Executive Director

Executive Director

The Arc Connecticut

Canton Center, Connecticut (remote)

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with The Arc Connecticut to recruit the organization's Executive Director.

Organizational Background

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 Arc Connecticut has grown and adapted to the changes that people with disabilities face across their life span. Through the decades, The Arc has seen several name changes, advocated for the passage of state legislation on behalf of people with disabilities, assisted in the creation of and advocated for the private provider system of support, filed 4 class action lawsuits, advocated for the closure of institutions, and continued to advocate for individuals with I/DD and their families.

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.

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

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 policymaking 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 advocacy and policy efforts and adjust strategies as needed. 

Operational Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including staff management, program delivery, and resource allocation.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures to ensure organizational efficiency and compliance.
• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

Financial Stewardship:

• Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Board of Directors and finance team.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency through effective financial management and reporting.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, donations, and sponsorships.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with individuals, families, service providers, local chapters, and advocacy groups.
• Organize public awareness campaigns, events, and educational initiatives to support the organization’s mission and policy goals.
• Represent the organization in community meetings, conferences, and media engagements. 

Board Relations:

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set priorities, policies, and governance structures.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Board on organizational performance, advocacy progress, and policy developments.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary and strategic responsibilities.

Qualifications

Required 

• Five or more years of increasingly responsible leadership experience within the social/human services sector with sound knowledge of nonprofit administration principles and management concepts, including budgeting, board management, resource allocation, auditing, asset management, marketing/public relations and program management.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services or organizational management field (Public Administration; Business Administration; Human Services; Social Work; Public Law, etc.) OR equivalent experience. 
• Fundraising experience, including individual donor cultivation, grant proposal writing, corporate sponsorship cultivation, and special events management.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. 
• Resident of Connecticut.

Preferred

• Knowledge (personal or professional) of the function, philosophy, and advocacy of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
• Considerable knowledge of and skills in advocacy - both individual and system advocacy – and community organizing.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors or other governing body structure that works with policy, operational, and fiduciary authority and responsibilities. 
• Working knowledge and experience in the utilization of technology to improve efficiency of services, fundraising, and providing innovative support to the disability community. 

Travel

• Up to 25%-time in travel, mostly in-state. 

Compensation

The annual salary for this position is expected to be in the $100,000 range, commensurate with the background and experience of the selected candidate. The Arc currently provides paid leave, a stipend for individual health coverage, and contributions to an IRA. 

Statement of Non-Discrimination 

It is the policy of The Arc Connecticut to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in accordance with applicable federal laws. In addition, The Arc Connecticut complies with all applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. 

Application Process

The search for The Arc Connecticut Executive Director is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to Bruce Scott at bascott (at) morancompany.com. To apply for this position, submit resume and cover letter to Bruce Scott, The Moran Company, via the secure online portal. Within your cover letter or resume, please be sure to provide a description of your qualifications related to the Position Summary and “ideal candidate” traits.

PLEASE NOTE: All email correspondence from The Moran Company will originate from our official @morancompany.com domain or using our applicant tracking system domain @applytojob.com.