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Remote Executive Director jobs

7 open positions in the United States, newest first.

Executive directors lead an organization or a major part of one, and the meaning depends on the sector. In nonprofits and associations it is the top staff position, reporting to the board and responsible for strategy, fundraising, budget and staff. In large corporations, notably in pharmaceuticals and banking, it is a senior rank for a leader who heads a function, program or portfolio.

About the Executive Director role

What the work looks like

  • Set annual goals and budget with the board or senior leadership and report progress against them.
  • Lead a team of directors or managers, including hiring, performance decisions and succession planning.
  • In nonprofits, cultivate major donors, oversee grant applications and act as the public face of the organization.
  • In corporate settings, own a function or program and represent it in governance and investment decisions.
  • Manage relationships with board members, funders, regulators, partners and other external stakeholders on the organization's behalf.

What employers ask for

  • Senior leadership of teams and budgets
  • Strategic planning and board reporting
  • Fundraising and donor relations for nonprofit roles
  • Financial oversight and governance
  • Deep expertise in the sector or function
  • Public speaking and stakeholder communication

Doing this job remotely

Whether the role can be remote depends on the organization. National nonprofits and distributed companies do hire remote executive directors, usually with frequent travel for board meetings, donor visits, conferences and staff gatherings. Community-based organizations generally need their leader present locally. Because the job is relational and representative, a fully travel-free version is rare.

Where it comes from and where it leads

Executive directors typically have long experience as program, development or functional directors, or as deputy directors. Next steps include leading a larger organization, chief executive or other C-level roles, board service and consulting.