Job Posting Announcement: Executive Director
Center for Disability Empowerment (CDE)
Location: Columbus, Ohio
The Center for Disability Empowerment (CDE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Our mission is to advocate for disability rights, promote independence, and create positive change in the lives of individuals and their communities. CDE works to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. We are looking for an Executive Director to lead our dynamic team and help us continue our vital work in the community.
The Executive Director position offers a salary of up to $80,000 per year based on experience, with paid holidays annually and a generous amount of sick and vacation time. Lived experience with disability is a required qualification. Interviews will take place in June and July, with the position set to begin on October 1.
Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to CDE_HR@disabilityempowerment.net by June 13th, 2025.
Executive Director of The Center for Disability Empowerment
The Executive Director provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Center for Disability Empowerment (CDE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of CDE, ensuring alignment with its mission and long-term goals. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team in advocating for disability rights, promoting independence, and creating positive change in our communities.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership and Collaboration with the Board of Directors
- Ensure that CDE consistently operates in alignment with its mission and vision.
- Foster a productive partnership with the Board of Directors to strengthen CDE’s capacity and impact.
- Keep the Board fully informed about organizational performance, key issues, and external opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Board to annually review and adjust the strategic plan.
- Attend all board meetings unless otherwise directed.
2. Operational Management and Team Leadership
- Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with vendors, community partners, funders and individual donors.
- Oversee negotiations with contractors and external partners.
- Manage and empower CDE’s staff, creating an inclusive and respectful workplace that reflects diverse cultural values.
- Monitor the quality of all programs and services to ensure they align with CDE’s mission and are achieving high levels of client satisfaction.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding operations and records.
3. Financial Stewardship and Fundraising
- Lead the development of the annual budget in collaboration with Board committees.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with public and private funders.
- Identify and lead the development of new funding proposals and opportunities.
- Ensure that the required funding reporting practices and deadlines are being followed.
- Ensure that financial controls are in place, and CDE complies with nonprofit accounting and reporting standards.
- Oversee the branding and marketing strategies to enhance CDE’s public presence.
4. Advocacy and Public Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with local, state and national disability advocacy organizations.
- Strengthen and expand CDE’s reputation as a leader in Independent Living and disability advocacy across targeted regions (Franklin, Delaware, Union and Licking, Ohio counties).
- Lead the development and coordination of events, workshops, publications and the agency website.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for CDE, advocating for its mission and values.
Education and Experience
- Required: Lived experience with disability.
- Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience) in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Social Services or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, with proven success in strategic planning, operations, and staff development.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with innovative approach to business planning and program development.
Additional Qualifications
- Experience working with and reporting to a Board of Directors
- Proven leadership in fundraising, including grant writing and donor relations
- Excellent public speaking and advocacy skills
- A deep understanding of the Independent Living philosophy and Disability Social justice principles
Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to CDE_HR@disabilityempowerment.net by June 13th, 2025.