How to Level Up to an Executive Director Role in the Nonprofit Sector

Moving into an Executive Director (ED) role is one of the biggest transitions in a nonprofit career. For many professionals, it feels like a leap, from program management, fundraising, or operations into the top leadership seat. But, with the right preparation and positioning, you can make that leap intentionally and confidently.

Make that E.D. job happen for YOU!

1. Understand What the ED Role Really Requires

An Executive Director isn’t just the “next step up” from program director or development director to executive director. It’s a different job entirely. As ED, you’re responsible for:

  • Setting organizational vision and strategy in partnership with the Board.
  • Ensuring financial health and sustainability.
  • Leading staff and volunteers across all functions, not just your specialty area.
  • Serving as the public face of the organization.

Before pursuing an ED position, spend time shadowing your current ED, asking questions, or reading job postings. Make sure you understand the expectations and can speak to how you’re preparing for them.

2. Broaden Beyond Your Specialty

If you’ve built your career primarily in programs, fundraising, finance, or operations, you’ll need to expand your skillset. Executive Directors must be generalists who can balance all these areas. You can:

  • Volunteer for cross-department committees or projects.
  • Take on interim responsibilities if your ED is absent.
  • Join your organization’s finance or development team for a project.
  • Seek nonprofit management courses or certificates (many are low-cost through state nonprofit associations).

3. Strengthen Your Board & Leadership Experience

Boards of Directors play a central role in nonprofit governance. Experience working with them, whether by presenting at meetings, serving as staff liaison, or joining a nonprofit board yourself, shows you understand governance dynamics. Employers want to see that you can partner effectively with a Board, not just report to it. 

The #1 thing you can do is becoming a board member in the nonprofit sector you would most like to work. Get outside your own organization and get into a leadership position at another.

4. Build Your External Profile

EDs are the public face of their organizations. To prepare:

  • Join community coalitions or task forces.
  • Speak at conferences or community events.
  • Write thought pieces (LinkedIn, local op-eds, professional newsletters).
  • Network with other nonprofit leaders in your sector.

This positions you as a leader before you even hold the ED title.

5. Manage Up—and Learn From Your ED

Treat your current Executive Director as a mentor if possible. Ask about:

  • Their biggest challenges.
  • How they prioritize their week.
  • What they wish they had known before becoming ED.
    You’ll gain insights that can shape how you prepare for the role yourself.
  • Be open with your Executive Director if possible. Often, exececutive directors, especially in nonprofit organizations see themselves as mentors to their staff.

6. Seek Smaller or Transitional Opportunities

Not every ED position requires decades of experience. Smaller nonprofits, newer organizations, and those in rural communities often hire “stretch” candidates. If you can demonstrate broad skills and a passion for the mission, you may be a strong fit for a first-time ED role.

A smaller organization can be a wonderful place to start. If you don't have much experience leading staff, a small office of 3-5 is the perfect place to start.

7. Communicate Readiness, Not Just Ambition

In applications and interviews, don’t just say you want to be an Executive Director—show you’re already operating at that level. Highlight examples where you’ve:

  • Led across functions.
  • Balanced budgets or driven sustainability.
  • Built partnerships and represented your organization externally.
  • Navigated complex Board or governance issues.

This reassures hiring committees that you can step into the top role without a steep learning curve.

✅ Takeaway: Leveling up to an Executive Director role is less about chasing the title and more about building the breadth of skills, leadership presence, and governance experience to lead a nonprofit effectively. By broadening your scope now and building your external reputation, you’ll be well positioned when the right opportunity arises.

A good place to start is talking to some nonprofit leadership recruitment firms. Check out our article on how to work with executive director recruiters HERE.