The FL SAND Fellows Leadership Program is an immersive training program for experienced leaders committed to further development of advanced-level problem solving, leadership, and management skills. Fellows’ duties will range from providing training and technical assistance to members of the FL SAND network of local self-advocacy groups to developing and delivering training in self-advocacy-related topics through the Breaking Barriers Training Academy. Fellows will serve for up to one year with the possibility of a one-year extension. The fellowship will be comprised of classroom webinar training, one-on-one training, and on-the-job training via experiential work assignments. The time commitment for fellowships varies but generally ranges between four and eight hours a week.
Applicant Eligibility:
- Be a self-advocate with a developmental disability residing in Florida with a passion for advocacy.
- Have leadership experience in at least two of the following: disability advocacy, disability employment, nonprofit organization/corporate administration, advocacy organization, and/or disability training.
- Have prior training in leadership and advocacy.
- Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Technical skills such as keyboarding or professional writing, video conferencing and familiarity with Microsoft or similar programs (Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
- The ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholder groups such as self-advocates, providers, and legislators.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to produce letters, reports, invoices, and presentations with minimal assistance; conduct internet research; compose email/return email promptly; meet deadlines; and give presentations with minimal assistance.
- Ability to take direction; accept and embrace constructive criticism; embrace the philosophy of being a lifelong learner and continuous process improvement; take initiative and complete assignments without repeated reminders; and be able to work collaboratively with providers and other self-advocates.
- Commit to attend offsite training 1-2 times per year (expenses will be paid) within the state and attend regular virtual training sessions.
- Additional requirements specific to Fellowship position applied for.
Compensation Fellows will be paid throughout the contracted time of the Fellowship based upon the number of hours expected to satisfy the Fellowship.
Application and Selection Process
All applicants must complete this application and submit an updated resume. Some applicants may be asked to submit writing samples. Virtual interviews with high scoring applicants will be conducted.
As this program is funded by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council via its contractor, OMS, representatives from the FDDC and OMS will direct the process for selecting Fellows.
Training Areas
Fellows will receive training and work assignments in some or all of the following areas:
- General nonprofit management
- Administrative duties
- Volunteer management: Assisting with local group connections (helping members get positions on boards, recruiting allies, acquiring speaking and training engagements, etc.).
- Local group management and support: helping new groups get started, mentoring emerging leaders, etc.
- Board support: mentoring emerging leaders, board officer and member training
- FL SAND Breaking Barriers Training Academy (BBTA) development:
- Presentation and training skills
- Training trainers for and delivering the Route to Self-Determination training
- Helping to develop and deliver training to the FL SAND Board of Directors and membership
- Helping to develop and deliv
