INDEPENDENT LIVING CANADA JOB POSTING - NATIONAL DIRECTOR

Introduction: Independent Living (IL) Canada is the national bilingual non-profit association of Independent Living (IL) Centres from across Canada. Both IL Canada and IL Centres are dedicated to promoting the Independent Living philosophy and model of service delivery. As organizations run by and for persons with disabilities, we embrace the principles of consumer-control, cross disability in nature and community based. Programs at the local level, as well as national initiatives, reflect the inclusion of our diverse populations and promote and celebrate the economic, social, culturally and political contributions that persons with disabilities make to Canadian society. Independent Living Canada promotes and supports the development of Independent Living Centres, IL programs, and provides education and leadership for its member organizations, partners, governments and communities.

Position Summary and Scope:

Reporting to the IL Canada Board of Directors, and in accordance to the guidelines set by the governance policies, the National Director is accountable for promoting and fostering the development of the Independent Living Movement across Canada including but not limited to the effective and efficient operation of the National office. In carrying out the vision, goals and objectives of the board of directors, the National Director is responsible for developing and implementing an innovative marketing, public relations, fundraising and strategic plan that will apply and encourage awareness, recognition and support of the Independent Living Movement by governments, disability and mainstream organizations, consumers, media, public/private sectors and the general public. The primary focus of the work of the National Director is to promote and foster the growth and stability of Independent Living Centres at various stages of development.

Skills Required:

•Strong understanding and passion for IL philosophy and the ability to articulate the benefits of supporting the IL movement to the public and private sectors, media, mainstream organizations and funders
•Lived and/or professional experience in the disability rights and/or Independent Living sector/community
•Ability to conduct all activities/responsibilities in fluent French and English.
•Experience working with a diverse volunteer Board of Directors
•Excellent verbal and written communications skills
•A leader with ability to manage and support diverse teams/committees in meeting goals, objectives within specific timeframes
•Minimum of 5 years of successful experience in financial planning, monitoring and budgeting
•A strong and long standing track record of fund raising with both the public and private sectors
•An entrepreneurial spirit, political savvy and the ability to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with government and non-government partners
•Ability to deal well with a broad spectrum of skill sets and expectations
•Ability to handle multiple projects with a strong knowledge base to set priorities and deliver within the budget and meet deadlines in a timely manner
•Accountable, creative and willing to take initiative and calculated risks
•A mature leader who has the ability to mentor and inspire the leadership of others in the IL Network
•Community development is an asset
•Ability to continue to build a sense of community within the association and within the disability community
•Minimum of 5 years senior management experience in marketing, communication, operations, organizational development and strategic planning
•Capacity and willingness to travel and represent Independent Living locally and nationally

If you are interested in applying for this exciting opportunity, please write and tell us about yourself in your cover letter, your applicable experience and what distinguishes you as a leader.

Please include your salary expectations in the cover letter.

Location: Ottawa
Please send resumes to
Independent Living Canada
c/o Recruiting Committee
402-214 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1L 8L8

Deadline: January 4, 2010 (4:00 pm)

Prefer electronic submissions to employment@ilc-vac.ca; however, hard copies are also acceptable.

Independent Living Canada is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people with disabilities to apply.