Nonprofit leadership can be a highly dynamic, rewarding career choice, and the field attracts individuals who are inspired to make change in the world. Because of the managerial nature of the executive director role, candidates must have the right combination of education and experience. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) program can provide those interested in becoming nonprofit executive directors with the strong foundation they need to succeed.  

What Does a Nonprofit Executive Director Do? 

Nonprofit organizations do not have owners or shareholders, rather, their board of directors is responsible for making operational decisions for the organization. Nonprofit executive directors serve as liaisons between their nonprofit organization’s board and staff. To keep their operations running smoothly, the nonprofit executive director job description includes a broad range of responsibilities.  

Nonprofit Executive Director Key Responsibilities  

A nonprofit executive director’s main responsibilities are to implement the board’s decisions and to oversee the organization’s operations, assuring they align with the organization’s long-term strategic plans. The following are key elements involved in handling these responsibilities that help define an effective nonprofit executive director’s job. 

Leadership 

A nonprofit executive director bridges the gap between the board of directors and the staff, and it is their duty to ensure staff members carry out the strategic plans outlined by the board. They help maintain and execute a cohesive vision for the organization by managing its day-to-day operations and providing useful instruction as needed.  

Nonprofit executive directors of larger enterprises oversee and manage the heads of each department. They provide strategic guidance to help departments effectively meet their goals. In smaller nonprofits, executive directors may take charge of more operational functions, such as finance management and human resources.  

Executive directors can benefit from sharing their passion for their nonprofit’s cause and identifying how the organization can have the most impact. 

Fundraising 

Fundraising is essential to keeping nonprofit organizations afloat. Nonprofit executive director job descriptions typically assign executive directors the responsibility of leading fundraising efforts. Larger nonprofits may have designated fundraising teams who implement funding initiatives, though executive directors still oversee their efforts.  

There are many different ways to raise funds. Executive directors can meet their fundraising goals with any of the following approaches: 

• Developing marketing campaigns to increase individual donations 

• Submitting grant applications to charitable foundations or government agencies 

• Appealing to corporations for monetary support or sponsorship 

• Coordinating special fundraising events such as galas, fun runs or auctions 

Public Relations 

A nonprofit executive director is typically the most visible face of their organization. It is essential that they develop and maintain positive relationships with all the organization’s stakeholders, peers and partner associations as well as with the local media. They can foster these relationships by attending other nonprofits’ events and connecting with donors and community members.  

Increasing awareness for their organization and its mission is fundamental to a nonprofit executive director’s role. They reach out to media outlets to coordinate coverage on their organization’s events, campaigns and general promotions.  

As nonprofit executive directors often speak on behalf of their organizations, they must have strong communication and interpersonal skills.  

How to Become a Nonprofit Executive Director 

The right education and experience can help individuals succeed in nonprofit leadership positions. 

Education 

Nonprofit professionals’ work is devoted to serving the public, and nonprofit executive directors can benefit from an education focused on public or social services. Nonprofit executive director job descriptions often call for at least a bachelor’s degree, and many require a master’s degree.  

A graduate degree program in public administration offers those interested in pursuing a role as a nonprofit executive director an opportunity to hone the communication, organizational leadership, marketing and other key skills needed for the role.  

Courses in SEMO Online’s MPA program that help foster students’ development cover topics that include the following: 

• Nonprofit management 

• Organizational communication 

• Topics in political science 

• Public policy analysis 

• Government budgeting process 

Experience 

Aspiring nonprofit executive directors need to gain experience relevant to the nonprofit sector they want to enter. For example, if they plan to work on environmental issues, experience at an environmental science organization or an environment-focused nonprofit can provide them with the foundation they need for an eventual role as a nonprofit executive director in that area.  

Every organization has unique experience requirements for their nonprofit executive director job description based on their specific field and individual needs. However, leadership experience is always valuable.  

Executive training programs can help candidates improve their ability to set team goals and direct teams of people, and programs for graduate degrees in areas such as public administration and organizational leadership include instruction on leadership techniques. A certification in accounting, marketing or public relations can also showcase a candidate’s expertise.  

Nonprofit Executive Director Job Outlook and Salary 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that positions for top executives, including those in the nonprofit sector, will grow 4 percent between 2024 and 2034, about as fast as the average growth projected for all occupations. This growth is expected to be due to organizations’ increasing need for strategic decision-making and efficient operations. 

The median annual salary for top executives is $105,350, according to the BLS. An individual’s salary is affected by their education level, their experience, their organization’s size and location, and the sector it operates in.  

Work Toward Your Nonprofit Career Goals with SEMO Online 

Nonprofit executive directors play a vital role in the civic institutions that work to improve communities. A successful executive director empowers their organization to fulfill its missions and contribute to a social cause, doing their part to make the world a better place.   

SEMO Online’s Master of Public Administration program is designed to prepare students for lifelong careers as changemakers. Coursework in the program helps students develop their decision-making skills with an emphasis on strategic planning and ethical leadership. The program’s online format gives students the flexibility to earn their degrees on a timeline that works for them.  

With a master’s degree in public administration, graduates can confidently pursue a rewarding career in the nonprofit sector.  

Take your first step toward a future in public service with SEMO Online.  

Recommended Readings 
What Does a Local Government Official Do? 
Business Administration Careers: Applying Your Degree 
Healthcare Management vs. Healthcare Administration   
 
Sources: 
Center for Non-Profit Coaching, “Nonprofit Organization Director Salary: Trends, Factors, and Benchmarks” 
Funding for Good, “The 10 Main Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Executive Director” 
Indeed, “Everything You Need to Know About Executive Director Positions” 
Indeed, “What Does a Nonprofit Executive Director Do?” 
Payscale, Average Executive Director, Non-Profit Organization Salary 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Community Service Managers 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Top Executives