Director of Advocacy and Program Development

Director of Advocacy and Program Development

Open Doors for Multicultural Families (ODMF) is a nonprofit-charitable organization dedicated to ensuring that diverse families of loved ones with developmental/intellectual disabilities and special health care needs have equal access to culturally appropriate information, resources, and services.

Vision

All culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities and their families thrive in an inclusive society of their design.

Mission

We engage and partner with culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities and their families. We use a cultural brokerage model to navigate services, provide specialized programming and advocate for systems change.

Values

Accountability, advocacy, all abilities, collaboration and partnership, cross-cultural communication, cultural reciprocity, diversity, equity, family, family-driven programs and services, family engagement, hospitality, inclusion, integrity, self-care, social justice, and teamwork.

Tagline Disability-Community-Opportunity

SUMMARY:

The Director of Advocacy and Program Development plays a crucial role in guiding the ODMF Advocacy and Programming Departments. This position requires policy and program development experience to provide strategic direction and effectively lead the team. The Director is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with our partner organizations, funders, and legislators to further our program and civic engagement goals.

LOCATION: Hybrid workplace, combining in-office and remote work, based in Kent, WA 98032: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legislative Policy Experience:

• Utilize extensive policy experience to guide the team and provide strategic direction.
• Develop and implement executive-level advocacy strategies.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to pursue legislative requests and actions.
• Direct the development of an ODMF legislative platform, calendar, and agenda.

Relationship Building:

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with legislators and other organizations.
• Represent ODMF in public engagements and assist with marketing efforts.
• Engage and outreach to culturally and linguistically diverse stakeholders.

Program Oversight:

• Guide, support, and oversee program managers; ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Hold weekly team meetings and provide regular updates to the Executive Team and funders.
• Ensure quality assurance of the Department, teamwork, collaboration, and partnership.

Fiscal Oversight:

• Oversee fiscal development and management of the Program.
• Administer fiscal management best practices and manage staff allocations, FTEs, overall spending, and support managers with spending plans.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Ensure cross-departmental and program alignment with ODMF’s strategic goals.
• Provide input on systems and policy changes that create positive change for culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities and their families.

Professional Development:

• Source and create development opportunities; guide performance evaluations.
• Encourage mentorship and collaboration within the team.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

DUTIES:

Guide/Support/Oversee Advocacy efforts and Program Manager(s):

Guide, support, and oversee Advocacy efforts, Program Managers and other management-level program consultants and contractors. Foster program-wide leadership that encompasses anti-racist, anti-ableist, inclusionary, culturally responsive, and equity-driven approaches.

Develop and Implement Executive-Level Advocacy Strategies:

Collaborate with Executive Director/ Deputy Director to pursue legislative requests and actions, and other high-stakes organizational changemaking. Support the funding, construction, and project completion of the Multicultural Village, as directed by leadership and consultants. Direct the development of an ODMF legislative platform and agenda.

Alignment and Quality Assurance:

Take initiative to guide, lead, and/or support Program Managers in creating, developing, implementing, and measuring contracts, policies, and services for alignment with ODMF vision/mission/values/tagline/and strategic goals; family-driven and equity-driven practices, quality assurance and as required by contractual/program/service obligations.

Teamwork, Collaboration and Partnership:

Take initiative to guide, lead, and/or support teamwork within Program framework, collaboration of Advocacy efforts with other ODMF Departments and Programs, and establish, develop, and sustain partnerships with stakeholders that can support Programs and ODMF organizational activities. Contribute to overall structures, support any internal practices to ensure ODMF is a healthy and productive workplace.

Fiscal Development and Oversight of Advocacy and Program Development Department:

In partnership with Executive Director/ Deputy Director, Financial Department, Executive Leadership Team, Program Managers and Development Team members, identify, evaluate and/or pursue grant opportunities, create key funding strategies, oversee grant reporting, compliance, and budgeting efforts to promote the sustainability of the Programs.

SKILLS

Advocacy and Inclusion:

• Advocate for and include diverse children, youth, adults, and seniors with all abilities in decision-making and program development processes.
• Advocate for marginalized, underrepresented, and populations furthest from opportunity in decision-making and program development processes.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Administer an inclusive and team-oriented leadership approach.
• Supervise linguistically and culturally diverse staff.
• Guide, lead, and support in accordance with organizational vision, mission, values, tagline, and strategic goals through the lens of racial and social justice.
• Coach and develop program managers. Lead through a coaching and growth mindset.
• Hold the culture of feedback.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Engage in effective, efficient, and respectful cross-cultural communication and cultural reciprocity.
• Establish and maintain hospitable and positive relationships with external and internal stakeholders.
• Engage and outreach to culturally and linguistically diverse stakeholders.
• Create tools and clear communications; implement project management procedures.

Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving:

• Contextually make culturally responsive and equity-driven decisions.
• Critically think and innovatively problem solve.
• Work strategically within a fast-paced and shifting work environment.

Fiscal Management:

• Successfully administer fiscal management best practices.
• Manage staff allocations, FTEs, overall spending, and support managers with spending plans.
• Oversee fiscal development and management of the Program.

Program Development and Quality Assurance:

• Skillfully develop and oversee programs in a nonprofit setting environment with broad knowledge of program management.
• Develop and sustain a quality assurance system; review contracts for alignment with organizational values.
• Driven by program outcomes that are of high quality and excellence.
• Have a high level of organizational skills, attention to details, and manage multiple programs to meet deadlines.

Cultural Competency:

• Embrace second language proficiency and promote language justice.
• Respect persons with disabilities and diverse experiences, opinions, language, values, culture, and knowledge.
• Understand and integrate the cultural brokerage model into the organization's work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 3 years successful experience:
• Project management and development; and
• Supervising linguistically and culturally diverse staff; and
• Working with diverse youth, adults or seniors with disabilities and/or families of loved ones with disabilities/special health care needs
• Master's degree in special education, social services, psychology, counseling, social work, project management or related field, or equivalent education and life experience
• Knowledge of Public Administration and Public Policy
• Available for flexible work hours (some evenings and weekends as needed).
• Ability to commute and provide services in South King County and travel outside of the state as needed/required by program activities
• Dependable transportation with vehicle insurance and valid Washington State driver’s license
• Must be mission-driven, trustworthy, and diligent.
• Must be comfortable navigating technology and online platforms such as Microsoft Office, Salesforce, etc.
• Strong personal commitment to equity and progressive social, racial, and economic justice for people with disabilities.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills; second language proficiency a plus
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and time management skills.
• Proven ability as an effective communicator and strong advocate for people with disabilities and their families.
• Track record of respect for others’ experiences, opinions, language, values, culture, and knowledge.
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to collaborate while working in a highly diverse environment.
• Ability to pass DSHS criminal background check upon job offer & Every 2 Years.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

▪Work or lived experience with immigrant/refugee & BIPOC populations

▪Work or lived experience with individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities

▪Bilingual in English and at least one other language preferred

▪Parents and/or family members of persons with disabilities and persons with disabilities residing in South King County are encouraged to apply.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

▪Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

▪Sitting for long periods of time

▪Working in front of a computer or at a desk for long periods of time

▪Standing and stooping

To Apply:

1. Applicants are invited to apply online with a resume that details all related lived and professional experience.

2. Attach a cover letter that speaks to your interest in the position, joining ODMF and provide a brief overview of your experience working with People living with developmental/intellectual disabilities.

Open Doors for Multicultural Families is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Our policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political ideology, creed, religion, ancestry, caste, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, familial status, an individual's actual, potential, perceived, or alleged pregnancy outcomes, the presence of any physical, mental, or sensory disability, the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. Open Door’s commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in the operations of Open Doors and prohibits discrimination by any employee of Open Doors including supervisors and co-workers.

Open Doors will also make reasonable accommodations that are necessary to comply with the state and federal disability discrimination laws. This means Open Doors will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical, sensory, or mental disability or known medical condition of an applicant or employee so long as no undue hardship is created for the company, consistent with its legal obligations to do so.

Applicants and employees are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek or occupy. They should contact Human Resources as soon as possible to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds and communities are encouraged to apply – especially parents and family members of persons with disabilities and persons with disabilities residing in South King County.

Job Type: Full-Time

Salaried $92,572-$101,339 DOE

Benefits:

• Retirement-Simple IRA with 3% employer matching

• 11Paid Holidays annually

• 2 Personal Floating Holidays a year

• 1 Week off in December (last week) Paid

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Parental leave

• Vision insurance

• Optional supplementary insurance through AFLAC

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $92,572.00 - $101,339.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kent, WA 98032