Get Senior-level Support Without the Full-time Cost.
Fractional Directors: A New Approach FOr Today’s Realities
You know your organization is ready for its next level of growth, but you’re stuck in a familiar bind: you need senior-level leadership, but the budget for a full-time director just isn’t there. Hiring someone who isn’t quite ready can create more work, more risk, and slower progress, while waiting too long can stall momentum.
At the same time, many experienced nonprofit leaders are being pushed toward career paths that don’t fit, either moving into executive director roles they don’t want or leaving smaller organizations for large institutions. That means mission-driven organizations like yours are losing access to seasoned talent.
That’s where Fractional Directors come in.
Fractional Directors provide part-time, long-term senior leadership without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire. You gain a consistent, embedded partner who understands your organization, builds trust with your team and board, and helps drive sustainable growth over time. This is not short-term consulting. It’s steady, high-impact leadership designed for lasting results.
We offer Fractional Directors of Fundraising, Marketing, or Community Organizing.
How is this different than consulting?
While consultants typically provide advice, strategy, and recommendations from an outside perspective, fractional directors roll up their sleeves and do the actual work.
Think of it this way: a consultant tells you what to do and how to do it; a fractional director joins your team and does it with you, functioning as an actual member of your staff rather than an external advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our rate is typically $4,500-$5,000 a month, depending on the scope of work. However, we will take the time to discuss your specific needs, timeline, and budget. Let’s connect to discuss what is possible!
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We recommend commitments be a minimum of 9 months, which is the amount of time to get embedded in a team, build a strategy, implement and see the large-scale impact. Many Fractional Directors work with a team for years as a key member of their team. We understand every organization’s situation is unique; please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.
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Think Big Collective has a pool of highly seasoned Fractional Directors we work with (most are listed on our consultants page, but not all). Each consultant is personally vetted by Jessica.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we will start with a discovery call to learn more about your needs. Then we come back to you with a proposal and your Fractional Director match.
Looking for Something Else?
Is a Fractional Director not quite right for you? We also offer consulting and project-based services.