How to Create an Executive Director Job Listing (Guide for Nonprofits)

Hiring the right nonprofit Executive Director is one of the most important decisions a board of directors will ever make. The right leader can set the tone for growth, sustainability, and community impact for years to come.

But, before you can find that right person, you need to create a job listing that speaks to the exact caliber of candidates you want to attract.

That’s where many boards and search committees get stuck. How much detail is too much detail? What do other organizations include in their job listings and wow the heck do you balance mission-driven language with concrete job requirements?

A strong Executive Director job listing does more than announce an opening: it sets expectations, highlights your organization’s values, and filters in the right applicants while saving everyone time.

This guide walks you through the key elements every listing should include, along with a free template at the bttom that you can adapt for your organization.

Why a Strong Job Listing Matters

An Executive Director isn’t just another hire. They’re the face of your organization, the chief strategist, and often the primary fundraiser. A well-crafted job listing is the first step toward finding the right leader.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Sets expectations clearly. Candidates know upfront what the role entails which prevents wasted time on both sides.
  • Communicates your mission and culture. Strong listings give a glimpse of what makes your nonprofit unique and why someone would want to lead it.
  • Attracts stronger applicants. Competitive, well-written postings signal professionalism which means serious candidates.
  • Supports equity and transparency. Posting salary ranges and responsibilities up front builds trust and widens your applicant pool.

A thoughtful listing doesn’t just fill a vacancy; it helps you connect with the kind of leader who can guide your mission forward.

Key Components of an Executive Director Job Listing

A strong Executive Director job posting follows a simple structure. Each section gives candidates the right information while keeping the listing concise and professional. Here’s what to include:

1. Job Title & Organization

  • Keep it straightforward: Executive Director — [Organization Name] ([City, ST])
  • Add work arrangement if relevant (On-site, Remote, or Hybrid). Lots of executive directors these days expect flexibility, and in a senior leadership role, they should usually get it.

2. Overview

  • 2–3 sentences about your organization and mission.
  • Mention who you serve, your scope, or recent impact.

3. The Role

  • Brief summary (2–3 sentences) of the ED’s responsibilities.
  • Focus on leadership, strategy, fundraising, and partnerships.

4. What You’re Looking For

  • Core qualifications (years of leadership, nonprofit sector experience).
  • Key skills (fundraising, finance, program oversight, community engagement).
  • Education or certifications, if required.

5. Highlights

  • Salary range (required in many states).
  • Benefits/perks.
  • Reporting structure (e.g., reports to Board, manages staff size).

6. Application Instructions

  • Where to apply (email or portal). This may seem obvious, but sometimes... it's left off mistakenly.
  • What to submit (cover letter, résumé, references). Don't make candidates submit references if you're not serious about them.
  • Deadline or “applications reviewed on a rolling basis.” 

👉 Each of these components works together to create a listing that is clear, appealing, and transparent. The kind of post that attracts serious nonprofit leaders.

Tips for Writing a Strong Executive Director Job Listing

Even with the right structure, the tone and clarity of your job posting make a big difference in the kind of candidates you attract. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Be transparent with salary. In many states, it’s now required — and even where it isn’t, candidates expect it. Salary transparency builds trust and reduces wasted time.
  • Lead with outcomes, not just tasks. Instead of only listing duties, frame what success looks like: “Leads fundraising strategy to grow annual revenue from $3M to $5M” paints a clearer picture than “Oversees fundraising.”
  • Keep it concise. A strong ED listing should run 500–700 words. Too short = vague. Too long = overwhelming. 
  • Use plain, professional language. Avoid jargon and buzzwords. Candidates want clarity, not clichés.
  • Show your mission voice. Infuse a little of your nonprofit’s passion and culture. Strong leaders are drawn to both the mission and the role.
  • Sell The Job! Many nonprofit recruiters often forget an important role of the job listing. It is trying to SELL the candidate to apply. Make it good!! 

These details can help your listing stand out in a crowded hiring landscape and attract candidates who are aligned, qualified, and motivated to apply.

Free Template: Executive Director Job Listing

Here’s a plug-and-play template you can copy, paste, and adapt for your organization.

Executive Director — [Organization Name] ([City, ST])

[Salary Range if given] • [Full-time/Part-time] • [On-site/Remote/Hybrid]

Overview
[Organization Name] is a nonprofit dedicated to [short mission statement in 1–2 sentences]. The organization [expand with a little context—scope, impact, or community served].

The Role
The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive, responsible for [2–3 key duties: strategy, fundraising, operations, partnerships]. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the ED ensures [main outcomes or goals].

What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate has [X years] of leadership experience in [sector]. Strong skills in [fundraising, finance, program oversight, community engagement] are essential. [Education requirements or preferences]. A passion for [organization’s mission area] is required.

Highlights

  • Salary range: [list if available] + [benefits/perks]
  • Reports to [Board/CEO/etc.]
  • Manages [staff/volunteers/team size]

How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and résumé to [application email or portal]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until [deadline].

💡 Pro tip for boards: Including the salary range and benefits up front will make your posting more competitive and attract stronger candidates.

Where to Post Your Job

Once you’ve written a strong Executive Director job listing, the next step is making sure the right candidates see it. Here are the best places to share your opening:

  • ExecutiveDirectorJobs.org — The only job board dedicated exclusively to nonprofit Executive Director roles. Your posting is seen by candidates who are specifically searching for leadership positions.
  • State nonprofit associations — Many have local job boards or newsletters that reach nonprofit professionals in your area.
  • LinkedIn — Still the largest professional network. Use both your organization’s page and relevant nonprofit groups.
  • Specialized nonprofit job boards — Sites like Idealist.org or Chronicle of Philanthropy attract broader nonprofit audiences.

💡 For maximum visibility: Post your job on ExecutiveDirectorJobs.org first, then share it across your nonprofit’s website, social channels, and newsletters. This creates multiple entry points for candidates and increases your applicant pool.

💡 Depending on your budget, strong consideration shoudl be put into utilizing paid advertising on social media. Even on Facebook.

Conclusion

Writing an Executive Director job listing may feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a clear structure, transparent details, and a touch of your nonprofit’s mission voice, you’ll attract candidates who are aligned, qualified, and excited about the opportunity to lead.

Use the template above as a starting point, adapt it for your organization, and share it widely. The right listing doesn’t just fill a vacancy, it sets the stage for your next chapter of leadership.

👉 Ready to find your next leader? Post your Executive Director job today on ExecutiveDirectorJobs.org and reach nonprofit professionals nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should an Executive Director job listing be?
Most strong postings run 500–700 words. That’s enough space to cover responsibilities, qualifications, and your mission without overwhelming candidates.

Should we include salary in the listing?
Yes. Many states now legally require salary ranges, and even where it isn’t mandatory, transparency helps attract stronger, more qualified applicants.

What’s the most important part of an ED job posting?
The Overview and Role description. These sections set the tone, communicate your mission, and help candidates quickly understand whether they’re a good fit.

Where should we post Executive Director jobs?
Start with ExecutiveDirectorJobs.org, the only job board dedicated exclusively to nonprofit Executive Director roles. For added reach, share on LinkedIn, your state nonprofit association board, and other nonprofit-specific job sites.

Find out how much nonprofit executive director jobs are paying at the next article:

State-by-State Analysis of Nonprofit Executive Director Salaries (Base Pay)