What’s the Benefit of Hiring a Fractional Executive?

In the nonprofit world, it’s not uncommon for individuals to wear many hats. CEOs may be handling accounting or HR work. Fundraising and marketing initiatives may be driven by the same leadership position. Or, an employee with some basic tech know-how may be the go-to IT person on top of their other responsibilities. While this set-up can certainly work well, there may come a time when you need expert-level knowledge in one particular area.

There’s where fractional executive services come in. But are fractional executives worth it, and what kinds of benefits do they offer organizations? Fractional executives bring top-tier knowledge and expertise to organizations on a part-time basis, helping them with things like developing roadmaps, establishing long-term strategies, or implementing new initiatives. In our latest blog, we’re exploring the major advantages fractional officers provide nonprofit organizations.

What Is a Fractional Executive?

A fractional executive is a business leader who works with organizations on a part-time or project basis. In their role, they join the C-Suite, entering as a chief marketing officer (CMO), chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO), or any number of other similar positions.

Most fractional leaders have years of experience serving as full-time executives, which means they bring a wealth of talent and knowledge to the organizations they serve. Fractional executives typically work with more than one organization at once—often specializing in a certain area or offering cross-functional expertise.

What Are Fractional Services Benefits?

There are several benefits to bringing on a fractional executive. Here are some of the most compelling advantages for nonprofit organizations.

Fractional Leadership is Cost Effective

For most nonprofits, there’s little wiggle room in the budget, especially for bringing on executive-level employees. The fact is, most non-profits spend at least 65% of their budget on programming—and for good reason! Your programming and services are what drive your mission day in and day out.

However, there may come a time when you need the expertise only an executive can bring to the table. In these situations, bringing on a fractional executive is a budget-friendly move. While fractional executive compensation varies, you can expect to spend significantly less than you would for a full-time employee with benefits. Instead, you’ll pay for their time only when you need it—with the option to scale up or down for certain projects or goals. 

Fractional Executives Are Experienced

Fractional leaders have years of experience working at the executive level. Many have launched or grown successful organizations, and they understand what it takes to develop and implement big-picture strategies and solutions.

In fact, it’s not uncommon to find a fractional executive who specializes in a specific industry, like nonprofits or tech startups. At Computers in Ministry (CIM), our CIO and CTO services are catered to mission-driven, non-profit organizations. We understand the technology challenges that non-profits face, and we deliver leadership, strategy, development, planning, integration, and implementation to meet your needs.

Fractional Leaders Help Organizations Scale

Scaling comes with inherent risks for any organization. For nonprofits, this can be especially true. Fractional executives can be brought on to support organizations as they grow or restructure. They can provide input and guidance about when the right time to scale is and how quickly to grow.

Fractional Officers Support Training and Mentorship

Especially for smaller organizations, providing mentorship and training opportunities for existing employees can be difficult. Because fractional executives are knowledgeable leaders, they can use their skills to not only provide consultative services for the entire company, but also establish growth opportunities for employees as well.

Fractional Executive Solutions Deliver Results

Fractional executives are laser-focused on providing tangible results as quickly and effectively as possible. Because they specialize in working on a short-term basis, they are highly-skilled at creating and implementing actionable plans that deliver results fast.

Too often, full-time leaders get sidetracked from new initiatives, roadmaps, or goals. That’s not to say they’re underperforming—quite the opposite, in fact! The day-to-day work of running a nonprofit is demanding. Because fractional executives aren’t full-time employees, they can focus exclusively on the task at hand.

Computers In Ministry: CIO and CTO Services for Mission-Driven Organizations

At CIM, we’re dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations grow and use technology to further their mission and reach. If your budget doesn’t allow for a full-time executive or you’re seeking expert-level services to assist you in any of your technology needs, CIM can help. Our CIO and CTO services include:

• Tech research and evaluation
• Leadership and management
• Capital allocation and budget
• Goal and roadmap creation
• Organizational objective alignment
• Technology governance
• Performance monitoring
• Contract negotiations
• Team development

If you find yourself wondering, “When should I hire a CTO or CIO?,” the answer might be right now. Learn more about our CIO and CTO services and reach out to us today. We’d love to help you accomplish your goals.