Executive Director, Governor's Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities

Full Job Description

Are you interested in championing policies and initiatives that advance accessibility, equity, and inclusion across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

The Governor's Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities is searching for an Executive Director to help shape statewide programs, advise leadership, and ensure the voices of individuals with disabilities are heard, respected, and reflected in impactful public policies.

The Commission consists of approximately 30 volunteer members and is responsible for advising on and recommending programs, policies, and legislation that benefit Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

Our purpose is to gather information regarding the experiences and needs of people with disabilities in Pennsylvania; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to needs of people with disabilities in Pennsylvania.

If you are committed to making a lasting impact where it matters most, we encourage you to apply today to help us build a more inclusive Commonwealth!

Requirements

As the Executive Director, you will be responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration.

You will have the opportunity to spread awareness and support access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit every-day Pennsylvanians. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing, reviewing, and recommending policies in any relevant areas that affect Pennsylvanians with disabilities
• Serving as a liaison to state agencies to ensure that programs impacting Pennsylvanians with disabilities are effectively utilized
• Advising communities throughout the Commonwealth on activities and initiatives of the Governor and state government that impact Pennsylvanians with disabilities
• Identifying programs, scholarships, mentoring programs, sources of funding, or other resources for the benefit and advancement of Pennsylvanians with disabilities
• Conducting quarterly commission meetings and overseeing monthly subcommittee meetings
• Advising commissioners of applicable policies and reviewing commissioner travel expense reports
• Coordinating with the Admin Services office on commissioner appointments including recruiting and interviewing potential commission members on behalf of the Governor
• Providing weekly updates to the commission and External Affairs Director
• Collaborating with advocacy organizations to identify programs and opportunities for the benefit and advancement of Pennsylvanians with disabilities
• Consulting with commission members to promote the Governor's budget initiatives
• Representing the Governor in statewide panel discussions, presentations, and press conferences
• Collaborating with the other advisory commissions to engage in community outreach through an intersectional lens
• Coordinating outreach with local, state, and federal stakeholders
• Composing and implementing strategic goals in collaboration with the commission
• Attending critical community events to build relationships with the community members
• Interfacing with various community leaders to learn about critical issues and needs

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.

Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 2 days per week.

In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

Additional details may be provided during the interview.

• Salary: The starting salary is non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Five years of experience working directly with or within the disability community, including but not limited to disability-led organizations, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, service organizations or roles involving accessibility, disability rights, or systems-change initiatives

Additional Requirements:

• You must have a proven track record of fostering positive relationships and working collaboratively with people with disabilities, families, and community groups.
• You must demonstrate an understanding of accessibility principles, accommodations, and inclusive practices.
• You must have experience addressing the social, economic, and cultural factors that shape the lives of people with disabilities, with a focus on equity, inclusion, empowerment, education, or economic mobility.
• You must have an understanding of the intersectionality within the disability community, including the impacts of gender, class, sexual orientation, and other factors.
• You must possess knowledge of state government functions and structures.
• You must possess strong written and oral communication skills.
• You must possess the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• You must possess the ability to travel throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
• You must possess the ability to organize, evaluate and present information efficiently.
• You must possess the ability to perform research and critical analysis.
• You must possess effective time management and the ability to work to meet deadlines.
• You must be proficient in using common Microsoft Office software, including word processing and spreadsheets.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Your application must include a cover letter and resume.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.




Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.



Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).




If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.




The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.