Opportunities

Freedom’s mission : Provide services that increase independence for people with disabilities.

Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc. is seeking an experienced and
dynamic individual to fill the full-time Executive Director position and lead a small non
profit organization in Fargo, ND.

The Executive Director is the key management leader of Freedom Resource Center for
Independent Living, Inc. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the
administration, strategic program planning of the organization and the provision of
high-quality Independent Living Centers. Other key duties include fundraising, grant
writing, marketing, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board
of Directors.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Board Governance: Works with the Board in order to fulfill the organization mission.

• Responsible for leading Freedom in a manner that supports and guides the
  organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a
  timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function
  properly and to make informed decisions.
• Attend all Committee and Board meetings and advise the Board of trends and
  updates in the independent living movement that would affect the operation of
  Freedom.

2) Financial Performance and Viability: Develops resources to ensure the financial
health of the organization.

• Responsible for fundraising, grant writing and developing other revenues
  necessary to support Freedom’s mission.
• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of Freedom, to include submission to the
  Board a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which
  accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
• Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the
  approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the
  organization in a positive financial position.
• Present yearly budget and monthly financial reports to the Board; submit all
  required reports to appropriate entities; and inform the Board of any relevant
  legal or financial issues.

3) Organization Mission and Strategy: Works with the Board and staff to ensure that
the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community outreach.

• Responsible for implementation of Freedom’s programs that carry out the
  organization’s mission.
• Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that Freedom can successfully fulfill
  its mission into the future.
• Responsible for the enhancement of Freedom’s image by being active and
  visible in the communities within the areas served; promote collaboration and
  cooperation with other state and national disability organizations; ensure the
  consistent promotion of Freedom and its services and by working closely with
  other professional, civic and private organizations.

4) Organization Operations: Oversees and implements appropriate resources to
ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate.

• Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.
• Responsible for the effective administration of Freedom’s operations.
• Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and
  entered into and on behalf of the organization.
• Secure adequate equipment for facilities and ensure appropriate insurance
  coverage.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of current disability related legislation and
  issues.

Actual Job Responsibilities

1. Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement
   in policy decisions, fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of the
   organization.
2. Supervise and collaborate with organization staff.
3. Advocate for the independent living philosophy.
4. Strategic planning and implementation.
5. Plan and operation of annual budget.
6. Serve as Freedom’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the
   media and the general public.
7. Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations and utilize those
   relationships to strategically enhance Freedom’s mission.
8. Engage in fundraising, grant writing and developing other revenues.
9. Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.
10. Oversee organization Board and committee meetings.
11. Establish employment and administrative policies and procedures for all
    functions and for the day-to-day operation of the nonprofit.
12. Review and approve contracts for services.
13. Participate in other state and national organizations.
14. Ability to travel to meetings and to travel to the communities being served.
15. Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Professional Qualifications Needed

• Related Bachelor’s degree or 5 or more years working in independent living.
• Five (5)+ years working directly in a related non-profit field.
• A deep understanding of independent living philosophy.
• Transparent and high integrity leadership.
• Experience and skill in working with a Board of Directors.
• High level innovative and strategic thinking and planning. Ability to envision and
  convey the organization’s strategic future to the staff, Board, volunteers and
  donors.
• Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission to donors,
  volunteers and the overall community.
• Proven ability to oversee and collaborate with staff.
• A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving
  financial results.
• Active fundraising experience. Excellent donor relations skills and understanding
  of the funding community.
• Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations
  of influence including funders, partner agencies and volunteers.
• Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program
  development and task facilitation.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis,
  decision making and reporting.
• Previous experience with writing grants.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong public speaking ability.
• Strong work ethic with a high degree of energy.

Freedom Resource Center is a disability rights organization that serves people with any
disability at any age. Fifty-one percent(51%) of the Board of Directors, staff and
decision-making/management staff are people with significant disabilities.

Salary and benefits commensurate with the candidate’s experience. Qualified
individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Employment is contingent on
passing a criminal background check.

Interested applicants must email micheler@freedomrc.org with subject “Resume for
Executive Director” and include:

1. Cover letter addressed to search committee
2. Resume
3. Three (3) professional references
4. Proposed salary

For priority consideration applications must be received by June 8, 2020. Position will
remain open until filled.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

2701 9th Ave. S, Ste. H Fargo, ND 58103
Phone:  701-478-0459 – 1-800-450-0459 – Fax: 701-478-0510