Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL), a pioneering, disability-led organization dedicated to advancing systemic change, equity, and civil rights for seniors and individuals with disabilities, has announced an open search for its next Executive Director. Operating across southern and eastern Alameda County, CRIL remains a cornerstone of the broader independent living movement, offering a vital network of advocacy, peer support, and essential community services designed to foster autonomy and self-determination.
CRIL History and Independent Living Philosophy
Founded in 1979, CRIL maintains its primary headquarters in Hayward, complemented by dedicated 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 across California and more than 400 throughout the United States.
The roots of this nationwide movement trace back to 1972, when the first Independent Living Center was established in Berkeley, California, by Ed Roberts. Roberts made history as the first student with a significant physical disability to enroll at the University of California, Berkeley, paving the way for other scholars with disabilities. His groundbreaking efforts ignited the independent living revolution, a social justice movement that ultimately reshaped national legislation, including the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act.
Independent living is a philosophy deeply grounded in the fundamental principle that people with disabilities are the absolute experts on their own lives. It champions the inherent right of individuals with disabilities to make personal decisions, direct their own supportive services, and participate fully and equally in community life. By providing the tools, resources, and advocacy needed to overcome physical and societal barriers, the philosophy empowers people to live as independently as they choose.
The Opportunity
The incoming Executive Director will step into a unique opportunity to provide visionary, executive leadership to a deeply rooted, disability-led organization. CRIL is at the forefront of advancing disability rights, driving systemic change, and securing equity for residents living with disabilities and older adults throughout southern and eastern Alameda County.
CRIL currently operates with an annual budget of $2.2 million, supported by a dedicated staff of 20 professionals and a 7-member Board of Directors. The organization thrives on a peer-based operational model, ensuring that both its staff and board authentically reflect and thoroughly understand the diverse communities they serve. This lived experience is central to CRIL’s identity and its effectiveness in delivering consumer-controlled programs.
Summary
As the Executive Director, the selected candidate will provide overall leadership, administrative direction, and strategic oversight for CRIL, bearing primary responsibility for advancing the organization’s mission and long-term strategic vision. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee day-to-day operations, organizational planning, and comprehensive staff management, which includes directly supervising six team members.
This critical leadership role ensures that the agency successfully fulfills its mission of supporting people with disabilities through aggressive advocacy, comprehensive services, and strategic community partnerships. To maintain CRIL’s high standard of community-centered governance and service delivery, the responsibilities of the position are categorized across several key operational areas.
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Strategic leadership constitutes a vital component of the role, requiring the Executive Director to continuously evaluate organizational goals and align them with the evolving needs of the disability community. The leader will guide long-term planning, ensure programmatic sustainability, and navigate the complex landscape of public policy and community advocacy to advance the civil rights of individuals with disabilities across the region.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Community engagement remains central to CRIL’s mission, requiring active participation in local, regional, and statewide coalitions. The Executive Director will serve as a primary spokesperson for the organization, building robust partnerships with other community organizations, government agencies, and civic leaders to elevate the visibility of disability issues and foster inclusive communities throughout Alameda County.
Fundraising and Financial Development
To ensure the continued growth and stability of the $2.2 million operating budget, the Executive Director will lead comprehensive fundraising and development initiatives. This involves cultivating relationships with individual donors, securing grants from foundations and corporate partners, and exploring diverse revenue streams to support CRIL’s expanding array of services and advocacy campaigns.
Programs, Evaluation, and Administration
The Executive Director will oversee the implementation and continuous evaluation of CRIL’s core programs to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and consumer satisfaction. Administrative responsibilities include managing staff development, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, and maintaining efficient internal operations that empower the team to deliver exceptional peer-based services.
Financial Management and Board Partnership
Sound fiscal stewardship is essential, with the Executive Director managing the agency’s financial health in collaboration with the Board of Directors. This includes developing and monitoring annual budgets, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and providing transparent reporting to the board. Additionally, the Executive Director will maintain a strong, collaborative partnership with the Board of Directors, keeping them fully informed of operational progress and strategic opportunities while supporting board development and governance.
Qualifications and Application Process
CRIL is explicitly structured as a disability-led, peer-based organization and is seeking a candidate whose professional experience and personal background reflect the communities it serves. Individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for the position. Candidates are expected to possess a deep, working knowledge of the independent living philosophy, disability rights principles, and consumer-controlled service delivery models.
To ensure a seamless transition and accessible workplace environment, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package to support its leadership team.
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a professional resume along with a detailed cover letter outlining their relevant leadership experience and alignment with the mission of CRIL. Application materials should be directed to Stacy Nelson & Associates via email at [email protected].
