Executive Director
The Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire (DRC-NH) seeks an Executive Director to lead our dynamic advocacy organization as we continue our mission to identify and eliminate the barriers people with disabilities face in exercising their civil, legal and human rights. The Executive Director will lead the organization as we work towards an improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities, their families and our community as a whole.
About DRC-NH
DRC-NH is dedicated to eliminating barriers in New Hampshire that limit the full and equal enjoyment of civil and other legal rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities. Since our creation in 1978, we have served as the designated Protection and Advocacy agency in the state and are authorized by federal statute “to pursue legal, administrative and other appropriate remedies” on behalf of individuals with disabilities. We are a statewide organization located in Concord and fully independent of state government and service providers.
We provide an array of advocacy services with respect to a wide range of disability related issues. Our advocacy is multi-faceted and includes legal representation, advice and referral, law reform litigation, investigation and reporting, self-advocacy training and public education, advising on special matters such as architectural accessibility and least restrictive alternatives and other modes of protection and advocacy. Cases include special education, employment discrimination, housing discrimination, improved access to health care and community mental health services, architectural accessibility and other issues that impact individuals with disabilities. Central to our mission is ongoing advocacy to help individuals with disabilities have individual autonomy and choice, the opportunity to live in their own homes, have meaningful access to competitive, integrated employment and to be fully included in their schools and communities.
Recent cases of note include a landmark mental health class action settlement (joined by the U.S. Justice Department and several national disability advocacy organizations). The DRC was also instrumental in assuring that Concord’s Main Street revitalization project would make the street and buildings along it accessible. In a case involving individuals with traumatic brain injuries and developmental disabilities, DRC conducted an investigation that uncovered abuse and neglect at a prominent nursing facility. The DRC advocated for appropriate transition of residents out of the facility followed by advocacy that led to the closure of the facility.
DRC-NH frequently collaborates with other groups and organizations in the disability rights movement including our federally identified partners, the Developmental Disabilities Council and the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire and with a wide array of other groups and organizations around the state and across the country. We also work closely with other legal services organizations and with private law firms who share our interest in advocating for people with disabilities.
We have an experienced and exceptional staff comprised of ten lawyers, an outreach director, a policy director, an accountant and several support staff. The staff and our engaged and accomplished board share a deep commitment to advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. DRC-NH has an annual budget of $1.4 million which is obtained primarily from seven federal grants made directly to us and also from individual contributions, and several grants from foundations including the NH Bar Foundation.
DRC-NH is located in New Hampshire’s capital city. Concord has a vibrant downtown and is ideally located an hour away from Boston, the seacoast and the mountains.
High Priority Roles of the Executive Director
- To serve as the primary public face of DRC-NH with the disability community, the media, public officials, and the community at large and to represent the organization in its various local, state, and federal networks.
- To effectively manage the valuable work of the DRC-NH by supporting and sustaining our advocacy staff and effectively overseeing our finances and organization.
- To lead efforts to secure our current revenue sources and explore and pursue diverse, additional revenue sources including grants and an array of other sources.
- To lead the organization in setting priorities and in planning and pursuing creative strategies for addressing future challenges to our constituency and our organization.
- To collaborate with an array of partners including private law firms in efforts to advance disability rights and opportunities.
- To support an engaged Board of Directors in carrying out its responsibilities to the organization.
Qualifications of the Executive Director
- A lawyer, or non-lawyer with an advanced degree in an area relevant to DRC’s mission who has worked with lawyers in a justice-oriented organization.
- Demonstrated commitment to DRC’s mission, our multi-faceted advocacy approach and our egalitarian and team oriented workplace.
- Demonstrated commitment to civil rights generally and specific experience working with persons with disabilities in ways that demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, autonomy, equal access and full participation in community life.
- Strong interpersonal skills that demonstrate trust, respect, collegiality, inclusivity, flexibility, capacity to motivate, and skill in communicating with a range of audiences and stakeholders.
- Management experience with staff supervision, budget development, financial oversight, grant and contract compliance, and strategic and priority planning.
- Experience with and commitment to shaping and expanding organizational fund-raising capacities.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with other community organizations and people.
- Experience working effectively with boards of directors and with community organizations and people.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, please submit your application by September 19, 2016.
Applications must include: (a) a letter expressing your interest in the position, your qualifications, and how you might contribute to the future of DRC-NH; (b) a current resume including the names and contact information of three references.
Materials should be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format and emailed to: Lynne Clay at
DRC-NH expects to make a hiring decision in November 2016 and to have the successful candidate join the organization by January 2017. Salary is commensurate with experience and the organization provides excellent benefits.
DRC-NH is a fair employment practices/equal opportunity/disability accessible employer committed to maintaining a diverse workplace. Qualified candidates from diverse personal, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
If you have questions about the position or process, please contact the consultants who are assisting in the search: Patricia Pap, Executive Director of Management Information Exchange (MIE) at 617-556- 0288 or by email at ppap@mielegalaid.org or Nachama Wilker, Deputy Executive Director for Training and Technical Assistance, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) 202-567- 3506 or by email at nachama.wilker@ndrn.org .