The Arc of Chester County, a non-profit organization in West Chester dedicated to advocating, educating, and providing services to empower individuals with disabilities and their families, seeks a Chief Executive Officer committed to its mission and the inclusion of all individuals.

The deadline to apply for the CEO position is Feb. 15.

The ideal candidate will lead with a strategic vision rooted in promoting inclusion and driving systemic change within the community and the human services industry.

The preferred candidate will successfully cultivate a culture of advocacy and self-determination and lead the organization, ensuring that every person is empowered to make decisions about their own lives.

Candidates must possess an employment record that meets or exceeds the requirements of the position.

Role of the CEO:

The Chief Executive Officer reports to the President of the Board of Directors. Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead, grow, inspire, and develop a committed workforce of over 1,200 people and a dedicated volunteer base of more than 1,000 people, fostering an environment of compassion that aligns with The Arc’s mission, vision, values, and goals.
• Connect deeply with the Intellectual Disabilities/Autism, Early Intervention, and Early Childhood community, driving initiatives that align with their needs and aspirations.
• Manage The Arc of Chester County, overseeing compliance and an annual budget of approximately $35 million and assets of $14.6 million. Lead initiatives that grow programs/services, revenue, and assets.
• Strategically innovate and guide the organization through complex challenges, governmental changes at the state and federal level, and create unique opportunities with a forward-thinking approach.
• Directly supervise and strategize with an executive leadership team, as well as collaborate with staff and leaders of different divisions.
• Actively engage in advocacy and community outreach, ensuring The Arc’s voice is influential in public policy and community welfare at the state and local level.
• Collaborate with and build the Board of Directors to sharpen strategic focus, diversify skillset, ensure financial health, and increase efficiency and future growth.
• Foster new and further existing relationships with elected officials, state government leadership, funders, and partner organizations to increase the scope and depth of the mission.
• Build partnership and trust within the network of local chapters of The Arc.
• Passionately share The Arc’s story of impact across the state, inspiring and asking community leaders and neighbors to partner and invest.

Requirements:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) and more than ten years (15 years preferred) in a senior leadership position.
• Previous experience within the Human Services industry.
• Previous nonprofit management experience is preferred.
• Working knowledge and understanding of business development and management within the Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A), Early Intervention (EI), Early Childhood systems, and the connecting systems.
• Experience in navigating policy and regulatory environments and significant expertise in disability rights, the legislative process, and state and federal funding systems are preferred.
• Deep commitment and connection to the mission and values of The Arc of Chester County and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Autism, coupled with a personal and professional history of inclusive and compassionate leadership.
• Successful track record in strategic planning, fiscal management, Board engagement, and organizational growth.
• Proven financial acumen. Able to manage multimillion-dollar budgets, government contracts, and diverse funding streams.
• Robust experience in advocacy and community engagement, with a history of impactful public speaking and community involvement.
• Track record of securing funding through government, philanthropic, and community sources, and influencing policy and/or systems change.
• Demonstrated ability in staff development, fostering professional growth, accountability, and organizational leadership.
• Experience in board or committee development through strategic recruitment, training, and engagement to enhance governance and support organizational goals.
• Collaborative problem-solver who seeks, encourages, and values input from staff, board, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Experience as a community leader, serving as the public face of the organization, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders, and cultivating strong partnerships.

Application Process: Email letter of interest, resume, and references to [email protected]. No phone calls, please. No applications will be accepted from third-party posting sites.

Salary: Commensurate with the requirements of the position.

Benefits: Employer-sponsored medical, long-term disability, paid time off, sick time, employer-paid life insurance, accidental death & disability, 457b, employee assistance program, and employee discount program. Additional employee-paid benefits: vision, dental, short-term disability, supplemental life insurance, critical illness, and legal/credit monitoring.

The Arc of Chester County was founded in 1952 by local parents seeking to improve the quality of life for their children with disabilities. Few programs and services existed then, and many individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities were institutionalized. Over the past seven decades, The Arc has evolved and expanded its services beyond children to support individuals with disabilities with a lifetime of services in five main program areas: Advocacy, Children Early Learning Services & Programs, Family Support Services, Comprehensive Employment Services and Agency with Choice.

For nearly 75 years, The Arc of Chester County has fought for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families in schools, the workplace, and the community at large. While the days of institutionalizing individuals with disabilities are thankfully nearly gone, this vulnerable population continues to be marginalized by insufficient funding and a lack of knowledge about their needs and abilities. The Arc of Chester County advocates to ensure that this important population chooses how they live, learn, work, and spend their leisure time as well as lives with dignity, respect, and quality of life.