Position: Executive Director, CRIL; Hayward, CA)

CRIL History and Independent Living Philosophy

Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) was organized in 1979. CRIL’s main office is located in Hayward with branch offices in Fremont and Livermore. CRIL is a part of a statewide and national network of 28 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) in California and over 400 in the US. In 1972, the first ILC was formed in Berkeley, CA by Ed Roberts, who became the first student with a significant disability to enroll, along with other college students at UC Berkeley.

This sparked the independent living (IL) revolution that changed national law. Independent Living (IL) is a philosophy grounded in the principle that people with disabilities are the experts on their own lives. It champions the right of people with disabilities to make personal decisions, direct their own services, participate fully in community life, and empowers people to live as independently as they choose.

This is an opportunity to provide executive leadership to a disability-led organization advancing disability rights, systemic change, and equity for people living with disabilities and seniors throughout southern and eastern Alameda County. CRIL’s main office is in Hayward with additional sites in Fremont and Livermore. CRIL currently has an Operating Budget of $2.2 ML, 20 employees and 7 board members. CRIL thrives on a peer-based model where the staff and board reflect and understand the communities they serve.

As Executive Director, you will provide overall leadership and direction for CRIL and will be responsible for advancing the organization’s mission and strategy. Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will oversee the day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and staff management for CRIL. This includes managing 6 direct reports. This role ensures the agency fulfills its mission of supporting people with disabilities through advocacy, services, and community partnerships.

• Develop and champion the organizational advocacy agenda; ensure all systems-change efforts align with CRIL’s mission and strategic priorities to advance disability rights public policy at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Educate policymakers on emerging issues and independent living (IL) priorities of people with disabilities.
• Support and resource the System Change Advocate and Community Organizer in building relationships with civic leaders, public agencies, and community organizations to advance systems change.
• Empower consumers and community advocates in their self-advocacy and collective efforts.
• Lead advocacy for disability rights at executive-level forums, including active participation alongside the Systems Change Advocate and Community Organizer in Alameda County’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). CRIL serves as the fiscal agent for the Alameda County ADRC.

• Represent CRIL in the community; build and maintain partnerships with disability advocacy coalitions, other agencies, and local government entities.
• Strengthen CRIL’s relationships with consumers and disability advocates throughout its service area.
• Communicate CRIL’s mission, programs, advocacy priorities, and community impact to a wide range of audiences.
• Lead fund development and strategic planning with the Board of Directors & appropriate staff.
• Oversee grants, donor engagement, financial reporting, and funder relationships.
• Work with the Board to develop and implement a 3-year Strategic Plan and an annual fund development plan, including government grants and contracts, foundation support, individual giving, and other sources of revenue.

• Monitor program delivery and align services with community needs and CRIL’s mission.
• Oversee…