Executive Director

About the role

Rolling Start, Inc. is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living (CIL) serving people with disabilities in San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties. Founded in 1977, it has a rich history of advocating for disability access and inclusion, and today serves approximately 1,500 consumers annually.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership to advance Rolling Start’s mission and Independent Living philosophy.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement organizational goals and long-term strategy.
• Oversee all Rolling Start programs and ensure high-quality, consumer-driven service delivery across the service region.
• Lead, supervise, and support staff while fostering a positive, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture.
• Serve as Rolling Start’s chief spokesperson and a visible leader in the disability rights and independent living community.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, funders, and key stakeholders.
• Lead systems advocacy efforts and represent Rolling Start in public policy and community forums.
• Ensure strong fiscal management, operational effectiveness, and organizational compliance.
• Support fundraising, grant development, and donor engagement to strengthen financial sustainability.
• Promote Rolling Start’s public presence through effective communication, outreach, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Nonprofit management experience of 5-7 years is necessary, preferably in a disability rights or independent living setting.
• Knowledge of the civil rights movement for people with disabilities, including current trends and issues, and federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability.
• Systemic advocacy experience is preferred.
• Experience working with non-profit volunteer board.
• Documented experience in employee supervision including a successful track record of recruiting and retaining a diverse team.
• Strong budgeting, financial oversight, and operational management skills.
• Lived experience with disability and deep connection to the disability community is strongly valued.
• Demonstrated fundraising and/or grant development experience.
• Excellent coalition-building skills.
• Excellent organizational development skills.
• Superior communication skills, including written communication.
• Exceptional presentation skills.
• Strong analytic skills.
• Ability to influence others and educate policy makers.
• Ability to travel within the state and nationally.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the position is $90,000 – $100,000 annually. In addition to generous paid time off, Rolling Start provides an excellent benefits package.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, serious candidates should submit applications on or before March 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications should contain a resume and thoughtful cover letter that must describe how your skills and experience meet the qualifications and personal characteristics stated above and in the job description. Email application and any request for accommodations to Christine Griffin, cgriffin@benderconsult.com with Rolling Start Executive Director Search in the subject line. Please include how you heard about the search.

About the search

Rolling Start, Inc. has retained the executive search firm and certified woman with a disability-owned business enterprise, Bender Consulting Services, Inc. to conduct this search, www.benderconsult.com.

EEO Statement

Rolling Start, Inc. is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. Rolling Start encourages applications from people with disabilities and individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and lived experience backgrounds. Rolling Start does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Rolling Start is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities.