Mo P&A Executive Director

Reports to: Mo P&A Board of Directors, through the Board Chairperson

Location: Jefferson City, Missouri

Organization: Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services (Mo P&A) is the federally designated Protection and Advocacy system for the State of Missouri and a member of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). Mo P&A is seeking an experienced disability rights leader to lead this private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) law firm and advocacy organization as it works for an integrated and just society by advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout Missouri. For nearly 50 years (2027 will mark the half century), Mo P&A has provided information and referral, individual case advocacy, systemic advocacy, self-advocacy assistance, technical assistance and training to advance the rights of Missourians with disabilities in the areas of education, voting, housing, employment, guardianship, and public benefits.

Position Summary

The Executive Director is Mo P&A’s highest-ranking employee and serves as the organization’s primary internal and external leader. The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Directors for overseeing, managing and implementing all program services consistent with Board-approved policy, and for ensuring Mo P&A’s continued achievement of its mission, goals and financial sustainability. The new Executive Director will have the opportunity to lead and strengthen Mo P&A’s team with a positive, results-oriented style that inspires all staff and broadens the circles of support for Mo P&A’s work. This is a non-remote in-office position.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Systems Advocacy Leadership

 Serve as Mo P&A’s primary spokesperson and public face across Missouri’s disability community, media, government officials and partner organizations.

 Manage systemic and individual advocacy priorities, ensuring Mo P&A fully exercises its federal P&A authority to investigate abuse/neglect and pursue legal, administrative and other remedies.

 Develop and present annual goals, priorities and strategic objectives for Board approval, consistent with the organization’s federally mandated mission areas (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI), Protection and Advocacy for individuals with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) and related programs).

 Ensure that Mo P&A is effective in pursuing Board-approved goals and objectives to achieve improvements in service systems and rights protection for affected persons with disabilities.

 Preserve and expand the capacity of Mo P&A to meet its overall mission, assuring quality of services.

 Focus resources on implementation of program objectives and monitor their performance.

 Ensure that agency services are effective and accountable, that management information systems capture all data needed for quarterly and annual reporting, and that all required reports are completed and submitted.

Board Governance & Relations

 Maintain regular, transparent communication with the Board Chairperson and full Board; support Board Committees and governance processes.

 Report on organizational performance, legal/systemic advocacy outcomes, financial status and compliance to the Board on a regular basis.

 Ensure that Board decisions or directives are appropriately carried out. Financial & Organizational Management

 Develop, propose and manage the annual operating budget; oversee all fiscal operations, grant/contract compliance and reporting to federal funders.

 Ensure completion and timely submission of all federally required reports and site-visit preparations.

 Explore and diversify funding streams, including grants, foundation support and individual contributions

 Ensure that agency operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations Staff Leadership & Human Resources

 Recruit, supervise and develop a diverse, qualified staff of attorneys, advocates and administrative personnel; foster an inclusive, mission-driven workplace culture.

 Develops, monitors, presents for board approval, and implements policies and procedures appropriate to the operations of the agency.

 Ensure organizational personnel policies and procedures comply with all applicable state and federal employment laws and regulations, and ensure staff compliance with policies and procedures.

 Serves as the final authority for employee relations and personnel matters; has ultimate authority for all hire/fire decisions, compensation and disciplinary actions.

External Relations & Policy

 Build and steward relationships with state agencies, legislators, disability community organizations, self-advocates and coalition partners, providing training and technical assistance as needed.

 Represent Mo P&A before legislative committees, regulatory bodies and public forums on disability policy issues affecting Missouri.

 Collaborate with NDRN and other state P&A agencies to share best practices and coordinate cross-state initiatives.

 Develop and maintain a positive agency image and positive relations between agency and key patrons, vendor and partners.

Minimum Qualifications

 Demonstrated commitment to disability rights values: self-determination, community integration and equal access.

 Minimum 5 years of senior executive/leadership experience in a nonprofit, legal services or disability advocacy organization; P&A/civil rights law experience strongly preferred.

 Experience working with persons with disabilities and from multicultural communities.

 Demonstrated financial management experience, including budgets of $2.5M+ and grant contract compliance processes.

 Juris Doctor or legal background a plus but not required if paired with strong nonprofit executive experience and a strong understanding of disability law, civil rights law and/or public policy processes.

 Demonstrated understanding of legislative and executive-level public policy issues and procedures.

 Successful track record supervising multidisciplinary staff (such as attorneys, advocates, administrative personnel).

 Excellent written/verbal communication and public representation skills; comfortable as the public face of an advocacy organization.

 Experience working effectively with multiple organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives, the public, elected and appointed officials, clients and recipients of services.

 Ability to pass required background/security clearances per federal grantor requirements.

 Willingness to travel throughout Missouri.

Desirable Qualifications

 Advanced degree (JD, MPA, MNA, or related field).

 Familiarity with Missouri’s disability community and organizations

 Experience with federal P&A/NDRN grant structures and reporting requirements.

 Prior fundraising or revenue diversification experience.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Serious candidates should submit applications as soon as possible, but no later than November 15, 2026. Applications should contain a current resume and a thoughtful cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the Executive Director position.

Applications should be submitted by email to Nicole Schulte (Nicole.schulte@mo-pa.org) or to the Board of Directors (BOD@mo-pa.org) and should include “Mo P&A Executive Director Search” in the subject line. Only a select number of highly qualified professionals will be invited to participate in the formal interview process. This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout all phases. Materials should be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Salary range will be determined by Mo P&A’s Board of Directors depending on experience and special skills. Mo P&A values diversity of culture, personal experience with disabilities, and other life experiences. Mo P&A is an equal opportunity employer by choice. We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities and minorities to apply.

Mo P&A also offers a very generous benefits package which includes:

 11 Federal holidays

 3 Floating holidays

 Paid personal leave

 Paid vacation leave

 Paid sick leave

 Long-term disability

 Dental insurance

 Health insurance

 Life insurance

 SEP Retirement

 Vision insurance