Interim Executive Director

Job Title: Interim Executive Director

Location: Baltimore, MD (onsite)

Terms: Temporary, Full-time, six-month term

Hourly/rate: $45.00-$50.00/hr.

Reports To: Board of Directors

Closing Date: January 5th, 2026

ABOUT US:

Founded in 2011, Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition, Inc. (BHRC) is a community-based organization that mobilizes community members for the health, dignity, and safety of people targeted by the war on drugs and anti-sex worker policies; we advocate for harm reduction as a part of a broader movement for social justice. We implement public health services and advocate for policies to expand harm reduction in Baltimore and across the state of Maryland. We believe in the value and dignity of all people and that we have a duty to assist in each other’s safety. In 2020, BHRC shifted to an organizational structure reflective of our values of collaborative leadership and leaderfulness. In 2023, BHRC officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

B​​HRC is seeking a temporary, Interim Executive Director to guide the organization through a critical transition period. This hybrid role combines day-to-day executive leadership with collaborative facilitation. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Interim ED will ensure operational continuity, uphold BHRC’s mission, and maintain open communication with staff and board.

They will support shared decision-making while holding accountability for organizational effectiveness, including coaching, feedback, and, when necessary, AND supporting performance accountability processes in alignment with BHRC’s policies. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced, values-aligned leader to help stabilize capacity, strengthen team systems, and support BHRC in preparing for its next leadership chapter.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Organizational Management:

• Serve as the organizational point person for oversight and accountability, ensuring decisions move forward through agreed-upon, collaborative processes.
• Ensure continuity and stability during a period of organizational transition.
• Serve as the organizational point person for oversight, decision-making, and accountability.
• Provide direct coaching and feedback and support appropriate corrective action when necessary.

Facilitation and Collaborative Process

• Design and facilitate staff meetings, retreats, and decision-making sessions that encourage shared voice and alignment.
• Ensure proposals move forward through consensus or consent-based processes.
• Document and communicate organizational decisions to support transparency and continuity.

Strategic Direction and Assessment:

• Partner with staff and the Board to set short-term priorities and keep strategic projects on track.
• Identify critical gaps, risks, or opportunities during the transition period and bring forward practical solutions.

Operational Excellence and Continuity:

• Oversee organizational and financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
• Ensure ongoing program delivery meets community needs and commitments to funders and partners.

Team Development and Organizational Health:

• Foster a supportive culture rooted in equity, harm reduction, and collaboration.
• Provide direct coaching, feedback, and, when needed, support corrective action in alignment with BHRC’s established policies and shared accountability processes.
• Model and build long-term capacity for shared accountability and collective leadership.

Governance and Board Liaison:

• Serve as the primary link between staff and the Board, maintaining open and consistent communication.
• Support preparation of board materials and joint working groups.
• Provide regular updates to ensure the Board is informed of progress, risks, and challenges.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement:

• Support and coach staff in serving as stewards of relationships with community partners, funders, and coalitions.
• Represent BHRC externally as needed, in partnership with staff.

Succession Planning:

• Work with the Board and staff to prepare the organization for its next permanent leadership structure, ensuring a thoughtful and supported transition.

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

The ideal candidate will be a steady, people-centered leader with experience guiding nonprofit organizations through periods of transition. They will bring both operational competence and a strong commitment to collaborative, values-aligned leadership.

• Proven leadership experience within nonprofit organizations, particularly during periods of organizational change, transition, or stabilization.
• Demonstrated ability to hold executive responsibility within clearly defined, collaborative decision-making processes, ensuring staff participation, transparency, and shared accountability at every stage.
• Strong understanding of harm reduction, public health, and/or social justice movements, with the ability to translate values into practical, day-to-day organizational leadership.
• Experience providing organizational and financial oversight, including budgeting, reporting, compliance, and operational sustainability.
• Demonstrated skill in staff coaching, feedback, and accountability, including navigating conflict and addressing performance concerns in alignment with established organizational policies and shared accountability processes.
• High emotional intelligence and strong people management skills, with the ability to build trust, support morale, and reduce burnout during periods of uncertainty.
• Ability to work effectively with Boards of Directors while maintaining clear, transparent communication and honoring shared governance structures.
• Comfort operating in environments that prioritize consent-based or consensus-informed decision-making and ongoing refinement of internal processes.
• Deep commitment to equity, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed practices, paired with humility, adaptability, and reflective leadership.
• Strong communication skills and sound judgment, with the ability to steward decisions in ways that strengthen organizational stability, trust, and long-term capacity.

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered, please submit the following materials in PDF format to jobs@baltimoreharmreduction.org:

• A cover letter describing your experience leading organizations through transition, including how you have exercised executive responsibility within collaborative decision-making processes, and your connection to harm reduction or related social justice work.
• A resume outlining relevant leadership, operational, and people management experience.

If you require accommodations or have any accessibility requirements during the application process, please send a message to jobs@baltimoreharmreduction.org, with the subject line “Accommodations Request” and we will be happy to assist you. Please note that requests for accommodation will not impact the selection process. 

Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition, Inc. is committed to embracing diversity in all its forms, both in Baltimore and across the state of Maryland. As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, we actively seek to include diverse perspectives and backgrounds in our team to better reflect the communities we serve. We prioritize inclusivity and representation in our workforce and membership, recognizing the unique needs of these communities.

Our dedication to diversity is integral to our mission of effectively serving and creating a lasting positive impact in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other protected status. We especially encourage applications from individuals impacted by the war on drugs and anti-sex worker policies.

Joining our team at the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition means you'll be instrumental in advancing our mission to promote the health, dignity, and safety of individuals impacted by drug policies and anti-sex worker legislation. You'll be at the forefront of our efforts to value and uphold the dignity of all people, actively contributing to each other's safety and well-being.