The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) is seeking new members to join its volunteer Board of Directors.
For more than 40 years, DREDF has worked to protect and advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through litigation, policy advocacy, training, and legislative reform. We are a national, cross-disability law and policy center focused on equal access, justice, and full inclusion.
DREDF’s Board helps guide and strengthen our work across the country. Board members help set the organization’s long-term direction, approve the budget and key policies, monitor our impact, and help ensure we have the resources to carry out our mission. They also serve as ambassadors for DREDF, helping raise our profile and build strong partnerships nationwide.
We are looking for people with a deep commitment to the disability movement who will pledge to actively participate in Board and committee meetings, join in fundraising and promoting DREDF’s work across communities, and help DREDF continue expanding civil and human rights protections for people with disabilities.
About the Opportunity:
We are inviting applications from and nominations of individuals who have a demonstrated commitment to disability rights and the principles of disability justice, and who have lived experience with disability, including individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities.
We are especially interested in candidates who bring:
- Financial expertise (e.g., accounting, nonprofit finance, investment oversight, audit experience), and/or
- Fundraising experience or a strong interest in fundraising.
- Expertise in disability law and/or policy at the national or state level.
Prior board experience is welcome but not required. We value a range of leadership pathways and experiences.
Expectations of Board Members:
Board members are expected to:
- Participate in quarterly board meetings and occasional committee meetings
- Engage in strategic oversight and governance
- Commit in meaningful ways to uplifting and supporting DREDF’s work, including through advocacy, relationship-building, fundraising, ambassadorship, or other contributions aligned with their strengths
- Serve as thought partners to staff leadership and fellow board members
- Serve for a term of three years with the option to serve one additional three-year term
We seek individuals who are collaborative, mission-driven, and grounded in equity and justice.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
DREDF values diversity in all its forms and believes strong leadership reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from people of all races, religions, national origins, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, ages, and veterans, as well as individuals from other historically marginalized communities.
How to Express Interest
Interested individuals are invited to submit a brief statement of interest describing their connection to the disability movement, relevant experience, and what they hope to contribute as a board member, along with a resume or link to their LinkedIn page, to BOD@dredf.org by no later than March 31, 2026 for consideration.
Join us in advancing disability rights and building a more just and inclusive society!
