Director, Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council

The Delaware Developmental Disability Council (“DDC” or “Council”) is engaged in advocacy, systems change, and capacity building on behalf of Delawareans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Authorized and funded by the Federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the DDC prepares state plans, reports to federal government, and works closely with other advocacy organizations. The Council is deeply committed to effecting social change in a broad, generic sense; to the meaningful participation of self-advocates in its work; and the disparate impact on the constituencies with whom they engage. The Council is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have the capacity and ability to live meaningful everyday lives.

Click here to learn more about DDC.

This position is at the management level and reports to the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council. The Cabinet Secretary of the Designated State Agency ("Department") has oversight authority to ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies and procedures. The Department provides administrative, personnel and fiscal support services for the DDC and is the designated state agency for the Council.

The DDC is recruiting a dynamic individual to serve as its next Executive Director. The preferred candidate will possess creativity, strong leadership and initiative, and a deep visionary passion for the mission and goals of the Council. Ideal candidates will possess a broad knowledge of services and supports for individuals with disabilities, strong leadership skills to guide the strategic development and oversight of goals setting for the Council and evaluation of the effectiveness of grant programs supporting the lives of people with disabilities funded through the Council. In addition, the candidate will provide to the timely completion and submission of complex Federal reports on an annual basis, oversight and the management of funds and coordination of resources. The Director must demonstrate the capacity to administer a multi-faceted agenda as well as perform the full range of supervisory duties in accordance with State law.

Must possess significant experience working in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field as well as management experience, and be able to complete the essential functions of the job as follows:

• Utilize considerable knowledge of current best practices and highest values in supporting people with developmental disabilities to achieve full and meaningful lives of their choosing.
• Work with a large Council and support development of leadership skills and abilities of Council members.
• Apply knowledge of the primary federal and state programs that provide funding mechanisms for support to people with developmental disabilities.
• Apply knowledge of state and federal legislation and legislative processes, current public policy affecting people with developmental disabilities and capacity to educate policymakers, legislators/government officials.
• Display excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Interview, evaluate and interpret complex policy and program information and problem/data analysis
• Work effectively with organizations, agencies and individuals.
• Apply Delaware Merit System, personnel forms, and procedures in hiring and supervision of DDC staff.
• Possess skill and expertise to oversee the administration of the Council office, support Council members, staff, committee members, and work group members in carrying their responsibilities on behalf of the Council.
• Provide oversight of a complex Council budget including production of financial reports by possessing knowledge and experience in fiscal management.
• Utilize experience with contracting and procurement processes, in accordance with state and federal law.
• Apply experience with federal granting requirements and preparation of grant-related reports.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for the Director, Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council
Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities and dates (month/year) of employment/training.  Applicants must have education, training, and/or experience demonstrating competency in each of the following areas:

1. Five years of professional experience in developmental disability specific advocacy or service programs, services or initiatives that foster independence and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities.
2. Three years of administrative and fiscal management experience with one year in a leadership role.  This experience must include direct supervision of employees.
3. Strong preference for completion of at least a Bachelor’s Degree in a social service field.

A satisfactory background check conducted by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (including a fingerprint-based background check administered by the Delaware State Police) is required.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and resume are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and resume to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at www.delawarestatejobs.com.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.