Executive director job descriptions vary significantly based on the organization or business staffing the role. Responsibilities and role descriptions in the non-profit sector differ from those in the public or commercial sector. At the same time, different industries or markets use different requirements for an executive director. Regardless of sector or business, executive directors share some
. common characteristics or skills. Strategic thinking, staff management and operations management apply no matter the specific position. Other common required skills include program management, financial acumen and compliance. Job descriptions for executive directors typically include sections with these common attributes. Job descriptions for executive directors in the non-profit sector often include requirements around fund-raising and public relations. In this field, successful executive directors must interact with donors and the public in a different way than those in the public sector. Often, non-profit organizations require an executive director to spend a great deal of time on public relations or relationship building, making these job descriptions read differently than those for public or commercial organizations. For executive directors in the public or commercial sector, job descriptions vary widely based on the industry or business. Unlike non-profit positions, executive directors in a profit-driven business may need additional skills around staff development, public relations specific to investor relations or even business expansion. In some businesses, the executive director may be expected to serve as the primary voice or representative of the organization, making public speaking a priority. When developing a job description for an executive director, attention to the overall strategic responsibilities forms a foundation to the rest of the document. Any selected executive director sets the tone for the entire organization, especially around priorities such as expansion, operational excellence and budgetary adherence. Individual organizations require additional skills for the position, but all executive directors share common expectations related to the overall health of the organization. More Reference Links: http://www.bridgestar.org/Library/SampleJobDescriptions/GenMgtJDSamples.aspx http://managementhelp.org/chiefexecutives/index.htm