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Associate Executive Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Associate Executive Director is responsible for assisting in the overall operations of the campus. They also bear management responsibility for a broad range of campus planning functions and ...

What Cascade Living and Creekside look for in an Associate Executive Director: * Compassion and desire to work for the elderly * Communicate effectively and succinctly by both oral and written means ...

Associate Executive Director - Outdoor Education Center Organization: YMCA of Montclair Location: Montclair, NJ (travel to other YMCA locations as needed) Status: Full-time, Exempt Reports to: Chief ...

Position Summary The Associate Executive Director serves as a strategic partner to the Senior Executive Director of the Urban Services Branch, the designated Community Action Agency for San Francisco ...

Associate Executive Director

Sewickley, PA · On-site

$62.04K - $77.52K/yr

The Associate Executive Director is the gatekeeper of all department heads, which includes oversight, adequate staffing patterns/branch coverage, budget management, and creating a culture of ...

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How much do associate executive director jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate executive director in the United States is $25.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Executive Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Executive Director, you need strong leadership, organizational management, and strategic planning skills, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with budgeting software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools, along with relevant certifications like Certified Association Executive (CAE), is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills help you effectively lead teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for driving organizational success, ensuring operational efficiency, and advancing mission-driven goals.

What are some common challenges faced by an Associate Executive Director in managing cross-functional teams?

As an Associate Executive Director, one of the main challenges in managing cross-functional teams is ensuring clear communication and alignment among departments with different priorities. Balancing organizational objectives while addressing the varying needs and perspectives of team members requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. Additionally, adapting leadership style to fit diverse teams and resolving conflicts in a timely manner are crucial for maintaining productivity and morale. Regular check-ins, transparent goal-setting, and fostering a collaborative culture can help overcome these challenges.

What are Associate Executive Directors?

Associate Executive Directors are senior leaders who support the Executive Director in managing an organization’s operations, programs, and strategic initiatives. They often oversee specific departments or projects, help implement policies, and ensure the organization's goals are met efficiently. In many cases, they serve as second-in-command and may act on behalf of the Executive Director when needed. Their role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

What is the difference between Associate Executive Director vs Program Director?

AspectAssociate Executive DirectorProgram Director
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree; often prefers a master’s in management, nonprofit administration, or related fieldsUsually requires a bachelor’s degree; a master’s degree is a plus but not always required
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, associations, or large institutions; involved in strategic planning and high-level managementProgram-specific settings within nonprofits, government agencies, or corporations; focuses on program development and implementation
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in nonprofit and association sectors; reports to the Executive Director or BoardUsed across various sectors including nonprofits, education, and healthcare; reports to senior management or Executive Director

The Associate Executive Director and Program Director roles share some credentials and work environments but differ mainly in scope. The Associate Executive Director typically handles broader organizational responsibilities, while the Program Director focuses on specific programs. Both roles are vital in nonprofit management but serve different strategic and operational functions.

More about Associate Executive Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Executive Director jobs? Cities with the most Associate Executive Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Executive Director jobs? The most popular types of Executive Director jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Associate Executive Director jobs? The top employers for Associate Executive Director jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Executive Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Executive Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Executive Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,254 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Associate Executive Director - Roxbury

Associate Executive Director - Roxbury

YMCA of Greater Boston

Roxbury, MA

$75K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


YMCA Of Greater Boston rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

501st of 667 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Description
Associate Executive Director

Under the leadership and direction of the Executive Director, the Associate Executive Director is responsible daily for creating a transformative Y Experience for our members, program participants, and employees at their Center as well as supporting Centers within their operations group. The Associate Executive Director must be able to lead and manage people to execute exemplary customer service, high quality programs and clean, well-maintained facilities and equipment. The Associate Executive Director must be or become a subject matter expert and innovator in the core programs of the Y including, but not limited to, membership, health and wellness, aquatics, sports, family programming, and any additional Center specific programs. 

The Associate Executive Director will support the successful execution of the YMCA of Greater Boston’s strategic imperatives to be a charity, partner, and employer of choice for years to come. Innovation will be a key area of growth for the Associate Executive Director, and the employees they supervise

The Associate Executive Director is someone who shows promise to be an Executive Director. The Associate Executive Director will receive coaching and engage in developmental experiences to prepare them for an Executive Director role including board development and fundraising. 

Key Responsibilities
Key Functions/Responsibilities:

In accordance with the policies, by-laws and constitution of the YMCA of Greater Boston, the Associate Executive Director is solely responsible for the Y Experience in their branch and supports a high-quality Y Experience across the Centers in their operations group. This includes ensuring customer service and high-quality programs across all departments and branches in the operations group. The Associate Executive Director will create a transformative Y Experience that builds loyal members, energizes employees and volunteers, inspires donors, and stimulates growth and innovation. 

The Associate Executive Director
will drive success in the following areas of responsibility to support a strong Y Experience:  
  • Supervision - Manages 5-7 direct reports and manages the day-to-day operations of the Center which is a significant part of the role.
  • Customer Service and Experience – Train, coach, and hold staff accountable to exemplary service to members, program participants and their parents across all departments and programs. Respond immediately to member feedback and concerns.
  • Membership and Program Enrollment, Growth and Experience – Drives membership and program enrollment and growth while ensuring a high-quality and transformative Y Experience as demonstrated by net-promoter scores and other experience metrics. 
  • Facility usage – Responsible for overseeing usage of facility spaces by multiple internal and external parties. Troubleshoot issues around competing space needs. Plan and coordinate external rentals of space in accordance with YMCA policies. 
  • Fiscal management – Develops an annual budget according to association instructions and ensures successful execution to the plan, including meeting regular revenue targets. Works with all direct reports to identify growth opportunities, forecasting on a quarterly basis, and correct financial deficiencies on a timely basis. 
  • Youth Development – Collaboratively work with the Child Development department leads to ensure a positive experience for children and parents participating in the programs. Create a strong working relationship between branch operations and youth development. Lead regular all-center meetings. 
  • Innovation – Develop innovative solutions for their branch and association-wide opportunities and challenges. 
  • Safety – Lead Center safety operations. Ensure compliance with all required safety and security policies, including trainings for staff. Monitor potential risks and identify proactive solutions. Respond to safety issues and emergencies and complete documentation in a timely manner. 
  • Board development and Fundraising– Leads branch community fund raising campaign, engaging staff, and members, to meet quarterly and annual goals. Supports strong board and volunteer leadership and participation. Engages in on-the-job experiences with the Senior Executive Director or Executive Director to develop their board leadership and fundraising skills and expertise. 
  • Marketing and community engagement – Represents and promotes Y membership and programs in the community and at events. Actively drives internal marketing efforts (i.e., activating staff for referral programs) and consistent social media engagement through branch channels. 
  • Performance Achievement – Accountable for the performance of their team. Directly responsible for hiring, coaching, and managing all direct reports and ensuring compliance with association hiring practices for all positions within their organizational structure. Conducts weekly connections with direct reports to ensure progress with OKRs, ability to work well with others and discuss career development.                                                                                                           
  • Trends - Stays current on trend identification and implications for the branch in the following areas: 

1.      Service area demographics 

2.      Competitive analysis and external environmental changes 

3.      Special Events in the community 

4.      Membership 

5.      Health and Wellness  

6.      Youth and Family Programs and 

7.      Other programs and initiatives operated by their Center 

In addition, the Associate Executive Director shall participate in all meetings as requested and will be asked to lead association-wide initiatives and other assigned duties. The AED is required to work one evening per week with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend events.  

Outcomes and position expectations for their branch:
 
  • Successful Strategic Plan metrics, Net-Promoter Scores and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). 
  • The Associate Executive Director will be seen as a subject matter expert and an innovator in the core business and programs of the YMCA: membership, health and wellness, aquatics, sports, family programming, and any additional branch specific programs. 
  • Operating practices and systems are in place and consistently implemented for 

1.      Membership growth & retention 

2.      Program enrollment and growth 

3.      Facility cleanliness 

4.      Overall member experience  
  • Timely action planning is in place (with effective) for operating units and/or program areas that have performance concerns. 
  • Successfully leads committee(s) of the advisory board as assigned. 
  • Fundraising goals are accomplished. 
  • Full-time staff have a development plan and are making progress toward goals. 
  • Identification of development opportunities for their direct reports and high potential leaders. 
  • Center staff are achieving (at minimum) metric targets and producing meaningful qualitative results. This includes net-promoter scores and OKRs.
  • A collaborative and strong working relationship between branch operations and child development. 

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Education/Experience: 

  • Bachelor's degree in exercise science, human services, recreation, business, or related field, plus three years related experience or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
  • Five or more years of management experience, preferably in a YMCA or other not-for-profit agency.
  • Ability to direct assigned operations including volunteer development, supervision of staff, development and monitoring of budgets, marketing and public relations and program development/management. 
  • Demonstrated ability in cross-functional work across operations groups and teams. 
  • Ability to coach team members in their Center and across the Centers in their operations group. 
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise and coach managers and leaders of people. 
  • Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with one or more core programs of the Y including, but not limited to, membership, health and wellness, aquatics, sports, family programming, and any additional branch specific programs. 
  • Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizations. 
  • YMCA Multi-Team/Branch Leader certification preferred. 
  • CPR, First Aid & other program specific certifications required upon or after hire.
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