of AUCD’s mission.

Required Qualifications:

• Executive leadership: experience leading a complex organization of comparable size, scope, or structure, with accountability for strategy, operations, and outcomes.
• Federated or network-based model expertise: experience leading across various stakeholders, balancing national priorities with state and local needs.
• Financial management: demonstrated ability to effectively manage budgets, ensure fiscal responsibility, and steward organizational resources.
• Board of Directors engagement: experience partnering with a governing board on strategic alignment, effective governance, and informed decision-making.
• External partnership cultivation: experience working with federal agencies, policymakers, academic institutions, and other organizations to advance shared goals.
• Change management: experience navigating complex transitions, building trust, and generating support and enthusiasm around a shared direction.
• Stakeholder alignment: success communicating effectively across different audiences, fostering transparency and collaboration.
• Disability advocacy: demonstrated leadership and commitment to advocacy with and for the disability community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of disability, informed by lived experience, close personal or family connection, and/or sustained professional experience with and impact in the disability community.
• Field of disability or AUCD network experience with UCEDDs, LENDs, IDDRCs, or the disability ecosystem of research, training, and advocacy.
• Understanding of federal funding and policy environments, including knowledge of federal grant structures, appropriations, and relationships with key government agencies.
• Understanding of complex political landscapes and federal funding systems to secure, maintain, and increase funding for an organization.
• Familiarity with navigating the complexities and evolving dynamics of university systems and the broader higher education landscape.
• Organizational brand work, with experience strengthening an organization’s dynamic external presence, positioning, and influence on a national level.
• Experience developing leadership pipelines and talent ecosystems, with demonstrated success supporting emerging leaders and/or professional development pathways.

Salary Range: $250,000 - $300,000

AUCD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ProFound Executive Search is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible candidate experience. Candidates may request accommodations by contacting ProFound at:

https://wkf.ms/4mJA0rw

ProFound Executive Search is serving as an external search partner to AUCD in its search for the Executive Director. To express interest and learn more about the role from the ProFound team, please visit: https://www.ProFoundExecSearch.com/candidates