Disability Rights: Strategic Operations Leader

National Disability Rights Network; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) seeks a strategic, collaborative Chief Operating Officer to serve as the chief internal leader and partner to the CEO. The COO will translate priorities into coordinated action, strengthen accountability for results, and align policy, legal, programmatic, and network-support functions to advance disability rights nationwide.

The COO will oversee major grants and contracts, lead four directors, and drive organizational performance while ensuring people

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including leading senior staff and cross-functional operations.
• Proven ability to translate strategic priorities into measurable outcomes and drive execution across multiple functions.
• Significant experience overseeing complex grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other externally funded initiatives.
• Experience managing organizational change and implementing systems to strengthen accountability and performance.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative relationships with executives, boards, funders, coalitions, and external organizations.
• Experience engaging with congressional offices, federal agencies, national coalitions, or high-level stakeholder groups.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, relationship management, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to disability rights and advancing NDRN's mission.

Responsibilities

• Translate organizational priorities into coordinated action and align internal functions accordingly.
• Oversee major grants and contracts and ensure accountability for performance and compliance.
• Lead and develop four directors and strengthen organizational performance.
• Ensure people, systems, and resources are aligned to achieve strategic objectives and mission impact.
• Collaborate with the CEO on external leadership, fundraising, and governance activities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Change management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Advanced degree in policy/public administration/business/nonprofit management/law

Job description

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) seeks a strategic, collaborative Chief Operating Officer to serve as the chief internal leader and partner to the CEO. The COO will translate priorities into coordinated action, strengthen accountability for results, and align policy, legal, programmatic, and network-support functions to advance disability rights nationwide.

The COO will oversee major grants and contracts, lead four directors, and drive organizational performance while ensuring people