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Executive Director - Disability Rights New Jersey, Trenton, NJ

Posted: Tuesday, July 10, 2018


Disability Rights New Jersey seeks a strong and compassionate Executive Director to lead this 24-year old organization that serves as the protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in New Jersey. For more than 20 years, Disability Rights New Jersey [DRNJ] has served as New Jersey's officially designated protection and advocacy agency, working to promote and defend the rights of New Jersey residents with disabilities. DRNJ's mission is to protect, advocate for and advance the human, civil and legal rights of persons with disabilities in pursuit of a society in which persons with disabilities exercise self-determination and choice, and are treated with dignity and respect. DRNJ was founded in 1994. With an annual budget of roughly $3.6M, DRNJ consists of 30 staff members and is a member of the National Disability Rights Network. DRNJ is governed by a Board of Directors, and has two legally-mandated advisory councils: PAIMI Advisory and Assistive Technology Advisory. For more information, see drnj.org.

The Executive Director will communicate DRNJ's understanding of the challenges faced by our community and expand DRNJ's vision and ability to meet those challenges. Specifically, the Executive Director's duties include policy and advocacy leadership for our community and staff, oversight of the organization's administrative, human resources, and financial operations, and building the organization's public profile and funding base. The executive director provides leadership both inside and outside the organization, continually increasing DRNJ's mission impact. 

Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director will provide leadership to the organization and manage its day-to-day affairs.  The Executive Director's primary responsibilities are to serve as spokesperson and represents DRNJ to local, state and national advocacy groups; plan, organize, and direct all agency activities; oversee human and financial resources of the organization and assure that proper records are maintained and reports filed; and others which can be seen in the DRNJ full profile.

Ideal candidates for this position will share our commitment to DRNJ's mission and will bring a variety of experiences and attributes to DRNJ, including:

  • Law degree strongly preferred.
  • At least ten years' experience in non-profit legal services or advocacy organization, specifically addressing the rights of people with disabilities or civil rights.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with and advocate for persons with disabilities.
  • Demonstrated well-rounded leadership and management experience in an organization with comparable budget and staffing.
  • Ability to oversee financial matters and preparation and oversight of annual budgets.
  • Experience or interest in public policy and ability to testify in front of the state legislature.
  • Willingness to travel and to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
  • Other requirements listed in the full profile (see link above).


To apply, e-mail a cover letter detailing your fit with the requirements of this position, your resume, and your salary requirements for this position to: [email protected] (e-mail applications are required).  Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. For other inquiries contact Ginna Goodenow at [email protected].