Position Description

EDsearch@wcblind.org

 POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title: Executive Director
Location: Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, 754 Williamson St. Madison, WI  53703
Hours: This is a full-time, professional position.  As such, the Director should expect to average at least 40 hours of work per week, although there will be some variation—both plus and minus—from week to week.  Attendance at quarterly weekend Council meetings is required; additional weekend or evening hours may be expected. The Director is not eligible for overtime pay or formal compensatory time.

The Council’s office hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. The Director should be regularly available to staff and Council members during these times.

Accountability: The Director is an employee of the Council, and is expected to abide by all organizational standards, policies, and procedures that would apply to other Council employees, unless an exception is specifically cited in the Director’s employment contract.

The Director is supervised by the Council’s Personnel Committee, and must seek authorization from that committee’s chair (i.e. the Council President) for any employee activities that would normally require supervisory approval.

Benefits: The Wisconsin Council of the Blind is an equal opportunity employer and willingly provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified employees who have a disability. Other benefits available to the Director include:

  • Group health insurance plan, including dental insurance
  • Long term disability insurance
  • Directors and Officers Liability insurance
  • Council sponsored retirement savings plan
  • Individual 403(b) savings for employee contribution
  • Paid vacation
  • Paid sick leave
  • 9.5 paid national holidays per year  
  • Reserved parking

DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Council members, as delegated to the Council’s Personnel Committee, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the Council’s offices, programs, and staff. The Director ensures that day-to-day activities support both the long-range plan and the Council’s mission, while assuring that processes are streamlined and programs are coordinated with each other.  The Council’s Personnel Committee annually reviews the Director’s performance in the following categories.

A.        Administration

  1. Oversee regular maintenance and upkeep of building, grounds, and vehicles
  2. Lead development and implementation of internal policies and procedures
  3. Ensure all staff is appropriately trained and has the necessary equipment to perform effectively in their positions
  4. Oversee development, implementation, and maintenance of an accurate and up-to-date inventory of organizational equipment
  5. Ensure appropriate physical and virtual security measures are implemented to protect organizational assets
  6. Ensure smooth processes are in place to handle day-to-day operations, such as mail distribution, reception, phones, and calendar scheduling

B.        Financial Management

  1. Prepare an annual budget proposal and present it to the Board and Council
  2. Review financial reports monthly and provide Board and Finance Committee information on any unusual variances 
  3. Prepare reports for the Council and other organizations as requested
  4. Coordinate program activities and expenses to maintain positive cash flow
  5. Monitor and/or develop and implement internal controls to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations

C.        Human Resources Management

  1. Recruit and hire qualified staff to carry out specific program activities
  2. Ensure new hires are fully oriented to the organization and their roles within one month of starting work
  3. Manage, lead, and motivate employees to maximize productivity and teamwork
  4. Monitor and balance workload as necessary to maintain efficiency and morale
  5. Discipline and/or terminate staff for cause, as necessary
  6. Identify staff strengths by individual and group; implement mechanisms to develop these strengths for the mutual benefit of the organization and staff
  7. Ensure appropriate policies are developed and implemented to administer fringe benefits
  8. Conduct annual performance evaluations of all Council employees
  9. Advocate for the best interests of employees before the Council in matters that affect staff

D.         Program Management

  1. Prepare for and attend all Board and Council meetings; present reports on Council programs and operations
  2. Coordinate and collectively manage the Council’s programs and services for optimal use of resources
  3. Lead development of and periodic updates to strategic vision plan
  4. Carry out mandates and directives of the Council, as scheduled
  5. Ensure effective organizational communication among and between staff, the Council members and the Director
  6. Identify problems, set goals, and regularly measure individual program performance
  7. Ensure customer needs are met promptly and consistently
  8. Provide information and referral services as necessary
  9. Work with the Council’s Board and other committees as necessary to implement and maintain programs and services

E.         Community and State Relations

  1. Represent the Council to organizations and individuals in the community and build positive relationships/partnerships
  2. Represent the Council at all levels of government, working closely with Council’s legislative director and participate in legislative activities as necessary
  3. Advocate for blind and visually impaired persons and groups in the State of Wisconsin
  4. Develop mechanisms to effectively educate customers, the community, organizations, and government representatives about the Council, its mission, goals, and programs/services
  5. Develop and maintain a network of contacts in other service delivery and consumer organizations
  6. Supervise and coordinate the Council’s fund development, community relations, and marketing efforts

F.         Professional Development

  1. Develop and maintain a thorough and up-to-date understanding of issues of importance to the blind and visually impaired
  2. Develop and maintain a working knowledge of adaptive devices and services available to the blind and visually impaired
  3. Actively and regularly participate in professional educational and developmental activities
  4. Attend and actively participate in local, state, and national conferences and trade shows/exhibitions

To apply send resume to EDSearch@wcblind.org.  No Phone Calls Please!