Most nonprofit job postings read like they were copied straight from a WordPerfect doc from 1996: long lists of duties, vague adjectives (“dynamic,” “visionary”), and a call to apply buried at the bottom.
The problem?
Executive Director candidates—smart, busy people who’ve seen it all—will skim, yawn, and move on to a job that is more exciting.
The truth is simple: your job listing is not just paperwork. It’s an advertisement. And like any ad, its job is to get attention, build interest, and make the right candidate think, “This could be me.”
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Here’s how to write an Executive Director job listing that stands out.
Candidates want to know what your organization does in the world, and why it matters, before they want to know about your requirement for QuickBooks proficiency.
Instead of:
The Executive Director will oversee operations, fundraising, and staff management.
Try:
“At [Your Org], we bring housing security to more than 400 families each year. We’re looking for a leader who can grow that impact even further. Do you have what it takes to make this a reality?
Skip the buzzwords. “Visionary, dynamic, results-oriented leader” is overused and underwhelming. Plain language is more engaging and trustworthy.
Instead of:
Seeking a strategic thought partner who can synergize resources across stakeholders.
Try:
We need someone who can bring people together—staff, volunteers, and community partners—to make our mission stronger And bring in bucketloads of donations.
Executive Directors have options. Why should they choose you? Is it the size of your community impact? A history of innovation? Strong board support? Location perks? Be specific.
Instead of:
We are a nonprofit organization seeking a new Executive Director.
Try:
For 75 years, the Concord Carlisle Foundation has been the heartbeat of our community—funding programs from early childhood to elder care. Our next Executive Director will inherit a legacy of trust and impact.
Your candidates are busy. Short paragraphs, bold headers, and bullet points keep them reading.
Salary range, benefits, and remote/hybrid details are no longer optional. Hiding them will cost you quality candidates.
Pro tip: Posting the salary up front can increase applications by as much as 30%. DO THIS!
Don’t just say “apply.” Invite. Make it sound like a next step, not a hurdle.
Instead of:
Interested candidates should submit materials to the board.
Try:
Ready to lead a mission that changes lives? Send your resume and a short note about why this role excites you to [email]. We’d love to hear from you.
Here’s how this looks in action.
Generic Version
The Executive Director is responsible for leading staff, fundraising, and overseeing day-to-day operations. Candidates should have at least 7 years of nonprofit management experience, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of fundraising. Salary commensurate with experience.
Copywritten Version
At Community Roots, we believe every child deserves a safe place to learn and grow. Each year, we provide after-school programs to more than 1,200 students—and we’re looking for a leader who can help us reach even more.
As our Executive Director, you’ll guide a small but passionate team, partner with an engaged board, and lead the charge in expanding our programs. You’ll have the freedom to innovate, the support to succeed, and the satisfaction of knowing your work changes lives every single day.
What we offer:
- Salary range: $90,000–$105,000
- Flexible hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
- Supportive, family-friendly culture
What you’ll do:
- Lead strategy and operations for a $2.5M organization
- Build strong partnerships with donors, schools, and community leaders
- Inspire and develop a talented team of 8 staff
Ready to help us write the next chapter of Community Roots? Apply today by sending your resume and a short note about why this role inspires you to [email].
A job listing is not an obligation: it’s your first chance to inspire. By treating your posting like an ad, you’ll not only attract more candidates—you’ll attract the right candidates.
At ExecutiveDirectorJobs.org, we believe in this so much that every job we feature gets rewritten to stand out. Because the right leader deserves more than a cookie-cutter listing.
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