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Acting Executive Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall planning, direction, coordination, and ... Must make sure that staffing levels meet state regulations while acting in harmony with company ...

Executive Director

Richmond, VA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall planning, direction, coordination, and ... Must make sure that staffing levels meet state regulations while acting in harmony with company ...

Executive Director

Richmond, VA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall planning, direction, coordination, and ... Must make sure that staffing levels meet state regulations while acting in harmony with company ...

Executive Director

Santa Rosa Beach, FL · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall planning, direction, coordination, and ... Must make sure that staffing levels meet state regulations while acting in harmony with company ...

In the absence of the Executive Director/Administrator, the Director of Clinical Services becomes the acting Executive Director/Administrator and will be vested with authority to act in behalf of the ...

The Executive Director Role is an exciting opportunity for a highly rewarding career in a fast ... Responsible for all operations, acting as contact for all staff, residents, prospects, community ...

The Executive Director Role is an exciting opportunity for a highly rewarding career in a fast ... Responsible for all operations, acting as contact for all staff, residents, prospects, community ...

Join Heritage Communities as an Executive Director! We are building a talent pipeline for Executive ... Acting as primary contact for residents and families, ensuring proactive communication and ...

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Acting Executive Director information

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$48K

$96K

$150K

How much do acting executive director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for acting executive director in the United States is $96,016.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an acting executive director?

An Acting Executive Director is a professional temporarily appointed to lead an organization during a transition period, such as while a permanent executive director is being recruited or is on leave. They assume the full responsibilities of the executive director, overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring the organization meets its goals and obligations. Acting Executive Directors often maintain continuity within the organization and may implement or sustain strategic initiatives, but their role is typically interim. Their authority and duration of service are defined by the organization's board or governing body.

What are some common challenges faced by an acting executive director during a leadership transition?

An Acting Executive Director often encounters challenges such as maintaining organizational stability, ensuring clear communication with staff and stakeholders, and upholding ongoing initiatives during the leadership transition. Balancing the need to make timely decisions while respecting long-term strategies set by the board can also be demanding. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a focus on building trust with both the team and external partners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acting executive director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Acting Executive Director, you need strong leadership, organizational management, and strategic planning abilities, often supported by experience in nonprofit or business administration. Familiarity with budgeting software, CRM systems, and project management tools, as well as a relevant degree or executive certification, is typically required. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and decision-making skills are crucial for effectively guiding teams and managing stakeholders during transitional periods. These competencies ensure stability, maintain organizational momentum, and foster stakeholder confidence during leadership changes.

What is the difference between Acting Executive Director vs Executive Director?

AspectActing Executive DirectorExecutive Director
CredentialsTypically requires relevant leadership experience, often interim role without specific certificationsUsually holds advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, MPA) and extensive leadership credentials
Work EnvironmentTemporary leadership during transitions or absences, often in nonprofit or corporate settingsPermanent leadership role overseeing daily operations and strategic planning
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in nonprofits, government agencies, and organizations during leadership gapsStandard executive role in various industries including nonprofits, corporations, and government

The Acting Executive Director temporarily assumes leadership duties during transitions or absences, whereas the Executive Director holds the permanent, full-time leadership position responsible for organizational strategy and operations.

More about Acting Executive Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Acting Executive Director jobs?

Cities with the most Acting Executive Director job openings:

What states have the most Acting Executive Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Acting Executive Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Acting Executive Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,016 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Deputy Executive Director

Saluda, VA • On-site

Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 501 - 1,000 employees

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description
The Deputy Executive Director serves as the second-in-command to the Executive Director and provides executive leadership for the agency's operational, strategic, and growth functions. This position partners closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership team to advance organizational effectiveness, sustainability, and service excellence.
The Deputy Executive Director is responsible for leading daily agency operations, driving business development and grant management, strengthening internal systems, and ensuring alignment between strategy, performance, and resources. The position exercises significant independent judgment and authority and serves as Acting Executive Director as assigned.
Executive Leadership and Strategy
• Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director in agency leadership and long-term planning
• Lead development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic initiatives
• Support board and executive-level strategic planning activities as assigned
• Provide leadership in organizational change and innovation
• Establish and enforce agency-wide operational policies and procedures
• Lead continuous process improvement and systems optimization
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators and operational metrics
• Resolve operational barriers and interdepartmental conflicts
• Supervise and evaluate designated department leaders and managers
• Direct staffing, performance management, and corrective actions within assigned divisions
• Support leadership development and succession planning
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional excellence
• Partner with the Finance Director and Executive Director on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• program and grant financial performance and sustainability
• Monitor fiscal risks related to operations and expansion
• Approve operational expenditures within established authority limits
• Ensure alignment between operational decisions and fiscal capacity
• Lead agency-wide grant development, submission, and implementation processes
• Oversee grant compliance, reporting, and performance in collaboration with Finance and Program Leadership
• Identify and pursue new funding and partnership opportunities
• Lead development of new service lines and program expansion initiatives
• Negotiate operational components of contracts and funding agreements
• Represent the agency in county, regional, and community forums as delegated
• Serve as Acting Executive Director in the absence of the Executive Director
• Exercise executive authority in time-sensitive situations
• Represent the agency in high-level meetings as assigned
• Make operational and administrative decisions within assigned scope
• Establish and enforce agency-wide operational standards
• Supervise and evaluate designated leadership staff
• Approve expenditures and resource allocations within established limits
• Lead grant development and business expansion initiatives
• Serve as Acting Executive Director when assigned
Requirements
Job Requirements
Essential
• Must pass all required Background Checks.
• Must possess a valid Virginia Driver's License with reliable transportation and driving record acceptable to agency insurance carrier.
• Must obtain a TB test with satisfactory results within 30 days of employment, and yearly thereafter as required by licensing authority.
Education
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Behavioral Health, Healthcare Administration, or related field
Experience
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in behavioral health, healthcare, or human services
• At least three years of senior management or executive-level experience
• Demonstrated experience in operations management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership
• Experience with grants management, public funding, and contract administration
• Knowledge of behavioral health regulatory and funding environments
Preferred Competencies
• Experience in public or county-based behavioral health systems
• Experience leading organizational growth and program expansion
• Experience working with governing boards
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Mobility and Positioning: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to traverse/move throughout the facility and various work areas. This includes the ability to position oneself (e.g., sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching above head) to perform necessary tasks for extended periods.
  • Lifting, Carrying, and Exertion:
    • The employee may moves/transports documents and materials weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally transports supplies weighing up to 40 pounds across the worksite.
    • The employee may lift up to 25 pounds, carry up to 10 pounds, and push or pull up to 10 pounds.
  • Manual Dexterity: Requires frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, place, and pull materials, and operate standard office equipment.
  • Travel: Requires occasional travel within the 10 counties MPNN BH serves, which may include driving a vehicle.

Work Environment
MPNN BH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression), national origin, age (40 and older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other legally protected status.