The Arc/PDDC • 2350 West Westmoreland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 • 215-229-4550

Associate Director of Advocacy
Reports to: Director of The Arc
FLSA status:  Exempt

Summary
The Associate Director Advocacy is responsible to support the mission of The Arc/PDDDC through advocacy efforts for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers.

Position Responsibilities 
Advocacy

  1. Support the implementation of internal and external advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals served and their families. Actively support full community inclusion.
  2. Contribute to strategic operations aligning work priorities with Arc goals.
  3. Partner with members of the management team contributing expertise and advice.
  4. Ensure all advocacy services meet high standards of excellence, quality and safety.
  5. Stay abreast of changes in current federal and state regulations. Participate in lobbying efforts providing the organization with information and opportunities on behalf of people with disabilities.
  6. Remain within budget and provide the necessary documentation and receipts.
  7. Provide timely, accurate and complete reports on program services for internal and external purposes.
  8. Research and stay abreast of training opportunities and other supports for people with disabilities including family/caregivers. Disseminate information for consumers and family/caregivers in a professional way.
  9. Positively and professionally represent The Arc/PDDC at any time.
  10. Provide representation at IEP meetings including preparing family and caregivers to participate. Follow up as necessary.
  11. Supervise advocacy staff.
  12. Assist in the management of grants and projects.

Partnership and Collaborative Relationships

  1. Develop relationships with key public and private sector representatives, advocating and contributing to educating, providing information, supporting, legislature, regulatory and educational advocacy.
  2. Develop and maintain advocacy relationships at the state and local level to ensure legislative and regulatory attention to the needs of people with disabilities. Participates in and attends various committee meetings.
  3. Leverage local and state wide opportunities to participate in events at select, diverse venues
  4. Participate in the monthly informational and support activities for families/caregivers, and develop community awareness; ie: monthly parent/caregiver meetings.
  5. Seek and respond to the concerns and interest of individuals served, their families/caregivers and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

  1. Bachelor degree minimum in human services or related field with 3 years prior experience in management, preferably in the areas of disabilities and/or advocacy.
  2. Strong interpersonal skills, professional demeanor and presentation skills. Ability to form and maintain partnerships
  3. Strong verbal and written communications and listening skills. Good presentation skills.
  4. Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of funders, community leaders and other stakeholders.
  5. Requires self-direction, independence, good time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail including prioritization.
  6. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and details simultaneously. Ability to work well under pressure and flexibility respond to changing priorities, unplanned events or emergencies.
  7. Effective fiscal management and contract compliance skills.
  8. Strong computer skills in all Microsoft Office applications.
  9. Clear criminal and child abuse history, medical and drug screen.
  10. Demonstrates the organization’s core competencies and solid customer service skills.
  11. Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Physical Environment/Working Conditions

Routine office environment. Frequent independent travel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.