Fractional Executive Director

Position Type: Temporary, Part-Time, Fractional (Independent Contractor or Part-Time Employee)

Location: North Hills Art Center, Pittsburgh, PA

Reports To: Board of Directors

Position Summary

This temporary leadership position is responsible for stabilizing and strengthening the day-to-day operations of the North Hills Art Center while partnering closely with the Board of Directors. The successful candidate will focus on operational leadership, organizational systems, financial oversight, project management, and execution. The Executive Director will identify issues, implement sustainable solutions, establish clear processes, and provide concise executive-level updates so the Board can focus on governance, strategy, and organizational stewardship rather than daily operations.

The Interim Executive Director will provide leadership to the organization's part-time Office Manager and part-time Office Assistant, delegating appropriate administrative responsibilities while maintaining overall accountability for organizational operations.

This is a temporary, part-time leadership position intended to provide organizational stability during a period of transition. The engagement will continue until the Board determines that the organization's operational needs have changed or a permanent Executive Director has been appointed.

Primary Responsibilities

·       Conduct a comprehensive assessment of organizational operations and recommend priorities.

·       Develop and execute an operational stabilization plan.

·       Oversee day-to-day operations, office administration, facilities, vendors, and contracts.

·       Ensure bills, invoices, insurance, taxes, licenses, and other organizational obligations are managed timely.

·       Work with the Treasurer/bookkeeper to strengthen financial controls and administrative processes.

·       Coordinate facility maintenance, capital improvements, and vendor relationships.

·       Manage operational projects through completion while tracking deadlines and accountability.

·       Develop annual operating calendars, exhibition schedules, and key organizational timelines.

·       Oversee grant administration, reporting, and future grant planning with measurable organizational goals.

·       Support staffing, instructor scheduling, and operational workforce planning.

·       Maintain organizational records, cloud storage, and document retention practices.

·       Research grant opportunities, nonprofit resources, partnerships, and cost-saving initiatives.

·       Prepare executive reports and recommendations for each Board meeting.

·       Advise the Board on nonprofit governance best practices and appropriate governance versus management responsibilities.

·       Create sustainable systems, procedures, and documentation that will support a future permanent Executive Director.

Qualifications

·       Bachelor's degree or equivalent executive leadership experience.

·       Five or more years of executive, nonprofit, operations, or business leadership experience.

·       Strong organizational, operational, financial, and project management skills.

·       Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

·       Demonstrated ability to organize complex work and improve organizational systems.

·       Experience reporting to boards, executives, or governing bodies.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Executive leadership within a nonprofit organization.

·       Board governance experience.

·       Grant management and fundraising support.

·       Budget development and financial oversight.

·       Human resources or staffing strategy experience.

·       Arts administration experience (preferred but not required).

Work Schedule

Approximately 15–25 hours per week with flexibility based on organizational needs. Availability during normal weekday business hours is expected. Attendance at Board meetings and occasional organizational events is required.

90-Day Deliverables

·       Complete a comprehensive operational assessment and present findings to the Board.

·       Resolve or establish action plans for outstanding operational issues, vendor matters, and administrative obligations.

·       Implement financial and administrative controls to improve accountability and prevent missed deadlines.

·       Develop a master operational calendar that includes exhibitions, grants, maintenance, recurring obligations, and key organizational deadlines.

·       Establish a concise executive dashboard for regular Board reporting, including accomplishments, risks, priorities, and decisions needed.

·       Document core operating procedures and create transition materials for the future permanent Executive Director.

Success Measures

·       Operational issues are systematically resolved and tracked.

·       Reliable business processes and internal controls are established.

·       The Board spends significantly less time managing daily operations and more time focused on governance and strategic planning.

·       Key projects are completed with clear ownership and accountability.

·       The organization is positioned for a smooth transition to a permanent Executive Director.