Executive Director - HIPS

About HIPSFor more than 30 years, HIPS has been one of the nation’s leading harm reduction organizations, standing at the intersection of public health, human dignity, advocacy, and community empowerment. Rooted in Washington, DC, HIPS works alongside individuals and communities impacted by sex work, drug use, homelessness, poverty, violence, and systemic inequities, including LGBTQIA+ youth and other historically marginalized populations—meeting people where they are with compassion, respect, and evidence-based care. HIPS envisions a world where all people participating in street economies, including those engaged in sexual exchange and/or drug use can live healthy, self-determined lives free from stigma, violence, criminalization, and oppression. At the core of the organization’s work is a deep commitment to harm reduction principles, anti-oppression, and leadership by people with lived experience. Today, HIPS operates a dynamic and deeply community-centered model that combines direct services, advocacy, clinical care, outreach, and systems change. The organization’s Center for Health and Achievement welcomes more than 2,000 client visits each month and provides access to primary care, HIV and Hepatitis C treatment, harm reduction-based substance use treatment, showers, laundry, meals, support groups, safer sex supplies, syringe services, and overdose prevention resources. HIPS’ mobile outreach teams and hotspot initiatives reach communities across Washington, DC seven days a week, delivering life-saving supplies, overdose prevention education, wound care, referrals, and support directly into neighborhoods and encampments. In 2025 alone, HIPS provided more than 40,000 services across its sites and street-based programs. The organization distributed over 13,000 naloxone doses, more than 10,000 fentanyl test strips, and hundreds of thousands of syringe services while simultaneously expanding access to housing navigation, peer support, and clinical care.At a time when harm reduction organizations face increasing scrutiny, policy challenges, and funding uncertainty, HIPS continues to lead with courage and conviction. The organization has expanded services into new neighborhoods, secured a permanent home at 906 H Street NE, and strengthened its role as a trusted advocate and innovator within the national harm reduction movement.HIPS is also in an important moment of organizational evolution. Through intentional investments in leadership development, equity-centered organizational practices, and infrastructure strengthening, the organization is building pathways for sustainable growth while preserving the community-rooted and client-centered culture that has defined HIPS for decades.The next Executive Director will join HIPS at a pivotal and energizing time—guiding an organization with a powerful legacy, a nationally recognized voice in harm reduction, and an unwavering commitment to honoring individual power and strength. Learn more about HIPS at hips.org.The Opportunity The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive and strategic leader of HIPS, partnering closely with the Board of Directors, staff leadership, community members, and external stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. This leader will steward an organization known for innovation, courage, and authenticity while navigating an increasingly complex public health and policy environment.The Executive Director will oversee organizational strategy, operations, fundraising, advocacy, financial management, and external relations while fostering a culture grounded in equity, collaboration, transparency, and shared leadership. The successful candidate will be both visionary and operationally strong—someone who can inspire trust internally and externally while positioning HIPS for continued impact and growth.This is an opportunity for a mission-driven executive to lead one of the most respected and community-centered harm reduction organizations in the country.Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this role is $130,000-$140,000. HIPS offers an excellent benefits package that includes: 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life plans for each employee, as well as accrued paid time off that begins accruing on your first day at HIPS.Contact DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Kim Dukes and Shelby Woods. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.