The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Board, in partnership with Innivee Strategies, announces that applications are now open for the position of Chief Executive Officer. This marks a significant milestone in NAD’s 145-year legacy of preserving, protecting, and promoting the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States and its territories.
Seeking a Transformational Leader
NAD is seeking a visionary communicator and movement leader who will advance the organization’s mission while rebuilding community trust through authenticity, accountability, and consistent follow-through on commitments. The ideal candidate will honor NAD’s distinguished legacy while boldly shaping its future.
The next CEO will bring:
- Distinguished nonprofit leadership expertise
- Financial acumen and proven fundraising excellence
- Deep cultural competency and genuine relationships throughout the diverse deaf community
- Ability to work collaboratively with state associations and organizational affiliates
- Commitment to driving systemic change and cultivating emerging leaders
- Dedication to ensuring every deaf and hard of hearing person experiences genuine belonging, empowerment, and opportunity
Community-Centered Search Process
NAD serves a diverse community spanning native ASL users to individuals who became deaf or hard of hearing later in life, across all ages, locations, communication preferences, and intersecting identities. The search process has been deliberately designed to center community voice and values.
The Board engaged the community through:
- Comprehensive surveys gathering input on desired qualities in the next Chief Executive Officer
- Focus groups with community members, NAD staff, and board members
- Development of a leadership profile informed directly by community feedback
“We want to express our deep gratitude to everyone who participated in the data collection process,” said the NAD Board. “Your perspectives, priorities, and insights shaped this search from the beginning. We have compiled a comprehensive prospectus that truly reflects what our community wants and needs in our next leader.”
Commitment to Accountability and Engagement
The NAD Board recognizes that selecting the right Chief Executive Officer is one of the most important decisions for the organization’s future success and sustainability. Building trust with the community has been essential to the search process, and the Board is committed to an open and collaborative approach that includes diverse perspectives from NAD’s membership and the broader community.
“Our community has been waiting patiently for updates, and you deserve a search process that values openness and strong community involvement,” the Board noted. “We are fully committed to ensuring you receive regular information and timely updates on our progress—the strength of NAD depends on continued community engagement.”
How to Apply
NAD encourages anyone who is passionate about deaf and hard of hearing communities and invested in the organization’s mission to apply. Full details, the community-informed prospectus, and application information are available at https://inniveestrategies.com/job-opportunity/nad-chief-executive-officer-ceo/
Community members are encouraged to share this announcement widely to help identify the right leader for NAD’s next chapter.
About the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Founded in 1880, the National Association of the Deaf is the nation’s premier civil rights organization for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. NAD advocates for equal access, sign language rights, education, employment, technology, and full inclusion in society. Learn more at www.nad.org.
About Innivee Strategies, Inc.
Innivee Strategies is a Deaf-led consulting firm partnering with organizations to align leadership, governance, and strategy with community values and long-term vision. Our services include executive search and transition, organizational assessment, strategic planning, leadership development, and guided facilitation. Learn more at www.inniveestrategies.com.
