Fractional Executive Director

Position Overview This is a fractional senior leadership engagement for an experienced executive with deep fluency in the AI ecosystem and a demonstrated record of leading mission-driven organizations, managing high-level stakeholder relationships, and scaling organizations through strategic growth, partnerships, fundraising, and program development. The Fractional Executive Director will serve as the operational, strategic, and reputational steward of AI 2030 during a critical period of expansion. This is not a caretaker role. It requires strategic judgment, public-facing credibility in the AI community, and the ability to manage a complex network of partners, advisors, programs, sponsors, members, and community relationships. A core priority of this role is to help AI 2030 reach its next level of financial sustainability, global engagement, and measurable impact. The Executive Director will be expected to identify and activate new revenue opportunities through strategic fundraising, corporate sponsorships, institutional partnerships, membership growth, executive education, conferences, and mission-aligned programs. The ideal candidate will bring both vision and execution: the ability to represent AI 2030 externally with credibility while also building the systems, relationships, and revenue engine needed to scale the organization. This leader will help move AI 2030 from a high-potential global platform to a financially sustainable, widely recognized, and deeply impactful institution advancing Responsible AI worldwide. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Lead and execute AI 2030's global vision, strategy, and growth plan. Expand AI 2030's influence across industry, government, academia, and civil society. Identify emerging opportunities in Responsible AI, AI governance, workforce development, and AI innovation. Fundraising & Revenue Growth Drive financial growth through sponsorships, fundraising, partnerships, memberships, executive education, conferences, and other mission-aligned revenue streams. Build and manage relationships with senior leaders across corporations, foundations, government, academia, investors, startups, and civil society. Ensure financial sustainability and long-term growth. Partnership & Ecosystem Development Develop strategic partnerships with leading organizations worldwide. Engage senior executives, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and researchers. Expand AI 2030's global network and community. Program & Event Leadership Oversee key programs and initiatives to ensure strong execution, measurable outcomes, and mission alignment. Organizational Leadership Build the systems, operating rhythm, and revenue model needed to support sustainable growth. Lead staff, contractors, volunteers, advisors, and strategic partners. Build scalable processes, governance, and operational excellence. Report directly to the CEO. Qualifications 10 or more years of senior leadership experience, including experience as an executive director, CEO, president, or equivalent role in a mission-driven, nonprofit, or ecosystem organization. Deep fluency in the AI landscape — including responsible AI, AI governance, enterprise AI adoption, and the global AI policy environment. You are known and respected in the AI community, not new to it. Demonstrated commitment to AI 2030 mission in mainstreaming responsible AI by 2030. You understand why this mission matters and you bring your own credibility to it. Strong relationships with corporate executives, foundations, government agencies, investors, philanthropists, and ecosystem partners capable of supporting organizational growth. Experience developing and executing fundraising and revenue growth strategies that have resulted in measurable year-over-year organizational growth. Has personally generated or influenced $5 million+ in sponsorships, partnerships, grants, memberships, or program revenue during the past three years. Has managed an annual operating budget of $1 million+. Has led an organization, business unit, nonprofit, institute, association, accelerator, or innovation ecosystem through a significant growth phase. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills. Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action and results. Demonstrated ability to align and execute mission, programs, partnerships, and revenue opportunities to achieve both financial sustainability and organizational impact. Success Metrics Growth in revenue, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships. Expansion of membership and community engagement. Increased visibility and influence of AI 2030 globally. Successful delivery of programs, events, and educational initiatives. Measurable advancement of AI 2030's mission and impact. Location & Compensation Flexible location (Chicago preferred). Independent contractor or consulting arrangement. 10–20 hours per week, with flexibility around major program and event moments. 6 months, renewable: Initial 6-month term with option to extend or evolve into a longer-term or full-time arrangement based on organizational growth and mutual fit. Monthly retainer based on experience and fundraising capability. #J-18808-Ljbffr