Interim Executive Director

Interim Executive Director for Sonoran Prevention Works (SPW), a mission-driven nonprofit organization advancing harm reduction, health equity, advocacy, and community well-being throughout Arizona.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced nonprofit executive to step into a highly impactful organization and provide thoughtful, steady leadership during a period of transition. Sonoran Prevention Works was founded by and for people who use drugs and works to ensure individuals have access to the knowledge, resources, tools, and community they need to be safe and healthy. The organization advances this mission through street-based outreach, organizational capacity building, statewide advocacy, and community partnerships.

The Interim Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors and organizational leadership to provide continuity, support staff, oversee organizational health, and maintain momentum across programs, fundraising, advocacy, operations, and external partnerships. This leader will also ensure that financial and operational priorities remain effectively managed throughout the transition. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and grounded executive who can quickly build relationships and establish trust.

They will understand how to lead within a community-centered organization and bring a genuine commitment to harm reduction, equity, anti-racism, and elevating the perspectives and lived experiences of the communities SPW serves.

• Provide steady, inclusive executive leadership during the interim period, maintaining organizational continuity and advancing SPW’s mission and priorities.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors and leadership team on organizational strategy, decision‑making, risk management, and key priorities.
• Lead, support, and mentor staff while fostering a collaborative, equitable, and inclusive organizational culture.
• Oversee financial and operational management, including budgeting, cash flow, resource allocation, compliance, and organizational sustainability.
• Maintain momentum around fundraising, grants, contracts, and relationships with individual, foundation, corporate, and institutional funders.
• Oversee programs and advocacy efforts while ensuring they remain responsive to community needs and grounded in harm reduction principles.
• Represent SPW externally and strengthen relationships with community organizations, government partners, policymakers, coalitions, funders, and other key stakeholders.

• Five or more years of senior nonprofit leadership experience, ideally as an Executive Director, Interim Executive Director, CEO, COO, or comparable leader.
• Experience in harm reduction, publichealth, human services, human rights, social justice, or a related mission‑driven environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and anti‑racism, with an understanding of the impact of the War on Drugs on Black and other historically marginalized communities.
• Strong experience with nonprofit financial management, budgeting, fundraising, operations, and organizational sustainability.
• Experience working effectively with nonprofit Boards, funders, community partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Compassionate and collaborative leadership style with experience supporting, mentoring, and developing diverse teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, judgment, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to establish trust and lead effectively through transition and change.
• SPW particularly values leaders who combine nonprofit management experience with an equity‑centered approach, strong relationship‑building skills, financial and fundraising capabilities, and a willingness to listen to and learn from staff and community.

The Interim Executive Director will be joining an organization whose work is deeply connected to the people and communities it serves. Success in this role requires a leader who listens, communicates openly, values collaboration, and understands the importance of balancing organizational needs with the perspectives and experiences of staff and…