Associate Director

Socket.dev; Sylvania (OH); On-site; USD 98,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

AD&D

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

The Ability Center in Ohio seeks an Associate Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across Navigators & DME, Home Accessibility, Independent Living, Assistance Dogs, and Advocacy. You will partner with the Executive Director to drive cross-functional collaboration and outcomes.

You will coach department leaders, translate goals into measurable results, and help ensure services align with Independent Living principles while advancing organizational effectiveness and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required; master's preferred.
• Five+ years of progressive leadership experience.
• Ability to lead multiple departments and drive strategic initiatives.
• Experience in budgeting, staffing, and grant development.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across assigned departments.
• Coach, mentor, and support department directors and managers.
• Partner with the Executive Director to establish strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Evaluate operational, financial, and consumer outcomes to guide decisions.
• Support budgeting, staffing, grant development, and cross-department collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Coaching

Communication

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Description

Develop Leaders. Strengthen Programs. Advance Our Mission.

The Ability Center, a Center for Independent Living (CIL), is on a mission to build the most disability-friendly community in the nation. As a CIL, we operate with a unique philosophy of consumer control, where individuals with all types of disabilities directly govern and staff the organization. We empower people with disabilities to achieve greater independence, pursue their passions, and transform how society views disability.

We are seeking an Associate Director who is a collaborative, strategic leader passionate about working with exceptional leaders, strengthening organizational performance, and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities.

About the Role

As Associate Director, you will be a key member of our senior leadership team, partnering with the Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across multiple departments. You will support and empower leaders, strengthen organizational effectiveness, foster cross-department collaboration, and help ensure services remain aligned with the principles of Independent Living and person-centered support.

You will oversee our Navigators & Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Home Accessibility, Independent Living, Assistance Dogs, and Advocacy departments while serving as a trusted strategic partner to the Executive Director. You will also act as the Executive Director's designee for operational matters, as delegated.

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across assigned departments.
• Coach, mentor, and support department directors and managers while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continued professional growth.
• Partner with the Executive Director and leadership team to establish strategic priorities and translate organizational goals into measurable outcomes.
• Evaluate operational performance, financial indicators, consumer outcomes, and community needs to drive continuous improvement and long-term sustainability.
• Support budgeting, staffing, grant development, and resource allocation while leading operational improvements that strengthen organizational effectiveness.
• Build strong partnerships across departments and represent The Ability Center within the community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in organizational leadership, nonprofit management, disability studies, human services, public administration, social work, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience, including supervising managers or program leaders.
• Understanding of disability inclusion, accessibility, and the principles of Independent Living, or a demonstrated commitment and ability to quickly develop this expertise.
• Demonstrated success leading multiple departments or programs, coaching and supporting leaders, implementing strategic initiatives, and improving organizational performance.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, analytical, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience evaluating operational, financial, and outcome data to support strategic decision-making.

Compensation & Benefits

Commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, the salary range for the position is $97,500 to $125,000 annually. The Ability Center offers a comprehensive benefit package including a 401(k) plan with employer contributions, medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, AD&D, generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Why Join Us?

At The Ability Center, you will help shape the future of programs that empower people with disabilities while supporting the continued growth of our exceptional leadership team and strengthening one of the nation's longest-standing Centers for Independent Living.

The Ability Center is an equal opportunity employer.

We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.