Chief Executive Officer

Exponents is a well-respected, forward-thinking organization supporting people affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, incarceration, and behavioral health challenges. The organization is widely recognized as a leader in advancing health equity and social justice advocacy across the field. Grounded in a client-centered and strength-based philosophy, the organization focuses on improving health outcomes, promoting wellness, and helping individuals build healthier, more stable lives.

Exponents works toward a future where addiction and behavioral health is understood as a health issue, and where every person has access to equitable opportunities. Exponents serves diverse communities across New York City and is deeply committed to creating affirming, inclusive environments for all. Staff work closely with individuals from many backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ communities and are expected to bring cultural humility, respect, and an equity-centered approach to their work.

Exponents’ Center for Personal and Professional Development offers comprehensive training programs designed to prepare individuals for careers in substance use disorder treatment and recovery support. Through state-approved curricula such as the 350-hour Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) training, participants earn credentials and certificates that support professional advancement. These programs combine practical skills, ethical foundations, and certification preparation to equip learners for service in clinical and peer support roles within the behavioral health field.

The organization is known for meeting people exactly where they are, offering voluntary, tailored services that honor each person’s goals and lived experience. Many members of the direct service team have walked a similar path, helping create trust, connection, and meaningful support. Through this approach, Exponents strengthens community health, enhances safety, reduces healthcare costs, and lowers rates of recidivism, while celebrating progress at every stage of recovery.

To support the transition from a long-tenured leader, Exponents is seeking its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) inspired by the mission and ready to build on the organization’s remarkable history of service. The CEO will serve as Exponents’ primary leader and strategist, external champion, community ambassador, and organizational steward, expanding on a strong track record of improving health outcomes and promoting wellness for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, incarceration, and behavioral health challenges.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will be an experienced nonprofit leader who can advocate passionately for the communities Exponents serves. This leader will bring a proven record of fundraising across diverse revenue streams to support effective programming and ensure long-term sustainability. Creative and entrepreneurial, the CEO will bring emotional intelligence, a growth mindset, and the ability to identify opportunities that expand Exponents’ impact and advance its vision of a world without AIDS and equitable treatment of addiction.

A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential, and the CEO will ensure these values are embedded throughout the organization. The ideal candidate will be an effective and adaptable communicator, collaborator, and results-oriented leader who can inspire staff, board members, and partners while sustaining a client-driven, strength-based organizational culture.

Leading a team of approximately 30 staff and managing a $4M budget, the next CEO will be responsible for setting organizational vision, strengthening an inclusive culture, and ensuring operational and financial excellence across the organization.

Candidate Profile

The following offers an aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile; we encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, especially those with lived experience.

Passion for Mission

The CEO will lead Exponents with a balanced approach, fostering an inclusive organizational culture while establishing robust administrative…