Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Executive Director

About the role

The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Commission seeks a dynamic leader to oversee all agency program activities, develop and lead strategic initiatives, and manage personnel. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field, at least five years of senior leadership experience, and strong understanding of Deaf culture and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all agency program activities and approve any program changes.
• Recommend areas of need for change related to programming and work with staff to maintain high-quality services.
• Direct the collection of data required to evaluate programs and report on activities as mandated by the Commission or by law.
• Develop and direct organizational strategy.
• Draft organization policies and philosophies, as necessary.
• Carry out the policies of the Commission and other entities that interact with the agency in a regulatory or fiscal relationship.
• Represent the Commission at meetings, conferences, civic functions, and other related activities.
• Respond to third-party inquiries on behalf of the Commission.
• Organize and present testimony at the Nebraska legislature on issues related to the agency and interact with legislators and state and federal government officials on behalf of the agency.
• Manage and supervise all agency personnel, including coordination of goals, objectives, and performance standards; regular evaluation of job performance; and supervisory activities as deemed necessary.
• Develop the agency's budget on a biennial basis. Work with the state budget division and the legislature to assure adequate agency funding. Pursue funding to secure the needs of the agency as determined by the Commission.
• Secure Commission approval for the final budget document annually and for any major revisions in the budget during a funding year.
• Review requests for information/presentations and assign as appropriate.
• Occasional visits to the other three offices in western Nebraska.
• Other duties assigned by the Commission Board.
• Cook up and prepare for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission meetings held four times a year.
• Cook up and prepare communication, including a periodic newsletter, Commission publications, and others as requested.
• Maintain open and constructive communication with all stakeholders.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution, ideally in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, or a related area. OR at least five (5) years of senior leadership experience, preferably within a government agency or community organization AND 1-3 years of experience in developing and leading strategic initiatives and managing personnel.
• Preferred Qualifications: Strong understanding of Deaf culture, communication modalities, and the needs of Hard of Hearing individuals, along with relevant legislation. Advanced degree preferred.
• Key Qualifications: Advocacy Experience, Legislative Expertise, Healthcare Access, Community Engagement, Cultural Competence, Educational Experience, Late Deafened Individuals, Senior Citizens, Rural Community Awareness, Innovation and Problem-Solving, Professional Growth.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and Expertise: Strong understanding of Deaf culture, communication modalities, and the needs of Hard of Hearing individuals, along with relevant legislation.
• Skills: Excellent communication, interpersonal, collaboration and advocacy skills.
• Financial Management: Experience in budget development and management, and grant writing and securing funding.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Pay

The salary range for this position is: $80,000-90,000, commensurate with experience and education.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.