Position:          Executive Director

Department:   Elementary and Secondary Education

Section:           Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Definition

This is a professional position for the State of Missouri, exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act, as the executive officer of the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  The Executive Director is responsible for carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the Commission and advocating for public policies, regulations and programs to improve the quality of life for Missourians with hearing loss.  The Executive Director will initiate and advocate for legislation designed to have positive benefits for deaf and hard of hearing individuals as they face special challenges in their interaction with public and private entities, including state and local government agencies, businesses, medical and mental health care providers, and schools.  This position requires providing presentations and workshops to increase public awareness about hearing loss, and advocating for the legal rights of persons with hearing loss.  This position also entails assessing the general needs of deaf and hard of hearing Missourians, and developing both short and long range plans to better meet those needs.  The Executive Director must be competent in the exercise of independent judgment and decision making, and is responsible for all fiscal, personnel and program management of the Commission. 

Examples of Work Performed:

1. Acts as an agent for the Commission in carrying out its policies as authorized by state statute.


2. Provides consultation, advice and recommendations to the Commission on all matters related to legislation, state policies, state services, Commission programs, and issues facing deaf and hard of hearing people.


3. Reports and makes recommendations to the Commission concerning staff needs.


4. Represents the interests of deaf and hard of hearing people on intra-departmental and inter-departmental task forces, councils, and committees.


5. Manages the office, including hiring, training, supervision and evaluation of staff.


6. Prepares, reviews, and manages the budget of the Commission.


7. Implements surveys and studies of various services, and promotes the development of plans to improve access to services by Missourians with hearing loss.


8. Participates in meetings with Commissioners, personnel of various state departments, legislators, and other officials to promote initiatives, policy changes, and development of services for deaf and hard of hearing people that will provide enhanced opportunities for those individuals to live independently and improve their quality of life.


9. Acts as an advocate for Missourians with hearing loss by providing information, advice and technical assistance to lay and professional individuals and groups.


10. Provides presentations, workshops, training and information to the general public in order to expand public awareness of the social, occupational, familial, and communication problems of deaf and hard of hearing people.


11.  Prepares, initiates and advocates for legislation to accomplish the legislative priorities of the Commission and monitors legislative activities specifically affecting people with hearing loss.


12. Seeks additional sources of agency funding by preparing grant applications relating to the needs of people who are deaf and hard of hearing.


13. Acts as a public information agent for the Commission, including the development and dissemination of printed materials.


14. Performs other work as assigned by the Commission.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Considerable knowledge and understanding of deaf and hard of hearing people and their particular needs.


2. Substantial proficiency in sign language.


3. Ability to analyze tasks, organize, plan and evaluate.


4. Ability to communicate effectively through writing.


5. Ability to work and communicate with a variety of groups and individuals.


6. Knowledge of fiscal management, personnel management, program planning, policy formulation and general administrative systems.


7. Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and legislation as they relate to the activities of the Commission and the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people.


8. Ability to work effectively and efficiently with a governing board.


9. Working knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to hearing loss.


10. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with state agencies and departments.


11. Ability to make effective presentations.

Minimum Experience and Training:

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university. Preference will be given to applicants with a master’s or PhD degree.


2. Conversational competence in sign language.  Preference will be given to applicants who possess strong American Sign Language skills.


3. Three years successful experience in a responsible supervisory position.