OPEN POSITION: Executive Director, Independent Living Center (Homer, AK)

Closing / removal date: open until filled (Deadline to be included in first review round: June 13, 2025)

Mission: Promote equality, inclusivity, and independence by empowering all people with disabilities through advocacy, services, programs, and community connection

  • FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
  • Reports to: ILC Board of Directors
  • Job Location: ILC’s Service Area (Alaska’s Gulf Coast Region: Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak, Cooper River Basin, and the Chugach Census Areas)
  • Salary Range: $90,000 – $115,000
  • Benefits: Health Insurance Reimbursement, 3 weeks of Paid Leave the first year (increases with time spent at agency), 10 paid Holidays, 401(k) after one year of employment, 401(k) employer match contribution up to 5% of annual salary after one year of employment.

Organization Overview

ILC is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), disability-led advocacy organization dedicated to empowering independence for people with disabilities in Alaska’s Gulf Coast Region. As a cross-disability, consumer-driven, community-based, and non-residential organization, ILC has been advancing the rights of people with disabilities since 1991.

Summary of Position

The Independent Living Center is looking for an Executive Director. The Executive Director will be responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, and operations of ILC. The Executive Director ensures ILC fulfills its mission to empower people with disabilities to live independently. The position will involve initially working with the Board of Directors to recruit and hire other leadership positions within the organization to ensure a balanced workload throughout the agency. This role requires strong leadership in strategic planning, financial management, program oversight, advocacy, and community engagement.

Essential Duties

Organizational Leadership & Governance

  • Develop and execute the organization’s strategic vision, ensuring alignment with its mission and values.
  • Provide regular updates, policy recommendations, and strategic guidance to the Board of Directors.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and grant and contract requirements.
  • Serve as a key spokesperson for the organization, advocating for disability rights and independent living principles.

Program Development & Service Delivery

  • Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs to ensure they effectively meet the needs of people with disabilities.
  • Ensure services align with independent living principles and comply with funding requirements.
  • Lead community outreach, education, and advocacy initiatives to promote disability inclusion.

Financial & Resource Management

  • Develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring financial stability and sustainability.
  • Oversee grant writing, fundraising, and donor relations to secure diverse funding sources.
  • Implement financial controls, audits, and reporting mechanisms to maintain accountability and transparency.

Staff & Operational Management

  • Recruit, hire, supervise, and support staff, fostering an inclusive and positive work culture.
  • Promote professional development, teamwork, and collaboration among employees.
  • Oversee human resources functions, including policies, compliance, and conflict resolution.
  • Ensure operational policies and procedures enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serve as the primary representative of ILC, building and maintaining relationships with community partners, funders, and policymakers.
  • Participate in local, state, and national disability networks and coalitions.
  • Strengthen collaborations with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to expand opportunities for people with disabilities.

Compliance & Reporting

  • Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including the Rehabilitation Act, the State Plan for Independent Living, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Oversee grant and contract management, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
  • Maintain high standards of transparency and accountability in all organizational operations.

Required Qualifications

  • Deep understanding of disability rights and the independent living philosophy.
  • Commitment to consumer control in service delivery and program development.
  • Experience working with staff and consumers on a cross-disability basis.
  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in health and human services, business administration, or a related field.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
  • Expertise with personal computers

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in leadership within the Independent Living movement.
  • Master’s degree in Business, Rehabilitation, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
  • Experience procuring private and public funding.
  • Proven experience in community relations, fundraising, legislative advocacy, and program development.
  • Strong ability to organize, mediate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts among diverse stakeholders.
  • Personal experience with a disability and/or the independent living movement.
  • Knowledge of rural Alaska lifestyle and challenges.
  • Knowledge of Native Alaskan Cultures and traditional values.

Core Competencies:

  • Ability to be flexible
  • Ability to communicate and work well with a variety of individuals
  • Ability to problem solve as situations arise
  • Ability to work well in a team setting
  • A sense of humor in a variety of situations

Work environment:

ILC offers a family-friendly work environment. All offices are casual. We encourage open and honest communication between team members. The work environment is positive and friendly.

Accommodations:

ILC is a disability-led organization committed to full inclusion. We provide reasonable accommodations to ensure individuals with disabilities can fully participate in the application process, job functions, and employment benefits.

Employer Rights & Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. The ILC Board of Directors reserves the right to assign or reassign duties as needed. Employment is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time for any reason.

ILC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin.

Notes:

This position is eligible for a flexible work schedule and will include travel around Alaska and outside of the state at times. Independent Living Center (ILC) is an at-will employer.

To Apply:

Please provide your resume, a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role, and 3 professional references to: director@peninsulailc.org with the Subject Line: ILC Executive Director Application. Applications received by Friday, June 13, 2025, will be considered in the first round of review. We will continue to review and accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.