Executive Director

Austin, TX

Knowbility seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for our growing organization. This role requires a charismatic, dynamic leader who can advance our mission while building sustainable organizational capacity. The ideal candidate will have experience in nonprofit management, passion for disability rights and digital accessibility, and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, from the disability advocacy community to funders and corporate partners.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision

  • Develop and implement strategic plans in partnership with the Board of Directors
  • Advance organizational mission and ensure alignment of all activities with core values
  • Identify emerging trends and opportunities in digital accessibility to position the organization as a thought leader
  • Foster an inclusive, disability-affirming organizational culture

External Relations and Advocacy

  • Serve as primary spokesperson and public face of the organization
  • Build strategic partnerships with disability organizations, technology companies, and government agencies
  • Represent the organization at conferences, policy meetings, and community events
  • Lead advocacy efforts on digital accessibility policy and standards

Fundraising and Financial Management

  • Lead comprehensive fundraising strategy including individual donors, foundations, corporate partnerships, and government funding
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors and institutional funders
  • Work with Board Treasurer to oversee annual budget
  • Ensure financial sustainability and growth to support expanding programs

Program Development and Oversight

  • Oversee design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services
  • Ensure programs meet the needs of all stakeholders, including people with disabilities and reflect community input
  • Develop new initiatives that expand organizational impact and reach
  • Maintain quality standards and measure outcomes across all programs

Board Relationship and Governance

  • Serve as main liaison to the Board of Directors; work with the Board to set strategy, policy, and oversight.
  • Prepare materials, reports, and data to inform Board decisions.
  • Ensure good governance practices are followed.

Operations and Team Management

  • Supervise staff and manage organizational operations
  • Coordinate volunteer pool in support of community events and targeted organizational initiatives
  • Curate strategic “bench” of contractors for flex capacity
  • Recruit, develop, and retain talented team members committed to the mission 
  • Implement systems and processes that support organizational efficiency and growth
  • Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and grant requirements

Qualifications

We encourage you to apply even if you may not meet every single requirement listed. We believe that a diverse range of skills and experiences is valuable, and we're interested in meeting passionate candidates

  • Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit organizations
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, including grant writing and donor cultivation
  • Strong understanding of disability rights principles and digital accessibility concepts
  • Experience managing staff and organizational operations
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Proven ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
  • Commitment to inclusive practices and disability justice
  • Personal experience with disability and/or strong connections to the disability community
  • Background in technology, user experience, or digital accessibility implementation
  • Experience with policy advocacy and public speaking
  • Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508, ADA)
  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or related field (preferred)

Skills and Competencies

  • Leadership: Ability to inspire and guide others toward shared goals
  • Strategic Thinking: Capacity to see big picture while managing day-to-day operations
  • Relationship Building: Natural connector who builds trust across diverse communities
  • Communication: Clear, compelling communicator in various formats and settings
  • Adaptability: Comfortable with ambiguity and changing priorities in a small organization
  • Cultural Competence: Understanding of disability culture and intersectional identities

Working Conditions

This position requires occasional evening and weekend work for events and meetings. It is a fully remote staff. Some travel may be required for conferences, partner meetings, and site visits (estimated 15-20% annually). The organization is strongly committed to providing accommodations to ensure accessibility for all employees.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience and nonprofit sector standards
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with organizational contribution
  • Flexible work arrangements and generous PTO policy

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  • Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and relevant qualifications
  • Current resume
  • Links to published writing and/or publicly accessible speaking engagements.
  • Three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning December 1st , 2025. Position will remain open until filled.  We welcome questions about this position or accommodation requests during the application process. 

**Our organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We especially encourage applications from people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who bring diverse perspectives to our work.** 

Applicants must be able to legally work in the US and if offered the position must pass a background check.


Thank you for your interest.