Dragonfly Central

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find a Senior Vice President
of External Relations. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished leader to partner with the
President & CEO in all aspects of External Relations for The Arc’s enterprise. We seek a strategic
individual to serve as the Senior Vice President. This position requires a candidate who possesses
critical thinking and relationship building skills, and balances big-picture vision with detail.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Enterprise

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) began in 1961, founded by a group of parents who wanted
equity, access, and opportunity for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At
our core, The Arc believes that people with IDD deserve the same opportunities for self-determination and
self-advocacy as any other community member. The Arc’s growth over the last six decades has been in
response to community-identified needs. We are providing – and often creating – the services that people
tell us they need to live the life they choose for themselves.

Today, The Arc supports more than 3,000 people with IDD and their families throughout Maryland,
providing comprehensive programs and services that support the full spectrum of a person’s life, from birth
through retirement, and all the joys and opportunities in between. All our programs and services are
designed to empower and support people with IDD and provide greater self-determination in how they live,
work, and connect with their communities.

The Arc’s Core Values are evident in all aspects of our programs and services. These values are:

• We embrace individuality – We see the whole person, celebrate our differences, and offer the
  people we serve, and our team, opportunities tailored to them.
• We are heart-driven – Every interaction matters to us; we go the extra mile to care for the people
  we serve and our team.
• We take strategic risks – Fueled by the urgency of our mission, we continually push for better and
  more innovative approaches.
• We are action-oriented – We are creative, resourceful, and have a “get it done” approach to
  overcoming challenges.
• We promote equity and respect – We value the different identities and experiences of the people
  and communities we work with, and we build respectful relationships to meet them where they
  are.

The Arc partnered with employees from across the organization and within the community to develop the value statements above, that reflect who we are as an organization and how we approach our work.

The Arc welcomes employees of diverse backgrounds, striving to create a workplace where all feel valued for their contributions. We’ve incorporated DEI into every practice and policy. It’s more than mandatory employee training—it’s at the very root of our organizational culture. How power is distributed, who contributes to decision-making, the distribution of workloads, and the representation of diversity across the organization are all factors in how The Arc’s leadership team guides the organization.

The Arc is constantly finding new ways to invest in its employees’ personal and professional success, to create an environment where people can be their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging.

About The Arc’s subsidiaries:

What’s unique about The Arc is our focus on innovation, commitment to community-based services, and tremendous growth. The Arc is an entrepreneurial organization, and strongly values innovation informed by community needs. It is the driving force behind the growth of The Arc and the development of new programs, services, and subsidiaries throughout our history.

The Arc’s work providing quality, safe, affordable housing for people with IDD led The Arc to understand the greater community’s need for affordable and accessible housing. Recognizing this need for affordable housing throughout Maryland, The Arc founded Chesapeake Neighbors in 2007 as a nonprofit subsidiary dedicated to the development and management of affordable housing for all. Today, Chesapeake Neighbors owns and operates 70 units throughout Maryland.

Additionally, in 2021, The Arc founded Chesapeake Community Development, a Community Development Corporation (CDC), to serve as our acquisition and development arm. Under this model, Chesapeake Community Development purchases properties and stewards projects through development, while Chesapeake Neighbors provides ongoing leasing, management, and maintenance services throughout the life of the property.

For more information about The Arc, see www.thearcccr.org. For more information about Chesapeake Neighbors, see www.chesapeakeneighbors.org.

The Position

The SVP of External Relations partners with the President & CEO and provides leadership over all aspects of External Relations, including development, strategic communications, government relations, and engagement. Working with executive leadership, the SVP of External Relations will strengthen relationships with all constituency groups of The Arc and its subsidiaries to foster strategic growth and partnerships. The SVP of External Relations will support the development of diverse revenue streams through traditional and nontraditional development strategies. The SVP of External Relations will be a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Roles and Responsibilities

The SVP of External Relations will provide strategy and focus for the External Relations team, and lead key growth initiatives aligned to strategic priorities. The SVP will also:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive and integrated External Relations strategy.
• Provide effective and inspiring leadership in the areas of Development, Government Relations,
  Strategic Communications, and Community Engagement.
• Promote dynamic collaboration across the External Relations team; strengthen the alignment of
  goals and roles, foster open communication, and deepen a culture of accountability.
• Represent and lead The Arc and its subsidiaries’ public profile, enhancing the organization’s
  visibility and influencing public opinion.
• With the President & CEO, provide counsel to support the growth and development of the Board
  of Directors across all lines of service and relevant committees.
• Ensure the continued financial viability of The Arc and its subsidiaries through growth initiatives,
  philanthropy, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead a high-performing team of department heads and managers; Manage and coach assigned
  employees and consultants.

Other functions of the SVP include:

• Act on behalf of the President & CEO in their absence and/or as assigned.
• When requested, conduct research and prepare speeches, presentations, and talking points for
  the President & CEO on an array of topics and for a breadth of constituencies.
• Facilitate special projects by conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, drafting reports,
  and preparing presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Attributes

• Five or more years of senior-level development, external affairs, marketing, and/or
  communications leadership with a track record of success and progressively responsible
  experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; Masters’ degree in business, public policy, or related field preferred
• Ability to translate high-level strategy into tactical implementation in the areas of public affairs,
  marketing, communications, and development
• Proven experience in setting a vision for communications that extends beyond traditional one-way
  media relations, encompassing the key roles that leadership and stakeholder development play in
  supporting an organization’s mission and initiatives
• Ability to build coalitions and invest constituents utilizing exceptional political acumen
• Experience navigating the workings of news media (print, broadcast, and online in national and
  local markets)
• Demonstrated ability to analyze program, policy, and advocacy issues and communicate findings
  and recommendations to a variety of audiences
• Experience working across cultural, geographic, and organizational lines to align work, solve
  problems, and achieve goals
• Excellent oral and written communication; strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage
  positive communication
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook; and knowledge of outcome systems required

In addition to a competitive base salary of $170,000, The Arc also provides a comprehensive benefits
package which includes a company vehicle, access to robust health, vision, and dental insurance; EAP;
FSA; Basic Life Insurance and AD&D coverage; STD and LTD; 403(b) with up to 4% employer match;
unlimited PTO, as well as 12 paid annual holidays per year. Typical work schedule is Monday through
Friday during The Arc office hours, with frequent night and occasional weekend meetings or events. This
position is eligible for periodic telework.

Application Process
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find the best candidate for
the Senior Vice President position. To apply, email a cover letter that details your fit with the position’s
requirements and a chronological resume to TheArcSVP@dragonflycentral.org.
For all other inquiries, contact Ginna Goodenow at ginna@dragonflycentral.org.

The Arc is an equal opportunity employer. The Arc provides equal opportunity to all qualified
candidates without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex/gender, national origin, age,
marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic
information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The Arc Central
Chesapeake Region is proud of its commitment to and celebration of diversity, equity, and
inclusion (DEI) throughout all aspects of its operations, vision, mission, and leadership.

National Children’s Center is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find a highly qualified Executive
Director of Community Support Services. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader who can
lead change and growth for the Community Supports Services program.

National Children’s Center’s mission is to enhance the lives of people of all ages, diverse backgrounds,
and differing abilities through inclusive opportunities. We seek a strategic leader with significant contract
management experience to support Self-Directed Services. This position requires a candidate who is
innovative and transformative.

The Organization

National Children’s Center (NCC), Inc., is one of the largest non-governmental providers of services to
infants, children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Washington, D.C.
metropolitan area. National Children’s Center was founded in 1958 and serves hundreds of children
and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – including people who have cerebral palsy,
autism, and Down’s syndrome through early childhood education and early intervention, school
programs, community residences and supports, day services and supports including individualized day
supports, work readiness training, supported employment, and vocational training.
For more information about NCC, see nccinc.org .

The Position

The Executive Director of Community Support Services will enhance National Children’s Center’s
(NCC’s) innovative capabilities within Community Support Services (CSS) programs. The Executive
Director, in partnership with the leadership team, will work to identify key areas for opportunities,
transformation, and leading innovative changes, including creating new services. These programs and
services will strategically align with current and future community needs, and include investigating
opportunities for technology infusion. The Executive Director has the opportunity to apply knowledge and
resources in a fresh way to enhance service opportunities and offerings that are designed to reach new
groups within the disability population. They will align transformative goals with the company’s broader
business plan, mission, and vision. This role will also provide oversight and guidance regarding existing
quality, compliance, and programs for the CSS leadership team. This position is a part of the Senior
Leadership team for NCC.

The ideal candidate will be creative, with the willingness and bravery to try strategies that are unique or
nontraditional. Proven success with the creation or transformation of new or existing programs which
have resulted in the sustainability and competitiveness of an organization is required, as is being detail-oriented and a critical thinker and listener.

Roles and Responsibilities
The Executive Director of Community Support Services reports to the CEO. The Executive Director is
expected to develop and execute a strategic plan for business growth, and will:

• Serve as a representative of the agency to the people we serve, our community partners and
  external stakeholders.
• Research, identify, prioritize, and respond to new business opportunities.
• Design new services that enhance and extend individual and family experiences while creating
  new opportunities for revenue and program sustainability.
• In conjunction with the Innovation Strategist and CSS Director, develop staffing structure to
  recruit and retain culturally and linguistically diverse staff representative of the cultural and
  linguistic diversity of the District of Columbia and Maryland.
• Contribute to the identification and development of strengths within team members.
• Gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative data and measurements for decision-making.
• Create networks to build business partners. Enhance and utilize new and existing business
  partnerships to support programmatic growth of NCC support services.
• Participate in conferences, meetings and events to develop relationships and increase NCC’s
  visibility.
• Be a positive role model for other employees. Responsible for leading Director-level leadership of
  the CSS Division of NCC.
• Develop written policies and procedures
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills/abilities.
• Be willing to travel locally for work, and perform other duties as required or assigned.

Experience and Attributes

• 8+ years of executive leadership experience in the nonprofit services sector with an emphasis
  that includes business relationship building, program development and delivery
• A growth mindset with experience in business and service model design, analysis, and
  implementation
• A passion and interest in creating a variety of offerings in the human services realm, including
  wraparound services that support clients and their communities
• Boots on the ground experience with strategic planning expertise that accounts for change
  management, organizational growth, programmatic planning, and the analytical thinking to
  implement and evaluate the plan as needed
• A passionate and inspiring leader invested in the professional and personal development of team
  members
• Lived professional experience with programs, services, and compliance with regards to IDD
  services and program supports
• Knowledge of, and interaction with the Developmental Disabilities Administration; familiarity with
  services in the DMV a plus
• Exceptional ability to communicate, engage and present information to a wide variety of diverse
  audiences
• Serve as a creative team member who will brainstorm, make suggestions and demonstrate the
  ability to implement strategies that will enhance services
• A leader with high emotional intelligence, who interacts through a lens of understanding,
  patience, and flexibility
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to think through and propose solutions to complex problems
• 5+ years of experience managing complex budgets with multiple funding streams, including
  experience tracking and analyzing data for program services in an ongoing basis
• Must have experience with the Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with an HRIS-type system
• Familiarity with ASL interpretation a plus
• Project Management certification (PMP) is desirable
• A Bachelor’s degree in a human services field is required, Master’s degree is a plus
  The salary for this position is $140K – $145K per year. NCC offers a competitive benefits package and a
  hybrid work environment. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday during NCC’s office hours
  with occasional night and weekend meetings or events. Successful candidates must possess a driver’s
  license and reliable transportation. A satisfactory background check and motor vehicle check is required
  before being hired.

Application Process
National Children’s Center is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find the ideal candidate for the
Executive Director position. To apply, email a cover letter that details your fit with the position’s
requirements and a chronological resume to NCC@dragonflycentral.org .
For all other inquiries, contact Ginna Goodenow at ginna@dragonflycentral.org .

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. NCC provides equal opportunity to all qualified candidates
without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital status,
military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or
any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) seeks an exceptional executive to lead this dynamic association of over 2500 public safety cyclists. We provide standardized, specialized training to public safety personnel throughout the United States and Canada.

The Organization

The IPMBA was founded in 1992 by a group of police officers who recognized that, as the mountain bike began to be used as a patrol vehicle, there was a need for standardized, specialized training.  By adapting a civilian cycling program, the founders created a program that combined vehicular cycling, bike-handling skills, and public safety-specific tactics and techniques. The success of early bike patrol units inspired many other public safety agencies, including those not involved with law enforcement, to incorporate  bicycle units within their standard operations. Today, we provide training programs and resources designed to meet the evolving requirements of public safety personnel who operate bicycles in the line of duty. Over 75,000 cyclists have participated in IPMBA training.

Our membership is comprised of approximately 2500 public safety cyclists, the majority of whom have completed the IPMBA Police, EMS, or Security Cyclist Course. This core training is delivered by a network of approximately 700 active instructors in the United States and Canada. Our revenue is generated through membership and certification fees, conferences, and regional trainings. We are governed by a nine-member, volunteer Board of Directors and currently have one full-time staff person, our Executive Director. Our mission is to promote the use of bikes for public safety, provide resources and networking opportunities, and offer the best, most complete training for public safety cyclists. Our vision is that by continuing to develop comprehensive training programs, strengthening the instructor network, and embracing new technologies, IPMBA will continue to be the premier public safety cycling training organization and strive to incorporate the bicycle as an integral part of public safety service delivery. For more information, see IPMBA.org.

The Position

As we continue to evolve, we are seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead our organization. Our current executive is leaving after more than 20 years in the position. Our next executive will assume leadership at a pivotal time in the field of public safety cycling and will expand the organization’s training and development programs, increase the membership, oversee a technological transformation, and promote positive community relations. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer, whose responsibilities include: organizational leadership, program and event management, resource and curriculum development, external and internal communications, marketing and public relations, fiscal oversight, management of staff and volunteers, and support for the Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities

The executive will be responsible for all key leadership functions such as:

• Strategic Planning – Support the Board through a comprehensive and ongoing strategic planning process. Develop and manage partnerships and programs in support of the strategic plan.
• Governance – Strengthen Board policies and procedures, introduce Board development opportunities, establish a deliberate approach to Board member recruitment, and build a strong and functional committee system.
• Technological transformation – Oversee upgrades to hardware and software systems including migration to an association/learning management system and upgrading the organization’s website.
• Operations and Human Resources – Manageall aspects of the organization’s operations including database management, calendar management, client and member relations, and HR functions.
• Program & Project Management – Support the development and maintenance of training programs, curriculum projects, position statements, and resource materials.
• Event Planning – Oversee the planning and implementation of conferences and regional training events, both to ensure access to training opportunities and as sources of revenue.
• Marketing & Communications – Manage marketing and public relations, website content, social media, member communications (print and electronic), and vendor relationships.
• Membership Development – Analyze membership patterns, conduct needs assessments, and support the Board in implementing ways to attract and retain members and contribute to their professional development.
• Resource Development – Diversify revenue streams through sources of non-dues revenue, including investments, sponsorships, advertising opportunities, credentialing, donations, and maintaining partner/vendor relationships. Fundraising experience is a plus.
• Staffing & Outsourcing – Identify functions best performed by staff and those that can be outsourced in order to build and develop an effective team. Recruit, train, and retain team members and establish positive working relationships with consultants and service providers. 

Experience and Attributes

Our new executive will be a strategic and visionary thinker who will bring the following qualifications:

• Prior nonprofit executive experience
• A collaborative leader who has strong association management skills
• A highly resourceful person with a keen eye for detail
• Strong writing skills
• Experience developing and implementing a strategic plan
• Capable of leading a technological transformation
• Familiarity with cycling, adult learning, and the public safety sector
• Experience with credentialing, including aspects of training and development

The annual compensation for this position is $90K – $100K, commensurate with experience. Benefits are negotiable. IPMBA is headquartered in the Baltimore area and currently maintains a small office space, though we are open to the possibility of offering remote work.

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter explaining why you are a great fit for this position, and your chronological resume to IPMBA@dragonflycentral.org . IPMBA is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find our next Executive Director. For all other inquiries, please contact Ginna Goodenow at Ginna@gradonflycentral.org.

IPMBA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Dragonfly Central, Inc. (DCI) is thrilled to announce Montgomery County Food Council’s next Executive Director, Nanya Chiejine!  We were humbled to partner with the leadership at the council and are very excited to see Nanya step into this role on February 1st, 2024.  

Prior to this role, Nanya served as Director for Well Connected Communities at National 4-H Council, and has over 13 years of experience in public health practice with a strong background in program evaluation, research, and public policy. She has worked with state agencies, academic institutions, and non-profits to implement and evaluate health programs and initiatives focused on improving health care delivery, reducing health inequities and addressing social determinants of health. She brings a robust experience in public health leadership, implementation of policies to reduce health disparities and translation of data into policy formulation and systems change.

Nanya comes from National 4-H Council as Director for Well Connected Communities where she is building the capacity of Cooperative Extension to implement policy, systems and environment changes that reduce food insecurity across 50 communities nationwide. She leads 23 land grant universities (LGUs) to implement Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being through evidence-based strategies interventions that improve health and well-being through community engagement and multi-sector partnerships.

Nanya previously served as Associate Director at Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development where she led quality improvement initiatives for the Government of the District of Columbia Developmental Disabilities Administration to improve workforce development and health care delivery to DC residents with intellectual and development disabilities. Prior to that role, served at the Michigan Department of Community Health, where she led a state-wide program for children with special needs. Her passion for reducing health disparities has had her engaged in global health, where she worked with an international NGO to evaluate the impact of interventions designed to eliminate infectious diseases in Northern Nigeria.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental Health from the University of Michigan. She is currently a Bloomberg Scholar in Food Systems at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Nanya resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.

Dragonfly Central, Inc is thrilled to announce DC Villages’ Inaugural Executive Director,  Dr. Katrina Polk! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at the collaborative and are very excited to see Katrina step into this role this month.

Dr. Katt, as she is known, has spent the past two decades working on issues at the heart of aging in the community. She earned her doctorate in public policy and administration from Walden University and holds multiple certificates and credentials in project management, aging and wellness, and gerontology. In her new role, Dr. Katt will lead collaborative efforts among the 13 DC Villages, working closely with leaders of existing Villages and exploring expansion of the Village concept into underserved areas of the city.

Professionally, Dr. Katt has led public and private-sector organizations focused on serving older adults, including developing programs for aging in community at the Community Preservation and Development Corp.; building strategic alliances for affordable housing at Enterprise Community Partners; and, most recently, overseeing community and aging services for the city of District Heights in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Dr. Katt also founded Dynamic Solutions for the Aging, a social enterprise firm focused on solutions for the health and housing industries, with a focus on aging and community development. She was appointed co-chair of the Housing Domain for Age-Friendly DC and sits on the AARP DC Executive Council.

“Since early 2000, I have studied, co-designed, and co-led community-driven service networks, from Philadelphia to Virginia’s Tidewater region. The Village model is highly flexible and well-suited to the delivery of services and connections that people benefit from as they age in their community,” said Polk. “I am excited by the work the District’s Villages have achieved over the years, and I look forward to supporting their collaborative work transforming aging in the city.”