Role of the Executive Director

I. ADMINISTRATION

A. Have a clear sense of the agency goals, mission, and philosophy, in order to guide the board in planning.

B. Have a sound sense of financial management and planning.

C. Set a positive tone for the agency in personnel and daily operating procedures. Assess staff needs and facilitate staff development.

D. Implement board policies and planning by formulating sound operating procedures to achieve the annual goals.

II. ADVOCACY

A. Establish a good working relationship with representatives of media that will promote ongoing coverage of disability issues.

B. Become recognized in the community as a resource for disability-related information and compliance with accessibility codes.

C. Establish a good working relationship with public and private agencies/businesses that promotes positive attitudinal and architectural and programmatic changes.

D. Provide a forum for consumer organizations with related interests in order to assist them in advocating for their needs.

E. Conduct community networking in order to identify and develop potential resources for Southwest Center for Independent Living and consumers.

F. Assume a leadership role in community planning by identifying gaps and duplications in consumer services for the best possible utilization of resources.

G. Be a spokesperson for people with disabilities when a highly visible advocate is needed.

III. EDUCATION

A. Provide education on disability and disability issues to the community through such vehicles as the Southwest Center for Independent Living newsletter, presentations to community groups, and in-service training to other providers of service to persons with disabilities.

B. Be involved in state and national advocacy groups, educating legislators about disability issues.

C. Provide education to media representatives to help ensure the use of positive disability terminology and portrayal. Promote coverage of disability issues by media.