ABILITY NOW BAY AREA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 
 

THIS POSITION IS PRIMARILY ONSITE IN OAKLAND, CA. FLEXIBILITY FOR SOME REMOTE WORK MAY BE CONSIDERED.

ABOUT ABILITY NOW BAY AREA

Founded in 1939, Ability Now Bay Area (ANBA) empowers individuals with significant physical and developmental disabilities through self-directed services that foster independence, growth, and community engagement. The organization offers adult education, small business development, technology access and training, wellness programs, writing workshops, and community integration services—delivered in-person, online, and hybrid formats.

With a $3 million annual budget, a committed 12-member board, and a talented team of over 30 staff, ANBA is headquartered on a three-acre Oakland campus where significant renovations and upgrades have recently been completed. The Mary Valle Foundation provides over 25% of its funding, with the remainder coming from government grants, service fees, and private contributions.

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Salary: $175,000 – $195,000 annually
Benefits: Competitive package including health, retirement, and paid leave
Remote Work: Primarily onsite; flexibility for some remote work may be considered

YOU ARE

  • A mission-driven leader with deep expertise in disability rights, person-centered care, and independent living, bringing authenticity and steadiness during times of change.

  • An experienced executive with a track record of operational excellence, sustainable program growth, and transparent, approachable leadership.

  • A relationship builder and strategic advocate who expands funding, raises organizational visibility, and builds consensus with clarity and compassion.

  • Someone who leads with innovation, joy, and inspiration—fostering a fun, inclusive culture where people feel seen, heard, and motivated to contribute their best.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ability Now Bay Area seeks a compassionate and strategic Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of service, innovation, and growth. This individual will build on ANBA’s legacy while evolving programs, strengthening financial sustainability, and enhancing advocacy efforts for participants and their families.

The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in nonprofit management, operations, service delivery, and fundraising. They will be an effective advocate and collaborator, able to engage local and state agencies, navigate complex funding structures, and motivate a diverse and dedicated staff.

For more information, please visit www.abilitynowbayarea.org.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for leading all staff, overseeing organizational strategy, and ensuring alignment between programs, mission, and financial sustainability.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Vision

  • Advance ANBA’s mission with strategic planning and operational execution.

  • Evolve and expand programs to meet emerging needs while maintaining core participant-directed services.

  • Serve as a visible and passionate advocate for disability rights in Oakland, State of California, and beyond.

Organizational Management

  • Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and service excellence.

  • Collaborate with the Director of Finance, Director of Operations, and Director of Programs to maintain fiscal health and sustainability.

  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable organizational culture.

Board & Governance

  • Maintain strong and transparent communication with the Board of Directors.

  • Support board development, recruitment, and strategic engagement.

  • Collaborate with the board to prepare new sources of information and data designed to support new ventures or partnerships leading to growth.

External Relations & Fund Development

  • Cultivate relationships with funders, government agencies, and partner organizations.

  • Secure and diversify revenue streams through grants, contracts, and philanthropy.

  • Expand ANBA’s visibility and impact across the Bay Area.

COMPETENCIES

Required

  • Proven leadership experience in the nonprofit, public, or health and human services sectors.

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising and financial oversight.

  • Knowledge of disability services, policy, and advocacy frameworks.

  • Strong communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.

  • Capacity to lead multicultural teams and work across diverse communities.

  • Demonstrated experience in board development and governance, including recruiting, cultivating, and retaining diverse board members, as well as leading board succession planning efforts.

Preferred

  • Familiarity with California social service ecosystems and disability policies.

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field.

EQUITY STATEMENT

Ability Now Bay Area is committed to building an inclusive and equitable organization. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds and encourage individuals from underrepresented communities to apply. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

TO APPLY

For more information or to apply for the Executive Director position, please upload your resume and cover letter here.

All applications will be kept confidential, and every applicant will receive a response.

Ability Now Bay Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer.