Resources for Abortion Delivery (RAD) is excited to invite nominations and applications for its next Executive Director (ED). RAD envisions a future where reproductive freedom and justice prevail for all people, including those who are BIPOC, poor or low-income, or otherwise marginalized. RAD’s mission is to promote the continued existence and resiliency of the U.S. abortion delivery sector so that abortion seekers have timely and equitable access to quality abortion care. RAD is driven by a commitment to support the U.S. abortion delivery sector in meeting the needs of abortion seekers, ensuring timely and equitable access to quality abortion care.
With a dedicated team of 13 staff members, RAD connects independent abortion providers nationwide with essential funding, resources, and sector expertise, helping them navigate and adapt to a complex and rapidly evolving environment. While RAD’s primary role is as a funding intermediary, it also facilitates a range of initiatives that directly enhance the capabilities of providers and the sector. As a grantmaker, RAD leverages its deep knowledge of the abortion landscape to deploy strategic funder investments and respond to pressing challenges in the field. Through an array of programming, RAD provides expertise, support, and valuable guidance to both grantees and funders, sharing information, research, and customized technical assistance.
Since its inception, RAD has facilitated over $74 million in support to enhance patient access and bridge the gap between independent abortion delivery and funding. RAD seeks an Executive Director who will guide it into its next phase of growth, ensuring that its strategic priorities align with the sector's evolving needs and commitment to equity and justice.
The Executive Director will be pivotal in leading RAD's strategic vision and operational excellence. With 2 direct reports and reporting to the RAD Advisory Board, the ED will guide the organization through a dynamic and evolving landscape, fortifying RAD’s role as a key funding intermediary for independent abortion providers. The ED will oversee organizational growth, drive strategic initiatives, and ensure that RAD's mission to support equitable access to abortion care is advanced through effective leadership and collaboration with stakeholders. This role involves fostering relationships with a broad range of stakeholders—including funders, providers, and movement partners—while providing strategic guidance to program staff and sustaining RAD’s commitment to addressing challenges within the abortion delivery sector.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Resources for Abortion Delivery (RAD) was established in 2016 with a mission to ensure that individuals seeking abortions have timely and equitable access to high-quality care. Driven by a commitment to support the U.S. abortion delivery sector in meeting the needs of abortion seekers, RAD focuses on enhancing timely and equitable access to quality abortion care, with a particular emphasis on independent providers who face significant challenges in a complex and rapidly evolving landscape.
As a nonprofit organization with a dedicated team of 12 staff members and an organizational budget averaging around $8 million annually for core programmatic and operational expenses, RAD serves as a crucial funding intermediary while also advancing several key initiatives that directly impact the abortion delivery sector. The ED will oversee RAD’s efforts to connect independent abortion providers with essential funding, resources, and support, leveraging sector expertise to effectively mobilize and deploy resources. RAD offers grantmaking services for charitable donors looking to give direct, tangible support to abortion providers meeting critical community needs. RAD is unique in its knowledge of independent abortion providers, its ability to pool and distribute donor funds, and its capacity to provide charitable dollars to privately owned, taxable entities that make up approximately 70% of the independent abortion provider sector. RAD makes individual loans and grants to both taxable and tax-exempt abortion providers, ensuring that all funding awards comply with IRS rules for charitable support. RAD also collaborates strategically with charitable donors to address both emergent and longer-term sector needs, offering informational resources and convening spaces for foundation donors to learn about the abortion delivery sector and engage with peers.
Over its first five years, RAD has successfully provided over $60 million in grants and loans, along with $350,000 in free technical and capacity-building support. Further, it has facilitated more than 2,000 hours of free legal compliance assistance through its Regulatory Assistance for Abortion Provider (RAAP) program, which is sunsetting at the end of the year. RAD also established The Access Fund (TAF), a now-sunsetting initiative that provided no-cost abortions for low-income individuals from states with abortion bans. RAD has engaged over 30 foundations through convenings and briefings and has facilitated more than $74 million in support to date, significantly enhancing patient access and bridging gaps between independent abortion delivery and funding sources. Notable partners include the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, the Coalition for Gender and Reproductive Equity, Schusterman Family Philanthropies, and several anonymous donors. For insights into RAD’s mission, programs, and impact, refer to the About RAD page.
RAD offers tailored guidance and resources to both funders and grantees, ensuring that support is practical, timely, and aligned with sector needs. The organization’s work includes a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening the abortion service delivery sector. For more information on RAD’s impact and ongoing efforts, visit the Our Work page.
The ED will navigate complex stakeholder relationships, lead RAD as an effective funding intermediary, and contribute to an organizational culture characterized by high productivity and collegiality. As a project of the Hopewell Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity incubating innovative public-interest projects and grantmaking programs, RAD is committed to creating a dynamic and rewarding work environment for its staff. Understanding RAD’s structure and its role in supporting diverse stakeholders is crucial. The ED will engage diverse groups, including providers, funders, and movement partners, ensuring RAD’s efforts align with its commitment to addressing the needs of abortion seekers as detailed on the For Allies & Providers and For Funders pages.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FACING THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
With a new Executive Director, RAD is poised to further its mission of ensuring timely and equitable access to high-quality abortion care. The next ED will have the opportunity to drive meaningful change at a crucial time for RAD and the broader reproductive health community.
This leader will have substantial experience in reproductive health and a deep understanding of abortion funding. They should embody a leadership style that is rooted in humility, adaptability, and relationship-building and understand the unique role funders play in supporting abortion service delivery. They will engage in the following responsibilities for the role:
Provide Bold Leadership for RAD’s Next Phase
The new ED will need to offer strategic vision and pragmatic leadership to guide RAD into its next era. This includes articulating a clear vision and strategic planning that aligns staff, the Advisory Board, and partners toward achieving RAD’s mission. Central to this role will be advancing RAD’s commitment to equity, ensuring that all programs and operations are in service to dismantle oppressive systems and structures and responsive to the needs of marginalized communities. This leader will need to continue positioning RAD as a pivotal player in the abortion delivery sector, emphasizing innovative approaches to bridge gaps between independent abortion providers and funding sources.
Enhance Organizational Culture and Team Dynamics
Building on the positive and inclusive organizational culture at RAD will be a key focus for this next leader. The ED will lead efforts to foster a collaborative and supportive environment within RAD. This involves nurturing a diverse and motivated team, supporting their professional growth, and ensuring effective communication and accountability. An emphasis on maintaining a dynamic and rewarding work environment will be essential. The new leader will need to model healthy leadership practices and cultivate collaboration and resilience, especially during times of change and challenge.
Expand and Diversify Funding Sources
Expanding and diversifying RAD's funding base will be a significant opportunity for the new ED. The leader will be responsible for representing RAD to current and potential donors, developing and implementing creative fundraising strategies, and enhancing RAD’s visibility as a leading funding intermediary. This includes leveraging RAD’s unique position to secure support for both emergent needs and long-term strategic goals. Addressing RAD’s need to balance immediate funding opportunities with sustainable, long-term investments will be a key aspect of this role.
Secure and Strengthen Strategic Partnerships
The new ED will be expected to build and deepen strategic partnerships with organizations and stakeholders that are aligned with RAD’s mission and where RAD is uniquely positioned to drive impact within the ecosystem. This includes RAD’s network within the abortion delivery sector and related fields, fostering collaborative efforts to address sector challenges and enhancing RAD’s national presence. The leader will need to identify and pursue opportunities for impactful partnerships that align with RAD’s goals, values, and unique positioning while navigating the complexities of maintaining and expanding these relationships.
Address Evolving Sector Needs
Navigating the evolving landscape of abortion care and funding will present both opportunities and challenges. The ED will need to stay attuned to sector trends, policy developments, and emerging needs to ensure that RAD’s strategies and initiatives remain relevant and effective. This includes adapting to changes in the regulatory environment, responding to shifts in donor priorities, and continuously refining RAD’s approach to meet the needs of independent abortion providers and the communities they serve. Ensuring that RAD’s approach remains flexible and responsive to these changes will be crucial.
Leverage and Develop Board Strengths
The ED will work closely with the RAD Advisory Board to leverage their expertise and support. This involves clarifying the strategic roles of board members, exploring opportunities to enhance board engagement, and facilitating effective collaboration between staff and board. The new leader will need to ensure that the board is well-informed and actively contributing to RAD’s strategic direction and organizational success. This includes addressing board dynamics and engaging members effectively to support RAD’s goals.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Sector Expertise: At least 10-12 years of experience within an abortion-related setting or the following related fields: reproductive health, healthcare delivery, public health, and/or philanthropy, demonstrating deep knowledge of abortion service delivery and funding mechanisms.
- Visionary Leadership: Proven track record of providing strategic leadership in complex and evolving environments, with the ability to inspire and align staff, the Advisory Board, and stakeholders toward a unified mission and vision. Ability to identify and pursue opportunities for innovation and growth within the organization, enhancing RAD’s impact and sustainability.
- Change Management: Demonstrated ability to manage and lead change initiatives effectively and with transparency, ensuring learnings are integrated into organizational practices and strategies.
Organizational Development and Management
- Organizational Growth: Experience in supporting teams through investigative and evaluative learning processes, contributing to organizational growth and effectiveness.
- Team Leadership: Skilled at fostering a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture, with a focus on building trust, accountability, and resilience within diverse teams.
Commitment to Equity and Justice
- Dedication to Equity: Demonstrated commitment to critically examining and addressing structural inequities related to race, gender, economic status, and other dimensions of social identity, ensuring all programs and operations are led by a racial equity-centered perspective.
- Comfort in explicitly discussing race and racism and the willingness to engage in difficult conversations around these topics.
- The ED should possess self-awareness of their strengths and areas for growth in racial equity work, alongside actionable ideas for personal and organizational improvement.
- Proven ability to further RAD on its racial equity-centered journey, fostering an environment of inclusion and justice within the organization.
- Social Justice Advocacy: Experience in advancing reproductive freedom and justice, particularly for marginalized communities, including BIPOC and low-income individuals, with explicit commitment to abortion rights and access. Demonstrated involvement in Racial/Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (R/EDI) efforts, including participation in or support for affinity groups or committees in past roles.
Communication and Relationship Building
- Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively, including when interacting with diverse stakeholders.
- Relationship Building: Natural connector and strong relationship builder with the ability to establish trust and credibility with staff, the Advisory Board, network partners, and funders.
Operational and Financial Management
- Financial Stewardship: Facilitate the development of the annual budget and operating plan, ensuring financial sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and responsible resource allocation.
- Analytical Skills: Proven ability to perform detailed examinations of quantitative and qualitative information and form reasoned assessments to guide strategic decision-making.
- Resource Mobilization: Experience in developing and implementing creative fundraising strategies to expand and diversify funding sources, leveraging RAD’s unique position to secure support for emergent needs and long-term goals.
Adaptability and Resilience
- Leadership in Dynamic Environments: Experience maintaining composure and thriving—and supporting teams to thrive—in a dynamic and evolving organizational and external environment. Skills in navigating crises and uncertainties, demonstrating agility in adapting strategies, and maintaining organizational stability during challenging times.
- Remote Work Experience: Ability to manage effectively, collaborate with diverse partners, and manage a team in a remote (virtual) work environment.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range for the Executive Director role is $210,000 – $225,000 annually. This position is exempt from overtime.
Hopewell Fund offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees (and their families). Employees are able to enroll in a 401k retirement plan and are eligible for a 3% automatic contribution and up to a 3% employer match on 401k contributions. Employees are also eligible for pre-tax transportation benefits. Employees will receive 160 hours (4 weeks) of vacation time, 80 hours of health leave, up to 2 days of casual leave, and 20 hours of volunteer leave annually. Employees will also receive 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are eligible for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave after 90 days of employment. All employees of Hopewell Fund are required to complete timesheets.
Additional benefits include:
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Base-term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Flexible spending account for medical and dependent care
- Up to $1500/year (gross) remote work stipend
- Up to $500/year for professional development
- Up to $200 for a new smartphone every 2 years and up to $75/month for a cell phone plan
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
This position requires travel a minimum of twelve times annually, with an average of one to two overnight stays per visit.
The physical requirements of this position are as follows: job duties may be modified as necessary to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with a disability.
- Ability to operate a computer for long periods of time and to use a cellphone.
- Ability to communicate with internal staff and external stakeholders via video conference, telephone, email, and in person.
- Access to a space from which to work virtually on a full-time basis.
A NOTE ON THE SEARCH PROCESS
The search process will be steered by a RAD Executive Director Search Committee of RAD Staff (2), Advisory Board members (3), and an external partner (1) and conducted by NPAG. NPAG and the Search Committee will review candidate submissions and conduct interviews.
Candidates can generally expect the following:
- Strict confidentiality regarding participation in the search process
- Search Committee and NPAG will review candidate submissions, and NPAG will conduct screening calls with candidates (November – December 2024)
- Search Committee will select candidates for first-round interviews (late January 2025)
- Search Committee will conduct first-round interviews (early February 2025)
- Finalist Interviews with Staff and Board (mid-to-late February 2025)
- Offer Extended (March 2025)
- Start Date (Spring 2025)
While RAD is seeking an Executive Director, it is open to receiving applications from co-applicants who have agreed to apply together.
