The Truth About Executive Director Jobs

Generally, though not exclusively, executive director jobs are associated with non-profit organizations. Executive directors are usually responsible for the direction, management, image, and funding of the organization, and, more often than not, they answer directly to the board of directors. Executive directors, then, have a huge load of responsibility on their shoulders. In spite of that, these positions are challenging and fulfilling and pay well (often $60,000 to $80,000 on the low end), so competition is fierce. Recommended Education For an executive director position, you’ll need at least a BA or BS in some relevant business-related area, and most often an advanced degree (usually MBA or MPA) is preferred. Here’s an extract from an actual job posting: “Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.” And another: “An undergraduate degree is required. An MBA or MPA, although not required, is highly desirable.” So, if you’ve done any relevant post-graduate work, make sure you display that information prominently in your resume/CV. Also, tactfully mention it in the interview if the opportunity presents itself. Combination of Skills Wanted Executive director jobs call for a wide-ranging array of demonstrated managerial, leadership, and PR skills. Again, here’s an excerpt from another job posting: “1. Board Administration and Support – Supports operations and administration of Board by advising and informing Board members, interfacing between Board and staff, and supporting Board’s evaluation of chief executive. 2. Program, Product and Service Delivery – Oversees design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of programs, products and services. 3. Financial, Tax, Risk and Facilities Management – Recommends yearly budget for Board approval and prudently manages organization’s resources within those budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations. 4. Human Resources Management – Effectively manages the human resources of the organization according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws and regulations. 5. Community and Public Relations – Assures the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders. 6. Fund-raising (nonprofit-specific) – Oversees fund-raising planning and implementation, including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals and administering fund-raising records and documentation.” Obviously, it will take an accomplished and versatile person to fill that bill. Attributes and Abilities Sought The candidate who will be most strongly considered for an executive director position is the one can demonstrate and prove that he or she possesses a certain set of attributes and abilities. That set includes: Leadership Fund-raising Relationship building Marketing Innovation Program development and assessment Because executive directors are required to wear so many different hats and function in so many varied and often disparate areas, they must possess a unique combination of abilities, with the attribute of versatility and adaptability running through it all. Executive directors will be called upon to lead, organize, coordinate, strategically plan, and foster key relationships. Further, executive directors need to be endowed with the ability to deal with human-resources and labor issues. And, finally, a passion for or demonstrated interest in the organization’s areas of operations and stated goals is looked on as a big plus. The qualified candidate for an executive director position will have the requisite education, demonstrate experience and skills in the appropriate areas, and prove possession of a wide range of attributes and abilities. The bar is high, and the competition is keen. A good career consultant can be a real asset.   To your career success, Martin Allen

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