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Executive Director Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Executive Director makes decisions about sales, personnel, manufacturing, and production matters in an organization. Their duties include informing Managers about policy changes, reading and listening to reports from department heads, and creating company budgets.

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What does an Executive Director do?

Executive Directors make sure businesses run smoothly, and help owners and stockholders achieve their goals. They coordinate the actions of several department heads, make sure the company complies with local laws and regulations, and set policies to keep inventory items and equipment secure. Executive Directors find fresh ways to assist customers, expand their business’ client base, and improve its reputation. They also attend meetings with other executives and department heads, speak with investors, and network with potential customers.

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Executive Director duties and responsibilities

Executive Directors work in a wide variety of industries, and they spend most of their time supervising others while also speaking with other executives, investors, and shareholders. They sometimes promote the organization by appearing in ads, giving speeches at conventions or other events, and speaking to members of the media. Duties and responsibilities in an Executive Director job description may include:

  • Developing company growth strategies
  • Planning and directing marketing or advertising campaigns
  • Hiring, training, and managing department heads and other members of upper management
  • Creating and giving sales presentations for potential investors
  • Creating company policies that encourage transparency, good communication, customer and employee satisfaction, and high productivity
  • Developing relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and regulators for the industry
  • Deciding on the company’s organizational structure, and the number of departments and employees needed

Executive Director skills and qualifications

Successful Executive Directors are polite, friendly, professional, and persuasive. They can keep track of lots of details, encourage employees to work well together and resolve conflicts, and explain benefits of products and services. Executive Directors also need extensive knowledge about the industry, the company, and its competitors. Some top skills and qualifications for Executive Directors include:

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly to unforeseen situations and events
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills
  • Ability to lead and motivate employees at every level
  • Familiarity with social media, industry publications, and common vendors and subcontractors
  • Ability to make and follow a budget
  • Ability to analyze and interpret sales statistics

Executive Director experience requirements

Executive Directors need at least two or three years of senior management experience in the same industry to be successful. You may also prefer candidates who worked as an Executive Director for another company, but industry knowledge is highly important for this role. Senior managers possess transferrable skills that prepare them to work as an Executive Director, and you can choose to hire from within your own business.

Executive Director education and training requirements

Look for Executive Director candidates with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, business administration, or a field related to the industry in which you operate. As it is a high-level and public-facing position, you may prefer people with a master’s of business administration (MBA).

Executive Director salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Executive Director in Canada is $71,953 per year. Individual pay levels depend on experience and education levels, the location, and the company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an Executive Director isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, some other job description samples that may meet your needs include:

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Executive Director job description FAQs

How is an Executive Director different from a Board Member?

A Board Member works behind the scenes as part of a Board of Directors to vote on key strategic directions. The board usually comprises the company’s top executives like CEOs, CFOs, COOs, the Vice President, and other key stakeholders. Together, the board makes joint decisions and implements them across the company, including voting on an Executive Director.

The Executive Director represents the company and works in the public eye. They communicate decisions made by the board of directors, explain new strategies, and introduce new top-level employees to clients and customers. An Executive Director ensures marketing efforts are effective, and that investors remain happy and informed. They develop relationships with as many stakeholders as possible, including suppliers, vendors, contractors, consultants, and the media.

What is a typical day like for an Executive Director?

An appealing, informative Executive Director job description speaks to company details like its size, values, mission, and culture. It also includes an overview of the company’s plans for growth and how involved a candidate will be in financial planning and budgeting. Clearly outline academic requirements, usually a master of business administration (MBA), and the specialized skills and industry knowledge candidates need. To attract more candidates, highlight a competitive salary, or benefits like stock options and extended vacation days where applicable.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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