Executive Director

Executive Director

The Arc Connecticut

Location: Remote (Connecticut)
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: Approximately $100,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid leave, a health coverage stipend, and IRA contributions.

 

The Organization

 

The Arc Connecticut is a statewide advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and promoting their full inclusion in community life. As the Connecticut chapter of The Arc of the United States, the organization has advocated on behalf of individuals with I/DD and their families for more than 60 years.

 

The Arc Connecticut:

 

• Supports and convenes 13 independent Arc chapters throughout Connecticut.

• Represents a statewide network with combined annual revenue exceeding $111 million, more than 170 board members, over 4,000 staff, and approximately 1,800 volunteers.

• Leads statewide advocacy, legislative engagement, family support, coalition building, and public policy initiatives.

• Operates remotely with a small staff under the leadership of a volunteer Board of Directors.

 

Position Summary

 

The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Connecticut and provides leadership for the organization's statewide advocacy and policy efforts on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees organizational operations, supports local chapters, implements strategic initiatives, develops partnerships, and advances policies that improve opportunities and quality of life for individuals with I/DD throughout Connecticut.

 

The ideal candidate is an engaging, visionary leader with fundraising success, strong advocacy experience, strategic thinking skills, and the ability to serve as the public face of the organization.

 

Essential Responsibilities

 

Leadership & Advocacy

 

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization.

• Advocate for policies, programs, and services benefiting individuals with I/DD and their families.

• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to influence legislation and public policy.

• Represent The Arc Connecticut before legislative bodies, public hearings, and policymaking forums.

 

Policy Development & Implementation

 

• Develop and implement the organization's policy agenda in collaboration with the Board and stakeholders.

• Monitor and respond to state and federal legislative and regulatory developments.

• Build coalitions and strategic partnerships to strengthen advocacy efforts.

• Provide expert testimony and written comments regarding legislation, regulations, and public policy.

 

Local Chapter Support

 

• Serve as a resource and advisor to local Arc chapters.

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among chapters.

• Provide training, tools, and guidance to strengthen chapter effectiveness.

• Advocate for chapter priorities within the statewide strategic framework.

 

Strategic Planning

 

• Develop and execute the organization's strategic plan with the Board and local chapters.

• Align organizational programs and initiatives with strategic priorities.

• Evaluate advocacy and policy outcomes and adjust strategies as needed.

 

Operations Management

 

• Oversee day-to-day organizational operations, including staff supervision and resource allocation.

• Establish policies and procedures to promote operational efficiency and compliance.

• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.

 

Financial Management

 

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget.

• Ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, and effective financial reporting.

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities through grants, donor cultivation, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives.

 

Community Engagement

 

• Build strong relationships with individuals, families, service providers, advocacy organizations, and community partners.

• Organize public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and community events.

• Represent the organization at conferences, community meetings, and media engagements.

 

Board Relations

 

• Partner with the Board of Directors on governance, strategic planning, and organizational priorities.

• Provide regular updates regarding organizational performance, advocacy activities, and policy developments.

• Support the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary and governance responsibilities.

 

Qualifications

 

The ideal candidate will possess:

 

• Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in the social or human services sector.

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit administration, including: 1) budgeting; 2) board governance; 3) resource allocation; 4) auditing; 5) asset management; 6) marketing and public relations; and 7) program management.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Public Law, Organizational Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Fundraising experience, including: 1) individual donor cultivation; 2) grant writing; 3) corporate sponsorship development; and 4) special events management.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Residency within the State of Connecticut.

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

• Knowledge of or personal/professional experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Extensive advocacy and community organizing experience.

• Experience working with nonprofit Boards of Directors and governance structures.

• Working knowledge of technology that improves organizational efficiency, fundraising, and service delivery.

 

Ideal Candidate

 

The successful candidate will be:

 

• An outgoing and charismatic leader who serves as the public face of the organization.

• An accomplished fundraiser with demonstrated success generating new revenue.

• A visionary, future-focused strategic thinker.

• Knowledgeable about—or eager to learn—the systems supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Passionate about advocacy, public policy, and community impact.

 

Work Environment

 

• Remote position based within Connecticut.

• Approximately 25% travel, with occasional periods of up to 50% in-state travel.

 

Compensation

 

• Annual salary of approximately $100,000, based on qualifications and experience.

• Paid leave.

• Health insurance stipend.

• IRA contributions.

 

Application Process

 

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. Within the application materials, candidates should describe how their qualifications align with the Position Summary and the characteristics of the ideal candidate.

 

The Arc Connecticut is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.