Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL), a pioneering, disability-led organization dedicated to advancing equity, systemic change, and civil rights for people with disabilities and seniors, has announced an open search for a new Executive Director. Operating across southern and eastern Alameda County, CRIL is searching for a visionary leader to steer its ongoing mission, manage its daily operations, and champion the foundational principles of the independent living movement.
Founded in 1979, CRIL maintains its primary administrative headquarters in Hayward, complemented by fully functioning branch offices in Fremont and Livermore. The organization operates as an integral component of a robust statewide and national network encompassing 28 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) throughout California and more than 400 across the United States. This expansive network traces its historical roots back to 1972, when the nation’s first Independent Living Center was established in Berkeley, California, by Ed Roberts. As the first student with a significant disability to enroll at the University of California, Berkeley, alongside a cohort of pioneering peers, Roberts sparked an unprecedented independent living revolution that fundamentally reshaped national legislation and civil rights protections for disabled individuals.
The independent living philosophy that guides CRIL is deeply rooted in the core principle that people with disabilities are the ultimate authorities and experts on their own lives. This philosophy actively champions the fundamental right of individuals with disabilities to make personal life decisions, directly manage their own support services, and participate fully in all aspects of community life. Furthermore, it empowers people to live as independently as they personally choose, challenging institutional barriers and fostering an environment of self-determination and mutual aid.
As CRIL looks toward the future, the organization is offering a unique professional opportunity for an experienced executive leader to guide its operations, strengthen community partnerships, and amplify the voices of seniors and individuals living with disabilities. Currently functioning with an operating budget of $2.2 million, a dedicated team of 20 employees, and a 7-member board of directors, CRIL thrives on a peer-based operational model. Under this model, both the staff and the board actively reflect, understand, and represent the diverse communities that the organization serves every day.
In the capacity of Executive Director, the incoming leader will be tasked with providing comprehensive leadership and overarching direction for CRIL, ensuring the continuous advancement of the organization’s strategic vision and mission. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will shoulder full responsibility for overseeing day-to-day operations, driving long-term strategic planning, and managing a talented staff, which includes six direct reports. This pivotal role ensures that the agency faithfully fulfills its core mission of supporting people with disabilities through robust advocacy, essential direct services, and impactful community partnerships across the region.
The scope of responsibilities for the Executive Director is multifaceted, spanning strategic leadership, community engagement, fundraising and development, program oversight and evaluation, administration and staff development, financial management, and board support. Strategic leadership occupies approximately 15 percent of the role’s focus, requiring the executive to align daily agency functions with overarching organizational goals and regional advocacy needs. Community engagement represents 20 percent of the position, demanding active participation in local coalitions, public speaking engagements, and coalition-building to elevate disability awareness and rights throughout southern and eastern Alameda County.
Fundraising and development also comprise 20 percent of the executive’s responsibilities, as securing diversified revenue streams, cultivating major donors, overseeing grant writing, and sustaining foundational support remain critical to maintaining CRIL’s $2.2 million operating budget. Programs and evaluation account for 15 percent of the role, ensuring that direct services consistently meet high standards of quality, remain responsive to consumer needs, and effectively measure community impact. Administration and staff development make up another 15 percent of the workload, focusing on cultivating a supportive, inclusive workplace culture, managing human resources, and providing mentorship to the organization’s 20 employees, including the six direct reports.
Financial management represents 10 percent of the Executive Director’s duties, requiring meticulous oversight of the agency’s fiscal health, budget adherence, and fiduciary compliance in partnership with the board. Finally, board support and partnership account for the remaining 5 percent of the role, ensuring seamless communication, transparent reporting, and collaborative governance between the executive leadership and the seven members of the Board of Directors.
CRIL is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Because CRIL is a disability-led, peer-based organization, it is actively seeking a leader whose personal and professional background reflects the communities it serves. Candidates who are individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for the position. A deep, demonstrated knowledge of the independent living philosophy, disability rights history, and consumer-controlled services is strictly required for all applicants. In accordance with legal standards and organizational values, reasonable accommodations will be made available to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the application process and to perform the essential functions of the role.
Interested candidates who possess the requisite background in executive leadership, nonprofit management, and disability advocacy are invited to submit a comprehensive resume and a tailored cover letter outlining their relevant experience. Application materials should be directed to Stacy Nelson & Associates via email at [email protected].
