Board Member

About the Disability Rights Fund

The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) is a global organization that provides grants, advocacy, and technical support to organizations run by people with disabilities in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean, helping them fight for equal rights and inclusion. People with disabilities are at the heart of the decision-making at every level of the organization, reflecting their core belief that those most affected should lead the charge. DRF is the only global funder focused exclusively on disability rights, working to shift the conversation from seeing disability as a charity issue to recognizing it as a matter of human rights

Since 2008, we have awarded $60.8 million to 636 organizations across 62 countries in Africa, Asia, Haiti, and the Pacific Island countries.

By the numbers:

• 7500+ activists trained through peer and collective learning
• 379 inclusive laws, policies and programs advanced
• 100+ UN Reports submitted to multilateral bodies

Why DRF, Why now? Our approach positions local organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) as the leaders, with DRF serving as a partner to propel community-based solutions. A majority of DRF's staff are persons with disabilities, women, and rooted in the communities we serve.

DRF strengthens disability rights in Sub-Saharan Africa, South and South-East Asia, Haiti, and the Pacific Island Countries through participatory grantmaking, peer learning, and inclusive advocacy.

Learn more at disabilityrightsfund.org

Our Mission & Vision

Mission: We support disability rights movements to unleash their power and celebrate diversity.

Vision: Disability rights for everyone, everywhere.

Our Values

• We celebrate human diversity and disability pride.

• We value the participation, access, and inclusion of all persons with disabilities.

• We embrace learning from success and failure as a powerful means of transformation.

• We bring an intersectional feminist approach to our work.

• We base our relationships on collaboration, solidarity, interdependence, joy, and accountability.

Board Membership

DRF's Board of Directors holds primary responsibility for ensuring the organization fulfills its legal and other obligations. The Board protects organizational assets, provides strategic direction, and ensures respectful and inclusive behavior in all interactions.

In accordance with our bylaws, the Board includes at least 50% persons with disabilities and represents regions and countries where DRF operates.

Time Commitment

Board Meetings: 4–6 virtual meetings per year (2 hours each), plus one annual in-person meeting

Committee Participation: Monthly or quarterly meetings (Governance, Finance, or Program Committee)

Preparation: Review materials in advance of meetings and actively participate in discussions

Board Responsibilities

• Set vision, mission, values, and strategic direction in partnership with leadership

• Monitor organizational performance against strategic goals

• Provide financial oversight and protect organizational assets

• Ensure effective fundraising strategy and participate in fundraising efforts

• Select, oversee, and evaluate the Executive Director

• Maintain highest standards of governance and ethical conduct

• Uphold fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience

Financial Contributions

Board members are asked to contribute to DRF's financial stability in whatever way is most appropriate—through personal gifts, fundraising efforts, introducing DRF to potential donors, or amplifying fundraising campaigns. There is no set contribution amount, and giving is not mandatory but encouraged.

Requirements

Current Board Needs

DRF is currently seeking:

Financial Expertise: prefer expertise in one or more following areas; nonprofit financial management, GAAP accounting, audit review, investment strategy

Legal Expertise: prefer expertise in one or more following areas: nonprofit law, governance, IRS compliance for 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities, international grantmaking

Fundraising Expertise: Development strategy, donor relations, philanthropy, resource mobilization

Rights Advocate: Experience in Disability Rights preferred, but open to others working and advocating within other movements, particularly in the Global South

Other: Open to considering candidates who are passionate about our mission and our work

Benefits

 Why our Board?

• Make a meaningful impact on international disability rights and justice

• Engage with a diverse, committed board and staff from around the world

• Contribute to a movement that centers disability and intersectional justice

• Join a participatory, values-driven governance model

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a LinkedIn profile or resume and a brief email as an expression of interest. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to provide a letter of intent, followed by a formal interview with the Governance Committee. Final candidates are recommended to the full Board for approval. Please note that this a non-profit governing board, there is no renumeration/pay for this role.

For more information, please contact BoardRecruitment@disabilityrightsfund.org and a member of the recruitment committee will get back to you.