Executive Director job description
An Executive Director is a professional in charge of managing operations. They are often compared to CEOs in their ability to lead, motivate others, and take on strategic planning responsibilities that require leadership qualities like influencing people. An Executive Director leads by example while simultaneously striving toward sustainability.
Executive Director responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing strategies aiming to promote the organization’s mission and “voice”
- Creating complete business plans for the attainment of goals and objectives set by the board of directors
- Building an effective team of leaders by providing guidance and coaching to subordinate managers
Job brief
We are looking for an experienced Executive Director to oversee all operations, functions and activities. You will be the face of the organization, responsible for giving the proper strategic direction and implementing a high quality vision.
An excellent executive director is an influential manager with ability to lead and motivate. They have great communication skills and take a holistic approach in managing the organization’s operations.
The goal is to manage and lead the organization towards the realization of its mission.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategies aiming to promote the organization’s mission and “voice”
- Create complete business plans for the attainment of goals and objectives set by the board of directors
- Build an effective team of leaders by providing guidance and coaching to subordinate managers
- Ensure adherence of the organization’s daily activities and long-term plans to established policies and legal guidelines
- Direct and oversee investments and fundraising efforts
- Forge and maintain relations of trust with shareholders, partners and external authorities
- Act as the public speaker and public relations representative of the company in ways that strengthen its profile
- Review reports by subordinate managers to acquire understanding of the organization’s financial and non-financial position
- Devise remedial actions for any identified issues and conduct crisis management when necessary
Requirements and skills
- Proven experience as executive director or in other managerial position
- Experience in developing strategies and plans
- Ability to apply successful fundraising and networking techniques
- Strong understanding of corporate finance and measures of performance
- In depth knowledge of corporate governance principles and managerial best practices
- An analytical mind capable for “out-of-the-box” thinking to solve problems
- Outstanding organization and leadership abilities
- Excellent communication (oral and written) and public speaking skills
- MSc/MA in business administration or relevant field
Frequently asked questions
- What does an Executive Director do?
- The Executive Director oversees administration, programs management, and strategic planning. Additionally, they are empowered to fundraise on behalf of their patrons while building relationships within the communities they serve so that people can get involved with what matters most.
- What are the duties and responsibilities of an Executive Director?
- The Executive Director has a variety of responsibilities, including creating and maintaining an annual budget. They also collaborate with employees at every level to provide constructive feedback on how things could be improved or streamlined within the company and give presentations informing board members of progress made throughout their tenure.
- What makes a Good Executive Director?
- To be a successful Executive Director, one must know how best to use their skillset and take an active approach. They need to read well and think critically while providing feedback that will help improve others' craft or processes as required.
- Who does an Executive Director work with?
- An Executive Director is often helped with their work by an Assistant Director, who helps ensure to complete projects and duties like developing goals within a department with precision. They also ensure that policies within such a company are met and kept at all levels.