RGDSN Search Begins for First Executive Director

The Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network has been fortunate to be led  by a dedicated, loyal, and diligent Board of Directors. This small group  of individuals, along with a part-time Program Director, devotes an  immense amount of time to ensure the organization's success and  viability. The organization has had remarkable growth in the last few  years.  

To expand serving our members and their families and to support the  development of new programs, we are excited to announce the  addition of a full-time Executive Director to our staff. The successful  candidate will be passionate about people with Down syndrome and  their needs, will have previous leadership experience, fundraising, and  organizational management experience.  

If you have these talents and can fulfill the mission of the organization  with enthusiasm, see the Executive Director position posting on the  following page. 

Organizational Background 

The Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network (RGDSN) was formed by a group of parents and  families with children who have Down syndrome. Since incorporating as a non-profit  organization in 2008, members have come together to provide information, support, and  activities for one another. RGDSN currently offers year-round programming including youth  adaptive camps, life skills classes, bike camp, therapy programs, and arts programming. We  also host network events and gatherings such as a summer picnic, holiday party, Isotopes night,  and World Down Syndrome Day celebration. Additionally, we provide support groups like the  parent care committee, play groups, and Mom’s/Dad’s night out. The organization also conducts  fundraisers such as the Buddy Walk and Denim & Diamonds Gala, offers member scholarships,  and engages in advocacy efforts. We also help provide resources and connect members to  medical and educational entities. 

Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network’s mission is to empower individuals with Down syndrome  and their families through advocacy, education and support. We are a collaborative network  which seeks to create awareness, assure inclusion, and promote independence in individuals  with Down syndrome. 

This Moment 

RGDSN aims to expand programming for members of all ages, strengthen relationships with  partnering organizations and the community locally and across the state, enhance  communication with members, and diversify fundraising efforts. 

The organization has been fortunate to be led by a dedicated, loyal, and diligent Board of  Directors. This small group of individuals, along with a part-time Program Director, devotes an  immense amount of time to ensure the organization's success and viability. To continue serving  our members and their families and to develop new programs, we are excited to add a full-time  Executive Director to our staff.  

About the Role 

The Executive Director (ED) reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with staff,  contractors, and volunteers. The ED is chiefly responsible for upholding the mission and  meeting financial objectives. 

The Executive Director has a broad range of leadership, management, and oversight  responsibilities, including but not limited to:  

● Creating and executing strategy for year-round fundraising, in partnership with the Board

● Exploring earned revenue opportunities 

● Creating communications strategy for donor stewardship and cultivation

● Serving as a spokesperson for organization 

● Overseeing day-to-day operations, including responding to incoming inquiries

● Creating and executing a comprehensive strategic plan, in partnership with the Board

● Ensuring board talents, skills, and network are being appropriately leveraged to maximize benefit to organization while also helping recruit to fill gaps 

● Staying abreast on resources available to those who support individuals with Down syndrome, creating materials that explain how to leverage these resources, and making connections when appropriate 

● Developing policy and advocacy goals while acting as a legislative liaison

● Developing, monitoring, and reporting on financial performance 

● Ensuring organization has appropriate policies, licenses, insurance, and is in compliance

● Hiring, supervising, and mentoring staff and volunteers 

● Supporting staff and board with existing programs while leading program expansion

● Building and stewarding relationships with other interested parties 

Required Skills/Experience  

● Knowledge of individuals/communities with disabilities and their needs

● Knowledge of funding and revenue generation 

● Experience with financial management and administration 

● Fierce advocate for individuals with disabilities 

● Strong written (including reports) and verbal communication skills (including presentations) 

● Experience facilitating a strategic planning process and/or executing a strategic plan

● Experience managing staff, contractors, and/or volunteers 

● Program/project management experience 

Desired Skills/Experience 

● Degree or training in a related field 

● Experience running an organization, either a nonprofit or a for-profit 

● Experience finding, applying for, and administering grants 

● Connection to donors in New Mexico 

Desired Year One Outcomes 

Getting to know an organization can take time, and in an effort to set-up the Executive Director  for success, we have outlined our proposed priorities for year one below. These priorities should  act as guardrails for the ED and board to work together.  

● Creating a 3-5 year strategic plan that includes programmatic expansion and drives revenue growth. 

● Further clarifying roles and responsibilities for the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Providing a clear focus on who owns what, how decisions are made, and how to best support each other. 

● Creating deep connections with members to better understand the needs of the Network.

Schedule and Compensation 

This is a full-time exempt position located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Currently RGDSN does  not have an office, but that may change in the future. There are meetings and events that  require attendance, sometimes after typical work hours or on weekends.  Full compensation is a range of $72,000-$82,000 (includes paid holidays and other benefits). 

To Apply 

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to careers@rgdsn.org with the  subject of “RGDSN Executive Director.” Applications will be open until December 1st, 2024,  but will be examined on a rolling basis. If you plan to apply, we encourage submission of our  application as soon as possible. In your cover letter, please outline how your experience  matches with the required and desired skills and experience and why you are interested in the  role.  

Employment is provided through Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network. Rio Grande Down  Syndrome Network is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for  employment without regard to age, disability, religion, creed, political affiliation, race, color, sex,  marital status, sexual orientation or national origin. The statements contained in this position  description are not necessarily all-inclusive: additional duties and responsibilities may be  assigned and requirements may vary from time to time. Three professional business references  and a background check will be required for all final applicants selected for a position.