Executive Director

**Job Summary**:
The Executive Director defines and operates the overall strategy and operations of DSA's staff, programs, budget review, expansion and execution of its mission / vision and strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.

The incumbent is expected to work from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. He/she is largely expected to work in an office environment, although he/she may also be required to travel out of the office for meetings or events

**Duties and responsibility**:

- To execute leadership and governance in all administrative, professional, operational, human resources, corporate and financial functions, including periodical review of the strategic plan and yearly budget.
- To head the Association and to plan, direct, control and coordinate its current and future activities and programs, within the policy guidelines of the Board of Management.
- To develop, maintain and implement effective systems for the Association's operations and office and staff administration. To provide leadership, guidance and training to all staff of the Association.
- To attend and record minutes at monthly Board of Management meetings and other committee meetings when necessary.
- To develop and execute strategic programs and initiatives to empower the growth of persons with Down syndrome, their families through partnership with the community and private sector.
- To be creative and innovative in handling changes to its strategies and services/programmes.
- To be able to re-pivot DSA to the likely and progressive opening of its programs and services to non-Down syndrome clients.
- To be dynamic and be able to chart DSA on a new course to meet the needs of its beneficiaries.
- To oversee all administrative and operational components of the Programs and Business Development, the Education and Support Services, including Resource and Information Centre and Family Support Services. This also includes management and supervision of staff, teaching and training strategies, programs and curriculum development, funding, and resource allocation.
- To initiate and administer with the team the development of enterprises to enhance the social and economic potential of both persons with Down syndrome and the organization
- To develop together with team members professional services, programs, and resources, including advocacy and support services for the holistic needs of persons with Down syndrome and their families.
- To report to the Chairman/Honorary Secretary on the Management of the Association.
- To coordinate the working of the Association's annual budget, ensure proper budgetary control and working together and assist the Honorary Treasurer and Committee Chairs in maintaining the expenditure within the budget.
- To develop, maintain and implement together with relevant team members effective systems pertaining to Referrals, Inquiries. Family Support Services (New Parent Support Group, Young parents, Matured Parents, Siblings Group, Youth Down syndrome Group etc.)
- To develop, maintain and implement together with relevant team members effective systems for Membership database, Sponsor’s and donor’s database, Volunteer Management and Coordination, Resource Centre, Toy Library, etc.
- To initiate, manage and coordinate the publicity, public relations and public education and awareness programs of the Association.
- To act as the Secretariat and provide administrative support for the various projects, activities and sub-committees of the Association.
- To represent and uphold the Association in its dealings and liaison with NCSS, Government Departments, External local and international Agencies and the Media.
- To pro-actively consult the Chairman, Honorary Secretary or the Board of Management on policies issues.
- To attend relevant seminars/workshops to keep abreast with happenings in the Social Service sector.
- To perform any other duties assigned by the Chairman, Honorary Secretary or the Board of Management.

**Experience**:
At least 5 years of experience working with people with special needs or Down Syndrome

**Qualifications**:
Degree in Special Education, Disability Studies, Psychology, or General Education

**Other Requirements**:

- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Team leader with strategic and decision-making abilities
- Desire to constantly learn and self-improve to better the Association