Fractional Executive Director

Ladder Down is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit running two national flagship programs for women in the legal and insurance industries. The organisation is seeking a Fractional Executive Director for a one-year engagement to serve as its primary operational leader, working alongside a hands-on board of six to eight members to execute the strategic plan.

The role covers the full scope of executive leadership: sponsor development and fundraising, participant recruitment, program logistics, systems maintenance, and external relations. The engagement is structured as an independent contractor arrangement, with a flexible schedule that accommodates other client commitments. Occasional availability for evening board meetings, program sessions, and virtual events is expected.

• Lead day-to-day operations, ensuring all activities align with the mission, strategic plan, and annual goals
• Partner with the Board Chair to implement priorities, prepare meeting materials, track action items, and maintain board accountability
• Manage sponsor outreach, stewardship, and relationship tracking across insurance companies, law firms, vendors, and graduates, coordinating volunteers and committees
• Coordinate participant recruitment for both flagship programs through employer partners, alumni, and referral networks
• Oversee program logistics including registration, communications, scheduling, and coordination with speakers, coaches, and volunteers
• Prepare monthly board dashboards covering sponsor pipeline, commitments secured, confirmed enrollments, and scholarships funded

• Experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, program management, or a related mission-driven role
• Demonstrated track record in fundraising, sponsorship development, or external partnership management
• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities independently
• Proven ability to recruit and engage volunteers toward measurable goals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging senior professionals, board members, and sponsors
• Comfort with CRM or donor tracking systems, spreadsheets, and virtual meeting platforms

Ladder Down is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping professional women advance into leadership roles in the legal and insurance industries. Through two flagship programs combining leadership development, personal branding, communication training, and mentoring, the organisation supports women across regional chapters in Cleveland and Seattle.