DD Council Executive Director

Schedule: Full-time

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.

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