The Center for Disability Empowerment Launches Search for New Executive Director
COLUMBUS, OH — The Center for Disability Empowerment (CDE) announced the launch of a nationwide search for its next Executive Director. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting independent living and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, CDE seeks a dynamic, visionary leader to guide its mission into the future.
Founded on the principles of the Independent Living Movement, CDE has served as a vital resource and advocate for people with disabilities in Central Ohio and beyond. The incoming Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction, cultivating partnerships, securing funding, and amplifying the voices of the disability community.
“The CDE Board of Directors is incredibly proud of the impactful work Sue has done with the agency and wish her a joyful and well-deserved retirement,” said Courtney Kimbrough, President of the Board of Directors. “We also look forward with great excitement to the future as we begin the search for our next Executive Director.”
The ideal candidate will bring a strong commitment to disability justice, demonstrated leadership in nonprofit or public service sectors, and experience in organizational management, advocacy, and community engagement. Lived experience with disability is strongly encouraged and valued.
CDE invites qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. The search is being conducted in by the Center for Disability’s Board of Directors. Interested individuals can apply by sending a cover letter and resume to CDE_HR@disabilityempowerment.net.
As CDE embarks on this next chapter, the organization remains steadfast in its mission: to ensure that people with disabilities have the tools, resources, and support to live independently and participate fully in their communities.
About the Center for Disability Empowerment
The Center for Disability Empowerment is a community-based, nonprofit organization operated by and for people with disabilities. CDE is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead self-directed lives, advocate for their rights, and participate fully in society.
Job Posting Announcement: Executive Director at the 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.
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.
http://www.disabilityempowerment.net/about-us/execpost
http://www.disabilityempowerment.net
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