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Attention Brazos Valley be on the lookout for the BCS Outlaws!! Beep Baseball is coming to Aggieland! Join us on 3/28 from 4-6 pm at Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living for an informational and to sign up for a team! More info to come!!

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. ~ Benjamin Franklin

The Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL) has been advocating for increased transportation options for people with disabilities in our community for a few years now.  Transportation affects every aspect of independent community living — employment, education, grocery shopping, healthcare, and enjoyment. At BVCIL, we meet people everyday who either have zero access to transportation or who spend an inordinate amount of time “commuting” in our community.

On February 15th, BVCIL will be holding our 2nd annual fundraising event, Dining in the Dark, to help raise funds toward improving transportation options in B/CS.  BVCIL understands the depth of this problem… we have “told” the community; we have attempted to “teach” the community; now we would like to “involve” YOU.

Here’s your challenge:

• Pick one day and use the public bus system (not A&M bus system) to get to and from your job — if you don’t have a job, use it to complete another typical trip for you (groceries, church, bar — whatever).
• Report on your experience — either post your reply here, email jpacha@bvcil.org, tweet it @bvciltexas, put it on Facebook and tag Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living or if you are a media professional — “report” it in your own way.

Can you do it?  Will you try?

Job Announcement

Job Title: Executive Director

Hours: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt Position

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Purpose:

The Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living (TACIL) is a membership organization that represents 24 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) throughout the State.  TACIL serves as a forum for CILs to collaborate on statewide initiatives and share information and ideas pursuant to expanding independent living (IL) programs and services.  Our mission is to strengthen and build the capacity of the CIL network to meet the growing service demands of Texans with disabilities.

TACIL is seeking to hire an Executive Director who will be responsible for the general operations of the organization, which includes on-going resource development, fiscal and programmatic oversight, and effective communication with TACIL’s membership, grantors, advocates, policy makers and other community stakeholders.  The Executive Director reports to and is supervised by TACIL’s Board President.

Essential Tasks:

1. Understands and subscribes to the philosophy and values of Independent Living.
2. Implements and complies with policies and procedures approved by TACIL’s Board of Directors.
3. Provides direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategic plan, and annual goals and objectives.
4. Works at the state and federal levels on behalf of TACIL to achieve regulatory and administrative changes for greater access to home and community-based services.
5. Maintains best practice knowledge in Independent Living and services for individuals with disabilities, to include housing, transportation, employment, technology, and advocacy.
6. Maintains effective communication with the State Independent Living Council (SILC) and collaborates with the SILC on developing and monitoring the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).
7. Assists TACIL in organizing monthly teleconferences, trainings, committee meetings and scheduled face-to-face meetings.
8. Facilitates teleconferences, meetings and trainings of a statewide Consumer Advocacy Team (CAT).
9. Assists with the development of TACIL position papers and policy statements.
10. Develops informational and/or action alerts for dissemination to TACIL’s membership and CAT.
11. Provides quality presentations on topics related to TACIL and Centers for Independent Living.
12. Ensures that a comprehensive budget and subsequent revisions are developed annually and presented to the Board for review and approval.
13. Reviews key monthly financial reports, including balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and budget comparisons.
14. Ensures compliance stipulated by funding entities and other local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
15. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by TACIL Board.

The previous statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Qualifications/Skills:

1. Strong leadership, organizational, administrative and financial management skills
2. Ability to travel statewide to various CIL locations
3. Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization
4. Ability to develop and evaluate various projects
5. Ability to analyze proposed legislation, regulations, budgets, policies and procedures for purposes of determining their effect on the lives of people with disabilities
6. Knowledge and understanding of the Independent Living Movement
7. Knowledge of state and federal laws regarding the rights of people with disabilities
8. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing to diverse audiences and individuals at all levels of government
9. Ability to maintain a professional attitude, particularly in stressful situations
10. Knowledge and competence of computers and software applications, particularly Microsoft Office
11. Ability to exercise good judgment, take initiative and work independently

Education/Experience:

Master’s Degree in Political Science, Business Administration or related fields, with experience working in an IL setting and directly with a not-for-profit Board of Directors are preferred; along with a minimum of five (5) years of management experience, knowledge of the issues and challenges faced by people with disabilities, and proven ability to supervise people, write grants, develop programs and raise funds; or, any combination of education and experience that, in the opinion of TACIL’s Board of Directors, qualifies the individual for the position.

If interested, please submit the following by January 17, 2014:

• ·         A cover letter (no more than 1 page in length) that briefly addresses your interest in the position.
• Three professional references.
• ·         Proposed Salary

• A current resume that clearly describes your experience, skills and/or knowledge related to the requirements of the position.  Include paid and volunteer experience.  Please limit resume to no more than 2 pages.

E-mail requested information to Michelle Crain, TACIL President, at michelle.crain@liferun.org or fax to (806) 795-5607.

*TACIL is an equal opportunity employer.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.