Disability Powered
We don’t just know disability – we live it. Our seasoned disability leaders will help you align with talent that is passionate about furthering the collective mission of the disability community.
Non-Profit Search Services
At Bender, we combine international disability community leadership with over 30 years of search strategy experience.
Our success comes from the ability to identify candidates from the disability community with the passion, vision, and expertise needed to drive lasting impact.
We believe that together we can advance your mission in a way that can only be done when people with disabilities are in leadership positions that strengthen our community.
Contact us to learn more about our unique approach.
Christine brought unmatched expertise in the Protection and Advocacy System to our Executive Director search. She understood the legal, policy, and advocacy demands of the Disability Law Center and guided the Board through a thoughtful, inclusive process that resulted in an outstanding hire. We could not have asked for a better search partner.
The executive search process was exceptionally well run — clear, inclusive, and values-driven. I felt supported and informed at every stage, and the care taken to ensure the right match made the transition into my role as Executive Director of National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) both smooth and exciting. I am grateful for the process and delighted to be leading NDRN.
Our Process
When you engage Bender to conduct a search for your disability organization, you connect with people who live your mission every day. We know how critical it is to align with the right leader to advance your vision and ensure your operations are running smoothly. We know that when you have the best talent at your organization, it improves the lives of people with disabilities everywhere. That’s why we offer a thorough screening process and engage as partners who are there to assist you at each step.
Plan Development & Outreach
- Selection Board Planning
- Position Description Development
- Maximize Profile
- Advertise Job
Candidate Screening
- Resume & Application Review
- Screening & Capacity Interviews
- Cultural Fit Screening
Leading Candidate Review
- Submission of Leading Candidates
- Reference Checks
- Selection Board Interviews
- Candidate Management
Selection & On-boarding
- Final Interviews
- Offer Extension
- On-boarding & Accommodation Identification
Testimonial
“Christine Griffin led CFILC’s Executive Director search with exceptional expertise, integrity, and a deep understanding of disability leadership and nonprofit governance. Her approach was rigorous, transparent, and highly collaborative, ensuring strong engagement from the Board while keeping the process focused and disciplined. Christine’s ability to align organizational values with executive leadership needs resulted in the selection of a highly qualified Executive Director who is already making a meaningful impact. I would recommend Christine without hesitation to any organization seeking a thoughtful, results-driven executive search partner.”
~ T.J. Hill, Immediate Past Chair, California Foundation for Independent
Meet Our Team
Christine 'Chris' Griffin, Lead Search Consultant
“Throughout my career, I have found that meaningful advancement and change cannot happen unless the disability community is involved in a leadership and decision-making capacity. We cannot hope to successfully and authentically serve this community while leaving us out.”
Chris has an extensive history of work in disability across the public and private sectors, including experience as the Executive Director of the Disability Law Center. Her varied roles have given her exposure to leadership, disability policy, program management, and personnel management, making Chris uniquely qualified to understand the complexity of senior level roles within non-profit organizations.
Joyce Bender, Chief Executive Officer
“Hiring people with disabilities is about a return on investment. We have the talent, the experience, and the energy needed to advance your mission. It is about paychecks not pity.”
As the founder and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc., Joyce has emerged as an international disability employment expert who has represented the United States in informational exchanges with countries including Japan, South Korea, Panama, Kazakhstan, Indonesia.
She has worked within the executive search industry since 1979 and has worked specifically in disability employment for thirty years placing people across a variety of industries and experience levels within the private and public sectors.
Insights
Christine Griffin on Disability Matters: Hear our lead search consultant talk about her career in disability rights and retained search.
Marcie Roth, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the World Institute on Disability shares insights on Disability Matters.
Vesper Moore, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law Board Member, shares steps taken to advocate for mental health awareness worldwide.
Learn more about Bender’s journey and observations during their 30 Years of Advancing Disability Talent Investment.