Executive Director

Executive Director

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC)
Tallahassee, Florida | Full-Time | Executive Leadership

Lead. Advocate. Create Lasting Systems Change.

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) is seeking an accomplished, mission-driven Executive Director to provide strategic leadership to an organization dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting change for Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced executive to lead at the intersection of public policy, advocacy, systems change, organizational leadership, and disability services. Working in partnership with the Council, staff, state and federal agencies, policymakers, advocates, community organizations, and other stakeholders, the Executive Director will help shape initiatives that increase independence, inclusion, self-determination, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities throughout Florida.

About FDDC

FDDC is Florida’s federally funded Developmental Disabilities Council, established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act). The Council identifies pressing needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and advances innovative programs, public policy initiatives, advocacy efforts, and collaborative partnerships designed to improve Florida’s systems of services and supports.

FDDC’s work is guided by a comprehensive Five-Year State Plan and a commitment to ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have opportunities to participate fully in their communities and make informed choices about their lives.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, the Executive Director serves as FDDC’s senior executive and provides the vision, leadership, and organizational direction necessary to advance the Council’s mission and State Plan.

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the organization, including strategic planning, Council governance and administration, public policy and advocacy, program implementation, financial stewardship, federal and state compliance, staff leadership, partnerships, and external relations.

This leader will also serve as a highly visible representative of FDDC and build productive relationships with the Florida Legislature, Office of the Governor, state and federal agencies, disability organizations, community partners, and national organizations.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

The Executive Director will:

• Provide strategic leadership for the implementation of FDDC’s Five-Year State Plan and ensure the Council’s work produces measurable, meaningful outcomes.
• Advise and support Council members in carrying out their governance, policy, planning, and oversight responsibilities.
• Lead FDDC’s public policy, legislative education, advocacy, and systems-change initiatives at the state and federal levels.
• Develop and sustain strong partnerships with government agencies, policymakers, disability organizations, advocates, providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure effective management and oversight of Council-funded programs, grants, contracts, and initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with the DD Act and applicable federal and state laws, regulations, funding requirements, Council bylaws, policies, and procedures.
• Provide executive oversight of FDDC’s financial operations, including budgeting, federal funding, financial reporting, audits, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Recruit, develop, lead, and support professional staff while fostering a collaborative, accountable, inclusive, and high-performing workplace.
• Serve as a trusted and effective spokesperson for FDDC and the individuals, families, and communities its work is intended to benefit.
• Identify emerging needs, opportunities, partnerships, and strategies that strengthen FDDC’s statewide impact.

The Ideal Candidate

FDDC is looking for a seasoned executive who combines strategic vision with strong execution. The successful candidate will understand how to lead a complex, publicly accountable organization while building relationships across diverse constituencies and maintaining a strong focus on the people and families at the center of FDDC’s mission.

Competitive candidates will demonstrate:

• Significant senior-level leadership and management experience, including responsibility for organizational strategy, staff, operations, and financial resources.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, intellectual and developmental disability issues, services, systems, and advocacy.
• Experience with public policy, legislative processes, government relations, and state and/or federal agencies.
• Knowledge of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act or the ability to develop deep expertise in its requirements.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships and bringing diverse stakeholders together around shared goals.
• Experience working effectively with a governing board, council, commission, or similar body.
• Strong financial and organizational management skills, including experience overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget and federal or governmental funding.
• Experience leading, developing, and evaluating professional staff.
• Exceptional communication, judgment, problem-solving, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• A leadership approach characterized by integrity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and respect for the perspectives and lived experiences of others.

Qualifications

A master’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a relevant field, along with fifteen (15) years of pertinent professional experience, including at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible senior management or executive leadership. The strongest candidates will bring extensive executive or senior management experience and a demonstrated record of leadership in disability services, advocacy, public policy, government, nonprofit management, human services, or a closely related field.

Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, self-advocates, and disability organizations is highly valued.

Why This Role Matters

The Executive Director of FDDC has an opportunity to influence more than the operation of a single organization. This position helps shape systems, policies, programs, and partnerships affecting individuals with developmental disabilities across the State of Florida.

For an executive who is passionate about public service, effective advocacy, collaborative leadership, and creating sustainable systems change, this is an opportunity to make a significant statewide impact.

Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Position: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
Recommended Salary Range: $153,504 – $162,032 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and encourages qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to apply.

In accordance with Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine and Public Records Laws, applications and supporting materials submitted for this position may be subject to public disclosure under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Applicants should be aware that information submitted as part of the recruitment and selection process, including resumes and other application materials, may be available for public inspection upon request, unless otherwise exempt or confidential under applicable law.