Deputy Executive Director
Deputy Executive Director
Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT), Connecticut's Protection and Advocacy System for individuals with disabilities, is hiring a Deputy Executive Director. This is a new position at DRCT.
About DRCT:
Established in 2017, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) is the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for persons with disabilities in Connecticut authorized to protect the safety and enforce the civil, legal and human rights of our Connecticut residents. We are seeking a Deputy Executive Director to work with and support the Executive Director.
Position Overview:
The Deputy Executive Director reports to and is supervised by the Executive Director.
The Deputy Executive Director will work directly with the Executive Director assisting with administration and oversight in the following areas:
- Search for new office space
- Outreach and other events, both virtual and in-person
- Website and social media strategy
- Publications and information distribution
- Fundraising and grant research
- Grant applications and submissions
- Policy development and maintenance
- Quality assurance
- Information technology
- Personnel management
- Annual program reports
- Client database
- Representative Payee program
- Other areas as needed
Essential Functions/Principal Accountabilities:
- Oversee the coordination of training and professional development for all DRCT staff in collaboration with Advocacy Team leaders and the Executive Director.
- Participate in appropriate training to enhance professional skills.
- Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and DRCT staff to develop annual goals and objectives for all programs and annual program performance reports.
- Maintain effective working relations with clients, professional groups, agencies and DRCT staff.
- Assist in development and production of DRCT publications as requested.
- Assist with the maintenance of orderly and informative DRCT client files consistent with the Rules of Professional Responsibility.
- Assist DRCT Executive Director in writing and preparing reports for Board of Directors and Advisory Council. Attend Board and Council meetings as directed by the Executive Director.
- Participate in DRCT decisions regarding staffing needs and hiring decisions.
- Participate in interviewing candidates for staff positions.
- Attend leadership meetings to participate in the development and monitoring of organizational policies and operations and ensure good intra-agency communication.
- Attend all full staff meetings.
- Provide supervisory assistance and mentorship to the Representative Payee program and its staff.
- Troubleshooting and supporting administrative staff as needed.
- Perform other duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
- Master’s or law degree from an accredited school.
- Minimum ten years of substantial public interest experience.
- Management and administration experience.
- Exceptional management skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity to community and political concerns as well as public and media relations skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and in diverse populations, which include race, nationality, gender, sexuality, disability, and other identities; and
- Ability to work effectively and cooperatively within a team framework.
Compensation and Hours:
This is a full-time, exempt position (40 hours per week). Starting salary is competitive with other small nonprofit agencies in Connecticut and will be based on number of years of relevant experience, in accordance with DRCT policies. The benefits package for this position includes employer-contributed health, dental and vision, employer-paid life and disability insurances, a retirement plan and generous paid time off.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. In order to receive full consideration, candidates are urged to submit their materials by November 5, 2021. Please include a letter expressing in detail your interest in the position; your qualifications and what you hope to contribute to the organization’s future; a current resume; the names and contact information for three professional references; and a writing sample.
Candidates experiencing disability and candidates of color are encouraged to apply.
Materials should be submitted electronically to Mary Jane Keane, Office Manager at: maryjane.keane@disrightsct.org. Submissions should be in Microsoft Word or pdf format. Please direct all questions about the position to Deborah Dorfman, J.D., Executive Director at deborah.dorfman@disrightsct.org