Executive Director

Executive Director

The Arc Connecticut, Canton Center, Connecticut (remote)

The Arc Connecticut is an advocacy organization committed to protecting the rights of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and promoting opportunities for their full inclusion in their communities. The organization is the statewide chapter affiliated with The Arc of the United States, the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit federation advocating for and supporting people with I/DD and their families since 1950.

The Arc Connecticut is an independent 501(c)(3) corporation established in Connecticut over 60 years ago. As the state chapter, The Arc convenes and supports 13 other Arc chapters (independent corporations) with total combined revenue of over $111 million, more than 170 board members, over 4,000 staff, and over 1,800 volunteers.

The work today is illustrated by The Arc Connecticut Family Network (formerly Families for Families), created in 2012 to give families a united voice — within the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), at the Capitol, and across their local communities. The network brings families together to share information, collaborate on local and statewide issues, and connect directly with lawmakers and Connecticut's federal delegation under the leadership of the Director of Advocacy.

As a key service of The Arc, public policy advocacy includes the creation of an annual legislative agenda of priorities. This advocacy work is implemented through:

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

The Arc Connecticut is governed by a volunteer board of 16, led by two staff members (including the Executive Director), and supported by annual revenue of $450,000 generated by chapter dues and fundraising. In addition, efforts are amplified through contracts with marketing/public relations consultants and a governmental affairs consultant. The Executive Director position is based within the state of Connecticut, and duties are performed remotely.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of The Arc Connecticut and is responsible for leading the statewide advocacy and policy efforts for individuals with I/DD. This role involves overseeing operations, supporting local chapters, implementing strategic plans, and fostering relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and policymakers to advance the rights, policies, and opportunities for people with I/DD in Connecticut.

The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and will engage in other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate for this position possesses (in addition to the required qualifications):

• 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.

Leadership and Advocacy:

• 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 policy making forums to advance the organization's policy agenda.

Policy Development and Implementation:

• 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.

Support for Local Chapters:

• 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.

Strategic Planning and Implementation:

• 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…