TransCen, a Maryland-based nonprofit, has led the school to work and employment movement for the disability community for the better part of 30 years. Conceived as a “Transition Center” in 1986 by a handful of parents of children with disabilities and other concerned citizens in Montgomery County, Maryland, TransCen has become a defining voice in our national quest for successful educational and employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Since its founding, TransCen has created over 90 local, state, and national programs; helped over 20,000 youth, adults and veterans find work; trained over 250,000 individuals; earned 22 awards; authored over 150 publications; and conducted programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 10 countries.

Today, TransCen is at the leading edge of research, evaluation, and the development of services and strategies in the fields of school to work transition, vocational rehabilitation, related disability policy, and workforce investment systems. Ongoing work includes:

• Training and technical assistance to local, state, and national organizations that are designed to advance career development, employment success, and community participation for people with disabilities.
• Research into forward-thinking changes in the way policies are established, programs are developed, and services are delivered locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Direct service to job seekers with disabilities through its San Francisco-based WorkLink program and the Youth Employment Service in Montgomery County, Maryland.

TransCen operates a $5 million budget and employs more than 40 staff. Approximately 40% of the team possesses advanced degrees. The headquarters is located in Rockville, Maryland.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Board of TransCen is seeking a highly qualified professional to lead the organization upon the retirement of its longstanding executive, Richard Luecking, Ed.D. The new leader is responsible for the following key initiatives:

• Crafting and implementing a strategic plan that takes into account the evolving national conversation on educational and work opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Setting the organization’s direction with Board support including serving as a national voice in the disabilities movement as well as growing the programs and funding for the organization.
• Positioning the organization as a definitive player in developing, implementing, and researching innovative practices regarding school-to-adult life transition, career and workforce development, and inclusive community participation.

 

On an ongoing basis, TransCen’s chief executive:

• Serves as the spokesperson for TransCen and an important voice for the work of the organization to external constituency groups, including community, governmental, and private organizations.
• Serves as the chief development officer by identifying opportunities, writing proposals, and securing funding commitments, including the preparation and development of reports and publications as required and as appropriate for specific programs and specific funding partners.
• Provides leadership and oversight to selected programs and projects as well as effective management and support of a diverse group of project leaders by active involvement in programs and services and by promoting/soliciting regular and ongoing staff input and feedback on program operations for the purpose of continuous improvement and development of the organization.
• Works closely with the Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer to maintain stewardship and accountability for financial and capital resources including establishing the annual budget and accurately aligning expenditures so that resources are appropriately deployed.

 

Qualifications

The next executive of TransCen is a current leader in the field of improving educational and employment success for people with disabilities. He or she has an established reputation and commitment to leading edge activities in the fields of inclusive community employment, special education, vocational rehabilitation, workforce investment, disability rights, and related areas. The role is based in the TransCen headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.

Specifically, the Board of TransCen is seeking a professional with:

• An advanced degree preferred in special education, rehabilitation, or related field as well as experience in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Strong track record of grant acquisition/fundraising success as well as experience building recurring revenue streams, developing strong relations with corporate partners, and thinking creatively about new sources of funding.
• Experience achieving project and organizational goals and outcomes in a management role, including specific initiatives and programs at a state or national level.
• Demonstrable supervisory experience guiding a highly educated and geographically dispersed work force in meeting their individual and organizational goals.
• Solid working knowledge of budgeting and strategic planning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including evidence of contributions to recognized professional and trade publications.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to set priorities.

To express interest in this role, please mail (or email) a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to:

Marcia Call
CEO, TalentFront
201 North Union Street, Suite 230, Alexandria, VA 22314
703.997.5067
Marcia@TalentFront.net