Executive Director

The Arc Connecticut

Canton Center, Connecticut (remote)

• Base building (increase the size of the Family Network)
• Education of families and advocates
• Legislative outreach and relationship building
• Coalitions and partnerships

• An outgoing, charismatic personality to relate positively to everyone involved and serve as the external face of The Arc Connecticut throughout the state.
• Fundraising experience, with a work history that includes successfully generating new revenue through fundraising strategies and donor relations.
• Qualities of a visionary, future-focused, and analytical-thinking leader working on “what’s next for The Arc Connecticut.”
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the system of funding and delivery of services for people with I/DD.

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, promoting its mission and vision.
• Advocate for policies, programs, and services that benefit individuals with I/DD and their families.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to influence legislation and public policy.
• Represent the organization in public hearings, legislative sessions, and policymaking forums to advance the organization’s policy agenda. 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive policy agenda in collaboration with the Board of Directors and stakeholders. 
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to state and federal legislative and regulatory developments affecting individuals with I/DD.
• Build coalitions and partnerships to strengthen advocacy efforts and promote equitable policy outcomes.
• Provide expert testimony and written comments on proposed legislation, regulations, and policies.

• Serve as a resource and advisor to local chapters, helping them strengthen their advocacy efforts, programs, and operations. 
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among chapters to promote unity and shared goals.
• Provide training, tools, and guidance to chapter leaders to enhance their organizational effectiveness.
• Advocate for chapter concerns and priorities within the statewide strategic framework.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors and local chapters.
• Ensure alignment of programs and initiatives with organizational goals and the policy agenda.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy and policy efforts and adjust strategies as needed. 

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including staff management, program delivery, and resource allocation.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures to ensure organizational efficiency and compliance.
• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Board of Directors and finance team.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency through effective financial management and reporting.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, donations, and sponsorships.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with individuals, families, service providers, local chapters, and advocacy groups.
• Organize public awareness campaigns, events, and educational initiatives to support the organization’s mission and policy goals.
• Represent the organization in community meetings, conferences, and media engagements. 

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set priorities, policies, and governance structures.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Board on organizational performance, advocacy progress, and policy developments.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary and strategic responsibilities.

• Five or more years of increasingly responsible leadership experience within the social/human services sector with sound knowledge of nonprofit administration principles and management concepts, including budgeting, board management, resource allocation, auditing, asset management, marketing/public relations and program management.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services or organizational management field (Public Administration; Business Administration; Human Services; Social Work; Public Law, etc.) OR equivalent experience. 
• Fundraising experience, including individual donor cultivation, grant proposal writing, corporate sponsorship cultivation, and special events management.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. 
• Resident of Connecticut.

• Knowledge (personal or professional) of the function, philosophy, and advocacy of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
• Considerable knowledge of and skills in advocacy - both individual and system advocacy – and community organizing.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors or other governing body structure that works with policy, operational, and fiduciary authority and responsibilities. 
• Working knowledge and experience in the utilization of technology to improve efficiency of services, fundraising, and providing innovative support to the disability community. 

• Up to 25%-time in travel, mostly in-state.