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What does an executive director/chief executive officer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

An executive director/chief executive officer is an executive who is in-charged in the management of a company's overall operations and growth. The position is decided by the company's board and its shareholders. The executive's primary responsibilities include making major corporate decisions and managing company resources. The role of a chief executive officer varies depending on the size of the company, its culture, and corporate structure. Also, the position requires good interpersonal, leadership, analytical, and management skills to accomplish such responsibilities.

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Executive director/chief executive officer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real executive director/chief executive officer resumes:

  • Manage grant funding process, from RFP development to bidders' conferences to proposal reviews and grant awards.
  • Lead the facility in implementing person-centered care/hospitality philosophy, electronic medical records, maximization of Medicare reimbursement, and alternative therapies.
  • Obtain Medicaid certification for expansion of outpatient services.
  • Carry out public relation activities for the corporation, including marketing of physical rehabilitation services to area hospitals and referral sources.
  • Key contributor in the development, implementation and optimization of RFP policies and procedures.
  • Pass ISO re-certification audit without findings.
  • Review regularly and revise as necessary treasury policies and procedures to improve efficiency and maintain SOX compliance.
  • Develop and implement processes and SOX guidelines, responsibility to monitor compliance, and institute remediation when deficiencies are identify.

Executive director/chief executive officer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Executive Directors/Chief Executive Officer are proficient in Financial Management, Regulatory Compliance, and Business Strategy. They’re also known for soft skills such as Management skills, Problem-solving skills, and Communication skills.

We break down the percentage of Executive Directors/Chief Executive Officer that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Financial Management, 11%

    Complete oversight for internal operations, financial management, and personnel management & development.

  • Regulatory Compliance, 7%

    Manage operations including procurement, human resources, customer service and regulatory compliance.

  • Business Strategy, 6%

    Create branding formulas for companies to align business strategy with targeted consumer spending habits and consumer psychology.

  • Mental Health, 6%

    Provided training on medication management and mental health diagnoses.

  • Non-Profit Organization, 6%

    Directed an international non-profit organization that provides technology education and training to developing communities.

  • Oversight, 6%

    Develop client specific non-agency credit policy platforms and managed oversight for South American/Middle Eastern/Asian private placement funding.

Most executive directors/chief executive officer use their skills in "financial management," "regulatory compliance," and "business strategy" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential executive director/chief executive officer responsibilities here:

Problem-solving skills. Another essential skill to perform executive director/chief executive officer duties is problem-solving skills. Executive directors/chief executive officer responsibilities require that "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." Executive directors/chief executive officer also use problem-solving skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "core principle solutions, llc (cps) is a privately owned global medical communications company. "

Communication skills. executive directors/chief executive officer are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to executive director/chief executive officer responsibilities, because "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." An executive director/chief executive officer resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "implemented communication strategy, including monthly column in retailing+resources magazine, press releases, sales letters, and membership materials. "

Leadership skills. executive director/chief executive officer responsibilities often require "leadership skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." This resume example shows what executive directors/chief executive officer do with leadership skills on a typical day: "implemented an aggressive professional development plans and market for teacher retention and motivated leadership in the classroom. "

Time-management skills. Another crucial skill for an executive director/chief executive officer to carry out their responsibilities is "time-management skills." A big part of what executive directors/chief executive officer relies on this skill, since "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." How this skill relates to executive director/chief executive officer duties can be seen in an example from an executive director/chief executive officer resume snippet: "maintained records and reporting to government agencies and board of directors in meeting all deadlines. "

See the full list of executive director/chief executive officer skills

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Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Resume

Compare different executive directors/chief executive officer

Executive director/chief executive officer vs. President

Presidents are usually the highest-level executives in an organization. They oversee the whole company. They identify clear goals and provide strategic direction as the company works towards the achievement of their overall vision. Presidents are the decision-makers in the company. They make crucial decisions to ensure that the company continues to grow and survives challenges that come their way. They are expected to consider all stakeholders, from the board of directors and employees to the customers in their decision-making process. Presidents also represent the company in external functions, especially during high-level events. As such, they are expected to be professional, well-mannered, and good communicators.

If we compare the average executive director/chief executive officer annual salary with that of a president, we find that presidents typically earn a $58,630 higher salary than executive directors/chief executive officer make annually.Even though executive directors/chief executive officer and presidents are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require financial management, non-profit organization, and strategic plan in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an executive director/chief executive officer are more likely to require skills like "regulatory compliance," "business strategy," "mental health," and "oversight." On the other hand, a job as a president requires skills like "r," "payroll," "alumni," and "fraternity." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Presidents tend to reach lower levels of education than executive directors/chief executive officer. In fact, presidents are 10.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.3% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Executive director/chief executive officer vs. Vice president

Vice presidents are usually considered the second-in-command in the organization, depending on the organization structure. They take over when the president is unavailable to fulfill duties. They may also represent the organization in external events and other official functions. They are important members of the boardroom, and their opinions are usually sought after as well. Vice presidents are usually poised to follow the president's footsteps in the organization, especially if the president is nearing retirement. They also make urgent and crucial decisions when the president is not available to do so. Vice presidents must have strong business acumen, decision-making skills, and professionalism.

A career as a vice president brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of an executive director/chief executive officer. In fact, vice presidents salary is $24,938 higher than the salary of executive directors/chief executive officer per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both executive directors/chief executive officer and vice presidents have skills such as "regulatory compliance," "oversight," and "strategic plan. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real executive director/chief executive officer resumes. While executive director/chief executive officer responsibilities can utilize skills like "financial management," "business strategy," "mental health," and "non-profit organization," vice presidents use skills like "healthcare," "project management," "customer service," and "client relationships."

Vice presidents earn lower levels of education than executive directors/chief executive officer in general. They're 7.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Executive director/chief executive officer vs. Managing director

A Managing Director oversees workflow and progress, making sure that all operations align within the company or organization's mission or set of goals. They are responsible for crafting strategies, devising effective business plans, and executing guidelines that would nurture a company's growth, and as well as to be the driving force that would direct employees to the company's objectives. Furthermore, a Managing Director must coordinate with those in a higher position, such as the members of the board.

An average managing director eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of executive directors/chief executive officer. The difference in salaries amounts to managing directors earning a $4,009 lower average salary than executive directors/chief executive officer.executive directors/chief executive officer and managing directors both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "financial management," "regulatory compliance," and "business strategy," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, executive directors/chief executive officer are more likely to have skills like "mental health," "non-profit organization," "program development," and "substance abuse." But a managing director is more likely to have skills like "healthcare," "portfolio," "project management," and "customer service."

Managing directors typically earn similar educational levels compared to executive directors/chief executive officer. Specifically, they're 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Executive director/chief executive officer vs. Director, special projects

The primary responsibility of a director of special projects is to ensure the successful conclusion of construction-related projects. Special project directors lead, organize, and perform corporate projects outside their duties. They utilize project management, business process management, and change management disciplines for timely and cost-effective initiatives delivery. It is part of their responsibilities to collaborate with business leaders and entrepreneurs to perform corporate programs and initiatives. They also manage process enhancements and various special programs.

Directors, special projects tend to earn a lower pay than executive directors/chief executive officer by an average of $3,783 per year.According to resumes from executive directors/chief executive officer and directors, special projects, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "non-profit organization," "oversight," and "strategic plan. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "financial management," "regulatory compliance," "business strategy," and "mental health" are skills that commonly show up on executive director/chief executive officer resumes. On the other hand, directors, special projects use skills like project management, website content, hipaa, and data analysis on their resumes.The average resume of directors, special projects showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to executive directors/chief executive officer. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 2.3%.

Types of executive director/chief executive officer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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