Fractional Executive Director

1. Background

Health Justice Initiative (HJI) is a community-driven public health and legal-medical nonprofit organization focused on Brooklyn, New York, that aims to promote healthcare equity by leveraging the law at the individual, community, and systemic levels. As a young organization with a small team, the nonprofit is seeking fractional executive leadership to strengthen internal systems, guide strategic direction, and support early-stage growth and fundraising efforts.

1. Purpose of the Role

The Fractional Executive Director (ED) will provide part-time strategic and operational leadership during a period of organizational development. The ED will help clarify priorities, strengthen foundational structures, mentor the team, and position the organization for sustainability. This is a contracted role focused on executing strategy, development, building capacity, and ensuring effective implementation across core functions.

1. Key Responsibilities

A. Strategy Execution

• In close partnership with the Founder/CEO, lead organizational goal-setting, priority-setting, and quarterly review processes.
• Support the Board in defining strategic direction and strengthening governance practices.
• Establish lightweight internal systems for planning, decision-making, and accountability.

B. Development (Fundraising & Resource Mobilization)

• Develop or refine the organization’s fundraising strategy and calendar.
• Support creation of core fundraising tools, including grant templates, narrative materials, and budgets.
• Guide grant prospecting and application strategy to ensure alignment with capacity and mission.

C. Program Oversight

• Work with staff to clarify program goals, scope, and success metrics.
• Ensure program activities align with strategic priorities and available resources.
• Strengthen documentation, reporting, and program quality practices.

D. Team Management & Organizational Capacity

• Provide management and mentorship to staff, ensuring clarity in roles and workplans.
• Promote a healthy, collaborative organizational culture rooted in equity and transparency.
• Recommend staffing needs and organizational structure as the nonprofit grows.

E. Partnerships & External Engagement

• Represent the organization and cultivate relationships with partners, funders, coalitions, and other stakeholders.
• Strengthen partnership frameworks and support collaborative opportunities.
• Advance organizational visibility when appropriate (events, convenings, materials).

1. Level of Effort

The ED will provide an estimated 16 hours of support per week (approximately 0.4 FTE). The ED will establish regular “working blocks” (e.g., 2-3 hours per day or equivalent) in consultation with the CEO and remain flexible for high-priority or time-sensitive matters.

1. Reporting & Collaboration

• The fractional ED will report to the Board Chair (also the Founder/CEO).
• The ED will work closely with the Founder/CEO and existing staff, ensuring clear communication channels and alignment of priorities.
• The ED may attend Board meetings and prepare materials as mutually agreed.

1. Duration & Engagement Terms

• Initial Contract: 6 months, with potential renewal.
• Start Date: ASAP
• Compensation: Retainer-based; rate commensurate on experience.
• Location: Primarily remote with occasional in-person engagement if needed (and feasible). Commuting distance to Brooklyn, NY is highly preferred.

1. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in senior leadership roles within nonprofits or mission-driven organizations, with demonstrated executive-level judgment and the ability to serve as a strategic counterpart to a founder-led organization.
• Demonstrated strength in strategic planning, team leadership, and organizational development.
• Experience with fundraising strategies and grant processes for early-stage nonprofits.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working in close partnership with communities impacted by systemic inequities, informed by personal, professional, or community-based experience.
• Understanding of health equity, justice, or related fields is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with the New York City, specifically Brooklyn, context is an advantage.

1. Values, Working Style & Professional Norms

The nonprofit seeks a leader who is:

• Highly collaborative, grounded in equity, and comfortable building systems from scratch.
• Adaptable and able to provide clarity in environments with evolving needs.
• Skilled at balancing big-picture strategy with practical, right-sized solutions.
• Demonstrates strong professionalism, including reliability, punctuality, efficient use of time, and clear, timely written communication.