National Association of the Deaf
For Immediate Release – January 25, 2025
The Board of Directors of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is pleased to announce the launch of the search for the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This effort underscores our commitment to identifying an experienced leader who will guide the NAD into its next chapter of advocacy, growth, and meaningful impact for the nation’s deaf and hard of hearing community.
Visionary Leader for the Future
The Board seeks an exceptional individual with strategic vision, innovation, and a proven ability to lead in the nonprofit sector, particularly in advocacy, civil rights, and empowering communities across the nation. The next CEO will play a pivotal role in advancing the NAD’s mission and strategic goals, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a culture of collaboration and community empowerment.
Search Process Overview
A search committee with diverse expertise and a strong understanding of the organization’s needs has been appointed to oversee initial candidate screenings and present finalists to the Board for further evaluation and final selection. The Board has taken steps to ensure the process is free from conflicts of interest and maintains strict adherence to transparency, fairness, and alignment with the NAD’s mission. The interim CEO, who serves as an ex officio, non-voting Board member, will provide support throughout the process.
How to Apply
For detailed information regarding the CEO position, including responsibilities, required qualifications, and leadership competencies, please refer to the NAD Chief Executive Officer Position Announcement, below. Qualified candidates are invited to submit their materials by February 28, 2025, to [email protected].
About NAD
NAD Chief Executive Officer Position Announcement
National Association of the Deaf
For Immediate Release – January 24, 2024
About NAD
Established in 1880, the mission of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the U.S. and its territories. Advocacy efforts of the NAD cover a broad spectrum, including the areas of education, employment, health and human services, telecommunications, transportation, and more. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit federation of individual and organizational members, the NAD also represents the United States to the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), an international human rights organization, extending its advocacy on a global scale.
Position Overview
The Chief Executive Officer will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the NAD, ensuring the organization effectively advocates for the rights of the deaf and hard of hearing community. Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, and stakeholders, the CEO will advance the NAD’s mission while strengthening its position as the leading voice for deaf and hard of hearing Americans. This role requires a dynamic leader who can navigate complex policy landscapes, build coalitions, and drive meaningful change for the community.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Organizational Management
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define and implement long-term strategic plans that align with the NAD’s mission and vision, ensuring continuous growth and relevance.
- Ensure organizational effectiveness by optimizing governance structures, policies, and procedures, maintaining alignment with the evolving needs of the community.
- Lead the creation and execution of innovative programs and services that address the diverse needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community.
- Cultivate a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.
- Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficient resource allocation and alignment with strategic goals.
Advocacy and Policy Leadership
- Lead national advocacy initiatives to protect and promote the rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals, building broad coalitions with key stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with legislative, regulatory, and governmental stakeholders to drive policy reform.
- Spearhead policy development and implementation, positioning the NAD as a leading voice in critical national conversations.
- Represent the NAD in high-profile public forums, including congressional hearings, federal agency meetings, and media engagements.
- Stay attuned to emerging issues affecting the community, providing timely and strategic responses to evolving challenges.
Financial Oversight and Development
- Oversee organizational financial strategy, including the development and management of the annual budget, ensuring strong fiscal health and transparency.
- Lead comprehensive fundraising efforts, including major gifts, grants, and planned giving, to diversify and expand the NAD’s funding base.
- Cultivate and sustain relationships with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other stakeholders to secure ongoing financial support.
- Identify new revenue streams and business opportunities that align with the NAD’s mission and financial sustainability.
- Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and reporting requirements, promoting accountability across all financial practices.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and public face of the NAD, ensuring the organization is a trusted and visible leader in advocacy for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
- Build and nurture strategic partnerships with allied organizations, government agencies, and community groups to advance collective goals.
- Direct communications efforts across all platforms, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging.
- Engage proactively with media outlets, advocating for the NAD’s mission and enhancing the organization’s visibility on key issues.
- Lead crisis communications as necessary, protecting the organization’s reputation and maintaining public trust.
Team Leadership and Development
- Inspire and mentor a high-performing team across all departments, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
- Lead efforts in recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent with a diverse range of skills, perspectives, and backgrounds.
- Ensure that staff have access to professional development opportunities, promoting continuous growth and career advancement.
- Uphold a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, embedding these values into the organization’s culture and practices.
- Implement a robust performance management system that aligns with organizational goals and promotes staff accountability.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Public Policy, Law, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
- 10+ years of senior leadership experience, with at least five years in a nonprofit setting, demonstrating a strong ability to drive organizational growth and impact.
- Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required, with the ability to communicate effectively in both professional and community settings.
- In-depth understanding of deaf culture and the diverse needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community, with a commitment to advocating for their rights and inclusion.
- Proven track record of successful national advocacy, including experience leading high-level campaigns or initiatives that influence policy and practice.
- Demonstrated experience in nonprofit financial management and fundraising, with a history of securing funding and managing budgets in a nonprofit environment.
- Excellence in organizational management, with experience in overseeing operations, guiding staff development, and ensuring overall effectiveness.
- Strong relationships within the deaf and hard of hearing community, with a reputation for trust and collaboration.
- Experience working with nonprofit boards of directors and a variety of diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment and fostering effective governance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading a state or national nonprofit organization, including experience with scaling operations and impact.
- A proven track record of successful policy advocacy at both the state and federal levels, with expertise in navigating complex policy landscapes.
- History of successful grant writing and major donor cultivation, with a demonstrated ability to secure significant funding for organizational growth.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic vision and innovative thinking, with the ability to develop forward-thinking strategies and execute them effectively.
- Political acumen and diplomatic skills, including the ability to navigate sensitive topics and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- Proven organizational management skills, with a demonstrated capacity to lead and optimize teams, resources, and operations to achieve strategic goals.
- Strong financial and business acumen, including the ability to manage budgets, develop fundraising strategies, and ensure fiscal health.
- Excellence in relationship building and networking, with a focus on creating partnerships that advance the mission and vision of the organization.
- Demonstrated ability to lead change and drive results, with a results-oriented mindset and a proven history of achieving measurable outcomes.
- Outstanding communication skills, both in ASL and written English, ensuring clear, inclusive, and impactful messaging.
- Cultural competency and commitment to diversity, with the ability to create an inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals.
- High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster positive relationships, manage conflicts, and inspire others.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications, with negotiable terms to ensure alignment with the candidate’s expertise and skills.
- A comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and additional perks designed to support the well-being of employees.
Application Requirements and Deadline
Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following materials for consideration:
- Detailed Resume – A comprehensive resume outlining your relevant leadership experience, including a proven track record in nonprofit management, advocacy, financial stewardship, and team development. Highlight your qualifications, achievements, and impact in senior leadership roles.
- Cover Letter – A personalized cover letter that provides an overview of your qualifications and experience, explaining why you are uniquely suited for the CEO role at NAD. Address your understanding of NAD’s mission and vision, your leadership style, and specific examples of your accomplishments in strategic initiatives, advocacy, and organizational growth.
- Professional References – Provide the names and contact information of three professional references who can speak to your qualifications, leadership abilities, and contributions. References should include individuals who have worked closely with you at a senior level and can offer insight into your strategic thinking and impact.
- Two-Minute Video – Submit a brief two-minute video introduction in ASL, where you introduce yourself, explain your interest in the CEO role at NAD, and share why you are passionate about supporting the deaf and hard of hearing community.
- Relevant Publications, Policy Briefs, or Related Documents – Include any relevant publications, policy briefs, or documents that showcase your expertise in public policy, advocacy, nonprofit management, or other areas pertinent to the CEO role.
Please email all materials to [email protected] by February 28, 2025. Ensure that all materials are submitted in a single email, with each attachment clearly labeled with your name and the document type (e.g., “John Doe – Resume,” “John Doe – Cover Letter,” etc.). Late submissions will not be accepted, so we encourage you to submit your application well before the deadline.
The NAD is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we actively encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We strongly welcome applications from deaf and hard of hearing individuals, people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and members of other historically underrepresented communities. We believe that diversity enriches our organization and strengthens our ability to advocate for the rights of the deaf and hard of hearing community.