POSITION SUMMARY: The Community Leader/Executive Director (CL/ED) is responsible for the overall direction and operations of L’Arche Buffalo, a non-profit organization and newly approved L’Arche Project in Buffalo and Western New York. L’Arche Buffalo is planning to encompass programs based on collective needs of individuals, families, and communities in which they live.
This leadership position is charged with driving the creation of a network that supports inclusive care for individuals with intellectual disabilities through mutual relationships between individuals who require assistance and those who support them with an end towards mutually supportive growth. The CL/ED is accountable to the L’Arche Buffalo Board of Directors and will work cooperatively within the International Federation of L’Arche Communities regionally, nationally, and internationally.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Knowledge of, practice of, and ability to communicate values, practice, engagement in all aspects of L’Arche resulting in a lived Community Life.
- Identify and develop relationships both current and potential to work collaboratively with participants, volunteers, stakeholders and donors. Connect directly with the same for purpose of creating circles of support as they relate to participants desires, volunteer development, and stakeholder/donors’ knowledge and investment.
- Work cooperatively with care coordinator(s) in responding to individuals and families’ needs and aspirations, as they pursue their interest within the L’Arche organization, vision and opportunities. Assess individual and family needs as they’re related to L’Arche Buffalo and where immediate needs indicate, provide a warm hand off to appropriate services.
- Collect and aggregate information and data to provide program planning direction, necessary and/or desirable reports, assessments and/or evaluations.
- Reports to and interfaces with the Board of Directors and other governance mechanisms to recommend and execute required policies and directives.
- Initiate programs and services under the guidance, direction and support of the Board and pertinent committees.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement L’Arche Buffalo in Action programs directly or by collaboration with established community organizations or entities.
- Utilize digital means and platforms to facilitate and sustain communication, information, and collaboration with and among the various individuals and groups associated with bringing the L’ Arche initiative to Buffalo and WNY.
- Continually update digital media outlets: website, utilize social media to promote our mission, initiatives, and activities.
- Maintain current knowledge of funding opportunities available through New York State, as well as national, regional and local foundations. Responsible for application for funding as initiatives become available in keeping with L’Arche mission opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with L’Arche USA project/membership agreements & policies, maintain effective relationships with L’Arche USA staff through regular communications, and represent L’Arche Buffalo at regional and national L’Arche meetings.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE
- Bachelor’s degree in related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- Background and experience in serving individuals with disabilities and their families.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience in data entry, analysis, and reporting.
- Experience in recruiting and maintaining volunteers.
- Experience in operational budget development, variance review and modification.
- Willingness and ability to travel to regional and national meetings (2-4 times/year)
- Valid driver’s license
QUALITIES & QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge and experience of L’Arche
- Grant writing / reporting experience
- Openness to various definitions of faith and spirituality with a willingness to embrace the vision, values and mission of L’Arche as outlined in the 2023 Charter
- Willingness to represent L’Arche Buffalo in the wider community to share the L’Arche vision, create community partners, and promote financial stability
- Ability to navigate conflict
- Openness to learning
- Active listening and effective communication skills
SALARY & BENEFITS
- $60,000.00 to start
- Health Insurance to be negotiated
- Generous Paid Time Off
START DATE: As soon as possible
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter and resume to tr**************@gm***.com . (References may also be requested.) Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to those received by December 18, 2024.
