DD Council Executive Director (PN 20076530)

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead its statewide work promoting inclusion, advocacy, and innovation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life.   You can find more about the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council here.

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Ohio’s most respected advocacy bodies, driving the Council’s mission under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) to create lasting systems change.

As the Executive Director, you will serve as the Council’s chief executive and strategic leader, responsible for:

●        Directing Council operations, grantmaking, and strategic initiatives;

●        Promoting and protecting the rights of people with ID/DD;

●        Collaborating with state and federal agencies, local, state and federal advocacy organizations, and people with disabilities, family members, caregivers and other stakeholders;

●        Ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, including the DD Act;

●        Managing Council staff, fiscal operations, and program evaluation;

●        Representing the Council publicly and legislatively at the state and national levels.

DD Council – Core Values

Our work is grounded in the values of the DD Act and our Council’s strategic priorities:

●        Inclusion – Full participation in all aspects of community life.

●        Self-Determination – The right to direct one’s life and choices.

●        Advocacy – Promoting civil rights, equity, and opportunity.

●        Systems Change – Driving transformation that lasts.

●        Cultural and Linguistic Competence – Respect for all communities.

●        Meaningful Participation – Centering the voices of people with ID/DD and their families.

●        Capacity Building - efforts that help individuals, organizations, and communities develop the skills, knowledge, resources, and systems they need to effectively support and advocate for people with ID/DD.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

●        Lead the Council’s implementation of the State Plan in alignment with DD Act priorities.

●        Oversee the development and evaluation of grant programs that drive systems change and promote inclusive communities.

●        Monitor policy trends and develop responses that reflect the needs of people with ID/DD.

Fiscal & Operational Management

●        Direct development and oversight of the Council’s administrative and programmatic budgets.

●        Supervise Council staff and manage daily operations.

●        Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

●        Represent the Council to people with ID/DD, families, legislators, and agencies.

●        Lead public policy advocacy, testimony, and statewide collaboration.

●        Foster leadership by and with people with ID/DD and their families.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a disability-focused organization, public agency, or advocacy setting.
• Excellent communication skills with a demonstrated ability to engage people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and promote inclusive leadership.
• Experience leading systems-change initiatives and community-based advocacy.
• Experience in fiscal, grant and program oversight and personnel supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Bachelor’s degree in public administration, disability studies, law, public health, or related field (Master’s preferred).
•   Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in a disability-focused organization, public agency, or advocacy      setting.
•  Extensive knowledge of Medicaid policy, DD Act programs, I/DD service delivery, and regulatory frameworks at the county, state, and federal levels.
•   Proven experience in fiscal management, grant or program oversight, and personnel supervision.
•   Excellent communication skills, with demonstrated ability to engage people with I/DD and promote inclusive leadership.
•    Familiarity with the structure and purpose of DD Councils and knowledge of Ohio’s developmental disabilities system.
•    Experience leading systems-change initiatives and community-based advocacy.
•    Background in data-informed policy development, program evaluation, or applied research.
• Job Skills: Executive Leadership, Advocacy, Strategic Thinking, Critical Thinking, Verbal Communication

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check.  Rule 5123-2-02, “Background Investigations for Employment,” outlines disqualifying offenses that will preclude an applicant from being employed by the Department of Developmental Disabilities.

The final applicant selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis prior to the appointment to test for illegal drug use.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.