Job Description
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Director of Program Innovation will primarily concentrate on initiatives related to special education and inclusive education practices. Additionally, the role requires an understanding of wider disability issues, including employment, family support, and accessibility. The Director will adopt a strategic approach to inclusive education programming while collaborating with the development team to formulate and execute a long-term plan that ensures the success, funding, and staffing of related programs.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Acts as a leader for the program team by offering strategic guidance and insights, while working alongside the Management Team to implement The Arc's Strategic Framework. This role specifically emphasizes the launch of a new inclusive education program, while ensuring the continuity of existing educational resources and initiatives.
- Works in close collaboration with the Development team to identify and cultivate a pipeline of new prospects and opportunities, fostering sustainable and meaningful partnerships that generate shared value.
- Identifies opportunities to increase program service revenue for inclusive education initiatives and collaborates with the program team to ensure a successful rollout of service offerings, embedding inclusive practices throughout all programming efforts.
- Establishes, nurtures, and sustains strong relationships with key funders, chapter representatives, and leaders within the disability community.
- Works collaboratively with teams throughout the organization to create and enhance opportunities for new and expanded partnerships with corporations and foundations in support of our program initiatives.
- Represents The Arc in the media and in leadership roles on steering committees, boards, and related entities.
- Oversees the implementation of education-focused programming and grants by supervising managers and associates, organizing team meetings, tracking expenditures, managing applications and reporting, and fostering relationships with funders.
- Manages online special education resources, including a Learning Management System (LMS) and a website that offers advocacy resources for The Arc's constituents.
- Works together with the Marketing and Communications team to develop and execute promotional plans for The Arc's education advocacy resources.
- Works with other staff at The Arc to ensure program development aligns with the strategic plan, facilitating successful program implementation while effectively managing funder expectations.
- Delivers presentations to state and local chapters, as well as other national organizations, when appropriate.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in special education or inclusive education advocacy, with a focus on program development.
- Background in disability advocacy and non-profit program management, ensuring a strong network of external partners and stakeholders.
- Desired experience includes classroom instruction,
- Proven success in advancing program initiatives that support stakeholders and individuals with IDD and their families.
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with both senior and junior staff.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Exceptional analytical, organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with foundations and grant management.
- A track record of successfully developing and implementing programs to support individuals with disabilities.
- Strong financial, budget, and program management skills.
- Capacity to work under pressure and deliver products and services on time.
Occasional travel for company events and visits to schools will be necessary to support the organization's initiatives.