Executive Director

Executive Director

Disability Rights Idaho (DRI)

Location: Boise, ID
Type: Full Time, Exempt
Salary: [To be confirmed; set by DRI's Board of Directors]
Sector: Disability Rights / Legal Advocacy
Website: www.disabilityrightsidaho.org
Reports To: Board of Directors

 

About the Organization

 

Disability Rights Idaho is Idaho's designated Protection and Advocacy System for people with disabilities. Congress created the nationwide Protection and Advocacy System through the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1975, and has since expanded its authority to serve all disabilities. DRI was established in 1977 as Co-Ad, Inc. (Comprehensive Advocacy, Inc.) and took its current name in 2009.

 

DRI's mission is to educate, advocate, investigate, and litigate to protect and advance the rights of Idahoans with disabilities. Its core values are integrity, quality, dignity of risk, teamwork, and inclusivity.

 

Position Summary

 

The Executive Director leads a dynamic team of professionals in carrying out DRI's mission and is responsible for strategic leadership and organizational direction, ensuring high-performing service programs, sustainable fundraising, and effective business operations. Areas of responsibility include management and administration, fiscal oversight, personnel leadership, Board relations, and public relations. The Executive Director is hired by and directly accountable to the Board of Directors.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Management

 

• Serve as Chief Executive Officer and embed DRI's values in the organization's culture

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention of qualified staff

• Establish and maintain a system for employee evaluation

• Participate in and present staff training and community education workshops

• Provide opportunities for staff, board, public, and constituent input into goals and objectives

• Directly supervise the Legal, Finance, Advocacy, and Operations Directors

 

Administration

 

• Draft new or revised corporate policies for Board approval

• Attend all Board and PAIMI Advisory Council meetings, assist with agendas, and serve as liaison between the Board, Advisory Council, and staff

• Ensure all reports are completed and filed on time and available to the Board on request

• Ensure compliance with each grant's requirements

• Ensure the Legal Director maintains casework standards, manages the Client Trust account, and upholds the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct

• Lead annual planning and ensure program responsibilities are carried out

• Develop annual priorities, goals, and case acceptance criteria and report progress to grantors and the Board

• Build strong relationships with federal and state funders, administrative agencies, community partners, the DD network, and other stakeholders

• Coordinate with NDRN and the Board on administrative policy improvement and continual learning

 

Financial

 

• Lead revenue diversification and fundraising strategy, including philanthropic partnerships and expanded non-federal funding

• Oversee preparation of the annual operating budget for Board approval

• Maintain fiscal and program records according to state, federal, and corporate audit requirements

• Ensure fiscal integrity, including a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements that accurately reflect DRI's financial condition

 

Public Relations and Policy

 

• Communicate DRI's mission, values, and activities to the public, government bodies, Board, and staff through the website, social media, outreach, and press

• Evaluate and interpret legislation, regulations, public policy, and emerging trends affecting people with disabilities

• Guide policy strategy, advocacy priorities, and stakeholder engagement to advance systemic change

• Collaborate with partners to promote best practice services at the local, state, and national levels

• Represent DRI to state and national advocacy groups and encourage Board and staff participation

• Maintain DRI membership in professional, consumer, and interagency organizations and committees

• Serve as media spokesperson for DRI

 

Qualifications

 

• Advanced degree in Public Administration or another relevant field, or comparable experience running a nonprofit

• Five years of experience in advocacy for people with disabilities

• Proven public speaking and communications skills

• Experience in development and fundraising

• Proven management expertise, including accounting, budgeting and financial control, personnel functions, organizational development, and planning

• Proven leadership, with the ability to model DRI's values, train personnel, delegate, supervise, and evaluate staff

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work inclusively with diverse populations

• Flexibility, energy, stamina, and a sense of humor

• Ability to pass a Tier 2 security clearance with the Social Security Administration

 

Preferred Experience

 

• Grant writing and fundraising

• Managing social media and web presence

• Enthusiasm for advocacy work

• Flexibility with staff issues, balancing individual and organizational needs

• Ability to listen actively to Board, staff, funders, and outside stakeholders

• Multilingual, including ASL

 

Travel

 

Travel throughout Idaho and occasionally to national conferences and meetings.

 

Contact

 

Disability Rights Idaho, P.O. Box 4113, Boise, ID 83711
(208) 336-5353 or (866) 262-3462
info@disabilityrightsidaho.org