Executive Director
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
ABSTRACT
Location: Alexandria, VA
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) seeks a dynamic and accomplished Executive Director (ED) to lead a respected and effective membership organization whose mission is to promote excellence in the delivery of interpreting services among diverse users of signed and spoken languages through professional development, networking, advocacy, and standards. The next Executive Director of RID will collaborate with the board, and members and lead staff to capitalize on the organization’s evolution over the last 50 years and position it for greater impact in the years ahead.
Organization
In 2014, RID celebrated its 50th anniversary. Currently, RID is a $2 million dollar membership-based organization with 14,600 members, supported by 17 staff and led by a member-elected board of directors. The board consists of the executive board (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Member at Large, and Deaf Member at Large) and the Regional Representatives (five regions covering the United States). RID provides a variety of programs, services, and products to build the skills of interpreters and advance the professionalization of the field. Additionally, the organization is committed to including the voting membership in leadership and decision-making through involvement in the board of directors and the 11 committees, six task forces, and three councils.
Opportunity
The Executive Director will collaboratively support the board of directors, members and staff in defining the RID of the future. With the impending leadership shift and its presence in a field that is experiencing tremendous change, RID is at an important moment in its organizational history. RID now seeks a skilled, strategic leader who will build on the organization’s strengths and tackle the organization’s challenges to make it a stronger, more effective organization better able to meet the needs of its diverse members. Change is already underway in the organization. RID seeks a leader to join in advancing these change efforts. Responsibilities and opportunities for RID’s new Executive Director will include:
- Strategic, collaborative leadership with the board of directors
- Building and maintaining strong relationships and communications
- Examining RID services to streamline delivery and ensure effectiveness
- Exploring RID’s role in advocacy and social justice for the Deaf community
- Developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising plan
- Improving financial transparency
- Cultivating diversity and inclusion within the organization
Profile
RID offers prospective candidates the opportunity to lead a national, high profile interpreter organization. RID’s next Executive Director will be a mission-driven, effective communicator and proven leader who is able to inspire and work productively with the staff, board, and multiple stakeholders. In addition to the strategic, financial and operational acumen required of every nonprofit senior leader, this position requires the Executive Director to have cultural and linguistic competence and understanding of the needs of the Deaf and interpreting communities as well as the ability to be the primary fundraiser, and key relationship builder. The ideal candidate will possess and demonstrate this particular set of knowledge, skills, attributes and experience:
- Effective Leadership and Management
- Cultural and Linguistic Competence
- Strategic Thinking and Planning
- Experienced Fundraising and Financial Management
- Collaborative Leadership with board, members, and external partners
Additional desired skills, experience and characteristics:
- Passionate commitment to mission
- Ability to effectively support the leadership of the member-elected board
- Ability to manage competing demands while leading in a way which embodies respect, support, and collaboration
- Proven experience in managing an organization budget
- Demonstrated success in leading or facilitating groups
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Advanced degree or equivalent in non-profit management or organizational leadership preferred
This executive search is being conducted by Third Sector New England’s Executive Transitions Program with Transition Consultant Heather Harker. The full position profile, including contact information for interested candidates, may be found at: http://tsne.org/executive-director-registry-interpreters-deaf
RID is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates.