Senior Executive Officer, Program Innovation & National Disability Programs

Position Summary:

The Senior Executive Officer (SEO), Program Innovation will help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families by capitalizing on the collective knowledge and creativity of The Arc’s chapter network to envision, pilot and implement new and improved program, services and supports, and to create new opportunities, that they need and want. The SEO serves as a key leader of the organization, mentoring senior leaders and staff, advising the CEO and serving on the Management Team, and representing The Arc to our constituents and external stakeholders. The SEO will manage a team of Directors and Senior Directors who build and deliver high-quality programs for people with IDD and their families.

 

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience advocating for and working to improve the lives of those with IDD and their families, with excellent relationship management, decision making and leadership skills.  The candidate will have a breadth of knowledge about the needs, issues and concerns of both children and adults with IDD and their families, as well as the programs, organizations and systems that support them. They will be a flexible and enthusiastic team player with exceptional interpersonal and communications skills.

 

The SEO will work closely with other professional staff of The Arc’s national headquarters, as well as with board members, executives, and staff from The Arc’s nationwide network of chapters, and corporate, foundation and government funders.  The SEO will develop and implement unique strategies that support our vision for people with IDD to be valued members of their community, with an opportunity to achieve their full potential and a future that is secure.  This is a newly created position that reports directly to the CEO of The Arc. Preference for candidates based in the Washington, DC metro region.

 

Job Responsibilities:

The main responsibilities of the SEO Program Innovation fall into three equally important categories: Leadership and Management, Programs and Services, and Innovation and Partnerships.

 

Leadership and Management

• Work closely with management team in short- and long-term strategic and operational planning to help implement the organization’s strategic plan, the Strategic Framework for the Future of The Arc, with a particular focus on “Strategy 5 – Innovate,” and the Access, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Action Plan
• Serve as the senior leader responsible for facilitating the development of strategies and tactics, and supporting and participating in the implementation of the functions of all national program initiatives
• Oversee and facilitate the development of annual budgets and workplans, including revenue and expense projections and evaluation metrics for national program initiatives
• Participate in the planning and execution of Board and leadership events, All-Staff meetings and communications, and various internal work groups and task forces
• Mentor and actively manage a team of programmatic professionals, including performance management, retention and hiring
• Represent The Arc externally, presenting with commitment and passion our mission, vision, goals and strategies, core values and guiding principles, to the IDD community, our constituents, stakeholders and other audiences

 

Programs and Services

• Guide and expand The Arc’s portfolio of innovative, national programs initiatives to exceed the expectations of key stakeholders and funders. This includes developing programs that educate employers, engage the business community, inform and empower individuals and families, and ultimately secure the services and supports that people with IDD and their families need to be included in their communities throughout their lifetimes
• Develop and execute a multi-faceted plan to bring to life “Strategy 5 - Innovate” of the Strategic Framework  in all of The Arc’s current and potential future national program initiatives. This includes The Arc’s Center for Future Planning (CFP), The Arc@School, The Arc@Work, The Arc’s National Center for Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD), Health Programs, Inclusive Volunteerism, Tech Programs, and more
• Seek out and drive replication of successful, evidence-based programs
• Find, create and seed new ideas and promising practices
• In partnership with the Development Team and program team leaders, work to secure funding to sustain and increase program operations and deliverables

• Serve as Team Leader for The Arc’s Center for Future Planning (CFP), including managing resources on the website, overseeing the Information and Referral process, serving as in-house point of contact on pooled trusts and more
• Advise Team Leads on best practices for expanding and sustaining current programming

• Promote and facilitate collaboration between advocacy teams and national program teams, ensuring consistency with The Arc’s core values, guiding principles, position statements and public policy agenda

 

Community Partnerships and Fundraising

• Identify and build relationships with marginalized communities while helping the national office to become more diverse, accessible, equitable and inclusive
• Engage and sustain productive working relationships with external partners, including state and local chapters of The Arc, clients and customers, academic centers, researchers, the business community and relevant professionals
• Participate in resource development, including identifying, cultivating, developing and sustaining relationships with corporate, foundation and government funders
• Promote awareness of The Arc’s programs and resources, directly and in collaboration with both national and local community partner organizations through their networks, websites and social media
• Share knowledge widely, including convening practitioners and partners, creating new networks and demonstrations

 

Qualifications:

• Experience, knowledge and contacts with those interested and vested in improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred

• At least 15 years of professional experience, including five years managing and two plus years as a senior leader within an organization
• Knowledge of individual and family supports for IDD
• Creativity, and entrepreneurship
• A strategic and adaptable leader with strong relationship management and customer service skills.
• Strong writing skills a must
• Exceptional initiative, vision, and ambition to lead a key function of the organization.

• Effectively manage multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines
• Ability to prepare and actively manage budgets
• Strong grant and fundraising experience
• Strong organizational skills, highly driven and results oriented

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with various constituencies, including board members, chapter and national staff members and external stakeholders
• Proven success leading, motivating and mentoring a team

• Flexible and adapts well to change

• Collaborative, authentic leadership style, with the personality, stature, flexibility and diplomacy required to work effectively with senior staff and volunteers
• Must demonstrate a commitment to and a passion for the work of The Arc

 

Benefits, Compensation, and Work Environment:

This is an at-will, full time employment position. Competitive salary based on education and experience. Comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, 403(b) employer contribution, accrued vacation and sick leave, and more. Flexible work environment that includes hybrid options for working in the office and working from home. Majority of work is completed on a computer and in meetings (in-person and virtual).

 

How to Apply:

Applications are accepted online only. To apply to this position, visit https://thearc.recruiterbox.com/.

The Arc is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. We value a diverse workforce and strive to be a fully inclusive and equitable workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, record of arrest or conviction, or other legally protected characteristics. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex people, people of marginalized genders; people with disabilities; protected veterans; and formerly incarcerated individuals are all strongly encouraged to apply.

 

When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete for a job, they may request it orally or in writing (please visit the contact us page on the web; www.thearc.org).

 

About The Arc:

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization working with and for people with IDD and their families. The Arc supports people with IDD of all ages and varying support needs, including individuals with autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and various other developmental disabilities.

 

Many of The Arc’s state and local chapters are engaged in both public policy advocacy and individual advocacy to assist people with IDD to get the services and supports they need. Other chapters provide a wide array of services and supports for people with IDD and their families. This varies by chapter and includes but is not limited to: education, employment, residential services, day programs, personal care, peer support, self-advocacy training, person-centered and future planning, recreational activities, and other supports that meet the unique needs of people with IDD in each community.

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Last updated on Aug 27, 2022