Community Engagement: Jobs Available

The Arc Community Advocates of the Kalamazoo, Mich, area is seeking an Executive Director. This is a full-time directorship job in nonprofit organization management.

Job Description

Key Function One: Advocacy. The Executive Director (ED) will promote the needs and desires of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

• Build and maintain relationships with community members, referral agencies, funding organizations, and other key stakeholders to support client service needs and the continued growth and stability of the agency;

• Broaden public awareness of persons with I/DD, as well as of the agency and its mission, programs and role in the local community;

• Communicate effectively with clients, volunteers, donors and the public;

• Identify and strengthen opportunities for strategic collaboration with other agencies, businesses, schools and groups;

• Lead in the effort to promote a positive image of the organization and the people The Arc Community Advocates supports;
• Garner community recognition of the agency’s work;

• Advocate for the agency and its clients at local, state and national levels; and

• Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.

Key Function Two: Programs. The Executive Director will oversee all programming as determined by the Strategic Plan.

• Lead a planning process that establishes measurable goals, clear strategies and achievable action plans that are consistent with the strategic plan, mission and vision of the agency. This includes communicating a clear and compelling strategy to board, staff, funding sources, and partner organizations;

• Continuously evaluate, refine and oversee an organizational structure appropriate for the agency’s operations;

• Foster the development of community programs as needs change and new challenges emerge;

• Maintain an effective working relationship with the constituency, community, healthcare industry, and regulatory agencies;

• Ensure that agency growth is supported internally by technology, facilities, appropriate human resources, fund development and communication;

• Evaluate and keep records for all programs;

• Ensure compliance with all laws and legal requirements;

• Keep abreast of local, state, and federal policy issues related to I/DD and communicate the impact of policy to the organization’s key stakeholders; and

• Facilitate the annual meeting.

Key Function Three: Financial Management and Fund Development.  The ED will manage the fiscal resources consistent with the organizational mission and the directives of the Board of Directors, and will work with the Board to ensure that the financial resources are available to the organization to fulfill its mission.

• Prepare annual fund development plan including identification of potential grant sources, corporate donations, and individual donors;

• Write grant proposals for funding;

• Fundraise according to the Benevon Model;

• Maintain relationships with donors and develop new ones;

• Assure fiscal compliance with all grant contracts;

• Develop new partner relationships and strengthen existing relationships through donor recognition events and public relations activities;

• Assure timely and appropriate acknowledgement of agency donors and investors;

• Prepare annual budget with accountant and Board Finance Committee;

• Ensure that the agency is fiscally sound and operated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, board and agency policies and procedures, and all other applicable rules and guidelines;

• Oversee all accounting functions including those necessary for auditing, budgeting, financial analysis, capital asset and property;

• Ensure that the budget supports implementation of the strategic plan;

• Be responsible for grants, funding and contract management; and

• Ensure that an independent CPA is engaged to conduct annual financial audit.

Key Function Four: Supervise Staff. The ED will establish a working environment that inspires and nurtures creativity and continuous growth, fosters cooperation and communication, and contributes to the organizational goals.

• Recruit, hire, manage, and empower staff.  Build an organizational culture that attracts, sustains, supports, motivates and retains a diverse group of highly committed and talented staff;

• Recommend personnel policies and administer those approved by the Board;

• Delegate tasks;

• Create, review and maintain Employee Handbook and Policy;

• Develop and maintain personnel files

• Analyze and coordinate employee benefits and ensure enrollment and termination of same;

• Ensure staff are properly trained, including orientation of new employees;

• Conduct annual staff evaluations.


Key Function Five: Board Relations. The ED will support and partner with the Board of Directors to model exceptional governance practices, fiduciary oversight and strategic leadership.

• Work with the Board to develop and implement a strategic plan and annual budget;

• Serve as a liaison to the Board and its committees;

• Implement policies developed in conjunction with the Board;

• Ensure that the Board is kept fully informed on conditions, operations, and all important factors influencing them;

• Give guidance on matters of program, publications, budget, and legal responsibility;

• Assist in the recruitment, training, and retention of Board members and volunteers;

• Attend all meetings of the Board and the Executive Committee; and

• Provide a written Director’s Report, including financial status, each month. Discuss report at each Board meeting.

Desired Skills and Experience

General Statement of Executive Director’s Function:  Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the oversight of all programming, advocacy, financial management and fund development, supervision of agency staff, and the implementation of policies developed in conjunction with the Board of Directors.

Qualifications: The candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree, three years of experience serving persons with disabilities, and experience nurturing community support and collaboration. Candidates will possess an entrepreneurial spirit with successful grant writing, fundraising, and management skills.

Company Description

The Arc Community Advocates is a nonprofit agency that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.