Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL), a pioneering disability-led organization serving southern and eastern Alameda County, has announced an open search for a new Executive Director. Operating out of its main office in Hayward and branch locations in Fremont and Livermore, CRIL has spent decades advocating for systemic change, accessibility, and equity for individuals living with disabilities and seniors. The upcoming leadership transition comes at a vital time for the agency as it continues to manage a robust $2.2 million operating budget, support a dedicated team of 20 employees, and collaborate closely with its seven-member board of directors.
CRIL History and Independent Living Philosophy
The roots of CRIL trace back to 1979, when the organization was first established to bring the principles of the independent living movement directly to the communities of Alameda County. CRIL operates as an integral part of a vast statewide and national network encompassing 28 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) across California and more than 400 nationwide.
The broader independent living movement itself was born in 1972, when the first ILC was founded in Berkeley, California, by legendary disability rights activist Ed Roberts. Alongside other pioneering college students, Roberts became the first student with a significant physical disability to enroll at the University of California, Berkeley. This historic milestone sparked a nationwide civil rights revolution that fundamentally reshaped national legislation, accessibility standards, and public perceptions regarding disability.
At the core of CRIL’s daily operations and long-term vision is the independent living philosophy. This foundational principle asserts that individuals with disabilities are the absolute experts on their own lives. It champions the fundamental right of people with disabilities to make autonomous personal decisions, direct their own supportive services, and participate fully and meaningfully in all aspects of community life. By fostering self-determination, the philosophy empowers individuals to live as independently as they personally choose, free from paternalistic structures and systemic barriers.
The Opportunity
The incoming Executive Director will step into a pivotal leadership role within a disability-led organization that has long been at the forefront of advancing disability rights, systemic change, and social equity. Serving communities throughout southern and eastern Alameda County, the leader will oversee an agency deeply rooted in its regional presence. With a main office in Hayward and additional operational sites in Fremont and Livermore, CRIL maintains a localized, accessible footprint that allows it to effectively reach the populations it was created to serve.
Operating on a $2.2 million budget, the organization relies heavily on a peer-based model. Under this structural framework, both the staff and the board of directors directly reflect, understand, and share the lived experiences of the communities they serve. This peer-to-peer approach ensures that leadership decisions, programmatic offerings, and advocacy priorities remain authentically aligned with the genuine needs of consumers.
Summary of Responsibilities
As the chief executive officer of the agency, the Executive Director will provide comprehensive leadership and strategic direction, ensuring that CRIL successfully fulfills its mission and advances its long-term goals. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the executive will assume full accountability for day-to-day organizational operations, high-level strategic planning, and hands-on staff management. This leadership scope includes directly supervising six key management and administrative reports. Through effective oversight, the Executive Director guarantees that the agency continues to deliver its core mission of supporting people with disabilities through robust advocacy, essential services, and strategic community partnerships.
The executive’s responsibilities are multifaceted, spanning several critical operational areas essential to the agency’s ongoing success and stability. Strategic leadership constitutes a significant focus, requiring the director to guide the organization through evolving community needs and policy landscapes. Community engagement forms another cornerstone of the role, demanding active participation and partnership-building throughout the region to elevate the visibility and impact of disability rights initiatives.
Fundraising and development are equally critical components, as the executive must work to secure and diversify revenue streams to sustain the agency’s $2.2 million operating budget and expand its programmatic reach. Program oversight and continuous evaluation ensure that all services delivered align with best practices and genuinely benefit the consumer base. Meanwhile, administration and staff development require fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace culture that nurtures talent and encourages professional growth among CRIL’s 20 employees.
Financial management demands meticulous oversight of organizational resources, budgeting integrity, and fiscal compliance to maintain the long-term health of the agency. Finally, board support and partnership require the executive to maintain transparent, collaborative communication with the seven-member board of directors, facilitating effective governance and shared strategic vision.
Qualifications and Requirements
Given the unique nature of a disability-led organization, CRIL has established clear professional expectations for prospective candidates. Required qualifications center on a profound, lived or professional understanding of the independent living philosophy, comprehensive knowledge of disability rights frameworks, and a proven commitment to consumer-controlled services. Candidates must possess demonstrated leadership experience within the non-profit sector, human services, or advocacy fields, alongside strong administrative, financial, and staff management capabilities.
Furthermore, because CRIL is a disability-led, peer-based organization, it actively seeks a visionary leader whose personal or professional background genuinely reflects the communities it serves. Candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for the position. To ensure an inclusive application and interview process, reasonable accommodations will be made available upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully. In addition to professional fulfillment, the organization offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of its leadership team.
How to Apply
Qualified and interested candidates who wish to be considered for the Executive Director position are invited to submit a detailed resume alongside a comprehensive 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].
