As the search continues, we want to share clarifications on key qualification requirements to ensure community leaders and prospective applicants understand how a wide range of experiences may meet the criteria.
NAD’s leadership has always come from many places—state associations, grassroots advocacy, community organizations, and national initiatives. These clarifications are intended to broaden understanding of what qualifies and encourage strong candidates to apply.
Senior Leadership Experience – 10 Years
The requirement for 10 years of senior leadership experience is intentionally broad and may include volunteer leadership roles.
For this search, senior leadership includes roles where you:
- Made strategic decisions
- Led people, teams, or initiatives
- Managed resources or budgets
- Set direction for an organization, program, or movement
National-level titles are not required. Leadership at the local, state, or regional level absolutely qualifies.
Examples may include:
- President of a state Deaf association
- Board chair of a local organization
- Community program director or statewide coordinator
- Advocacy campaign leader (local or statewide)
- Grassroots movement leader
- Founder of a community initiative
Nonprofit Experience – 5 Years
The requirement for 5 years of nonprofit experience includes paid or unpaid involvement with 501(c)(3) organizations.
This may include:
- Board or committee service
- Volunteer leadership or volunteer coordination
- Program development and management
- Fundraising, grant writing, or resource development
Qualifying nonprofit settings may include (but are not limited to):
- Deaf schools and educational programs
- Community service organizations
- Advocacy groups and state associations
- Arts, culture, and sports organizations
- Any charitable organization serving Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing communities
Important note: These experiences can overlap. For example, serving 10 years as president of a state association that is a 501(c)(3) may count toward both the senior leadership and nonprofit experience requirements.
Successful Advocacy at the National Level
“Successful advocacy at the national level” does not mean you must have worked in federal government or held a national job title.
If you have advanced national issues—such as language access, education rights, employment equity, telecommunications access, or civil rights—from a local or state position, that may qualify as national-level impact.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
If you are unsure whether your experience aligns with these requirements, we encourage you to reach out. Community leadership takes many forms, and your background may be exactly what NAD needs in its next CEO.
Contact Innivee Strategies: [email protected]
Learn more and apply: https://inniveestrategies.com/nadceosearch
We appreciate the continued engagement and support from the community as this search moves forward.
