Executive Director Non Profit

Education and Training: MBA
Average Salary: $300,000 per year
Job Outlook: Excellent

Executive director non profit is the term applied to the managing director, president, or chief executive officer of a non profit corporation or company. Membership organizations and small firms refer to this position as ‘executive secretary’ also.
A person who works in the position of the executive director non profit has to develop, design and implement strategic plans for their firm in a prompt and cost effective manner. The executive director non profit also has to manage the day to day functioning of the firm, including staff and managing committees. He/she has to develop plans in consultation with the board for the future of the organization. The authority to run the organization is given to the executive director by the board and the executive director has to report to the board either annually, semi-annually, or on a quarterly basis. The executive director non profit is accountable to the president of the board and may offer ideas on running or improving the organization. The executive director non profit also has the full power to implement ideas once they are approved by the board. Apart from official roles, the executive director non profit also has to assume motivational and leadership roles within the organization. They have to mentor and motivate members, staff, and volunteers and chair meetings sometimes. The executive director develops the organizational culture by heading it in the best possible manner and is informed about the happenings within the organization. This includes aspects such as budget, staff, membership, company assets, and resources so that they can improve the firm’s profile and profitability.

Education and Training Requirements

To work in the position of an executive director non profit, a person must have an MBA or equivalent qualification and at least seven years of experience as a senior administrative officer in a firm. Of this, at least five years must have been spent in a supervisory capacity. He/she must also be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written form and effectively present information to top management, members, board of directors, or public groups. An executive director non profit must also be able to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, business periodicals, legal documents, financial reports, business correspondence, manuals etc. He/she must also be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written form and effectively present information.

Getting the Job

An executive director should have adequate knowledge about the facility they will be working with. Preferably they must have at least 10 years of experience working in mid or upper management. In addition the executive director must have the ability to communicate effectively with their staff and also have a proven ability to work with them as a team.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

According to the United States Department of Labor, jobs for executive directors in health-care facilities are expected to remain steady as some executives may start their own business or may retire. Lots of people are interested to take up this job as it is a high-income level position. Constant job postings and vacancies are available since such jobs exist in other industries.

Working Conditions

Becoming an executive director is a top notch position that is available in any facility. After gaining experience, many executive directors may open their own management training companies or move into consulting. Some may also opt to work privately.

Salary & Benefits

Those who are employed in large private hospitals or facilities earn more than those who are employed in smaller facilities or government or non-profit facilities. Executive directors can earn around $140,000 and $300,000 for small to medium sized public and private health-care facilities whereas those that are employed in larger hospitals can earn around $500,000 to $700,000 per year.

Where to Go for More Information

Columbia Business School
3022 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-5553
http://www4.gsb.columbia.edu/execed/programs/detail/5618/Institute+for+Not-for-Profit+Management

Conservation Fellow
World Wildlife Fund
1250 Twenty-Fourth St.
N.W. P.O. Box 97180
Washington, DC 20090-7180
http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html