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Associate Executive Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Associate Executive Director

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$84K - $94K/yr

As the Associate Executive Director, you will be responsible for all branch operations and helping to build a culture that creates an extraordinary member experience, encourages employees and ...

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How much do associate executive director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 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 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 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.

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Associate Executive Director jobs near you
Associate Executive Director

Associate Executive Director

Heritage Schools, Inc.

Provo, UT

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

About The Heritage Community

The Heritage Community is a nationally recognized provider of specialized treatment and educational services for adolescents. Through our four specialized service lines-Spark Academy, Spark Homestead, Spark Balance, and Elevate Academy-we provide life-changing support for neurodiverse youth and those impacted by trauma, attachment challenges, and emotional dysregulation.

Position Summary

We are seeking an exceptional executive leader to drive sustainable growth, expand market presence, strengthen admissions performance, and position Heritage as a premier provider in the behavioral health and special education landscape.

This is not a traditional marketing position. This is a high-impact, strategic executive role responsible for leading growth initiatives across multiple service lines while serving as a key member of the organization's leadership team. The Associate Executive Director will develop and execute a comprehensive growth strategy that drives census, expands referral relationships, increases direct-to-parent engagement, and strengthens our overall brand reputation.

Working closely with executive leadership, you will evaluate emerging markets, identify expansion opportunities, and ensure Heritage remains highly competitive in a rapidly evolving behavioral health environment.

Core Responsibilities

  • Strategic Growth: Develop and execute a unified marketing strategy across multiple specialized business units (SBUs).

  • Admissions Optimization: Audit, refine, and continuously improve the admissions funnel for each SBU.

  • Referral Network Management: Maintain and expand referrals from Educational Consultants and governmental agencies, while aggressively pursuing direct-to-parent digital strategies.

  • Market Adaptation: Lead the tactical response to regulatory shifts by identifying new funding pathways and geographic markets.

  • Digital Brand Shielding: Proactively manage the organization's digital footprint and LLM/AI presence to counter negative industry perceptions and improve online reputation.

Requirements & Qualifications

  • Proven Performance: 5+ years of leadership experience demonstrating the ability to utilize data, strategy, and execution to drive measurable growth, operational excellence, and positive culture change.

  • Growth Leadership: Demonstrated success developing and executing growth strategies that increase revenue, census, enrollment, market share, or customer acquisition.

  • Data Literacy: Advanced ability to analyze financial reports, admissions metrics, marketing performance, and operational data to inform strategic decision-making and forecasting.

  • Relationship Architect: Exceptional ability to build trust, influence stakeholders, and develop strategic partnerships with referral sources, families, community leaders, and internal teams.

  • Executive Presence: Ability to communicate vision, lead organizational change, present to executive leadership, and align teams around strategic priorities.

  • Strategic Agility: Demonstrated ability to identify market trends, adapt to changing regulatory environments, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Clinical Intelligence: Understanding of neurodiverse populations, trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and adolescent behavioral health (or a demonstrated ability to quickly develop expertise in these areas).

  • Marketing Acumen: Experience leveraging digital marketing, brand strategy, reputation management, SEO, AI search visibility, and consumer engagement strategies to drive measurable results.

  • Admissions Optimization: Experience evaluating and improving admissions processes, conversion funnels, CRM systems, customer experience, and operational efficiency.

  • Business Development Expertise: Experience developing referral networks, cultivating strategic partnerships, and expanding services into new markets or geographic regions.

  • Behavioral Health Experience: Prior leadership experience in behavioral health, residential treatment, healthcare, special education, or other mission-driven human services organizations.

Education

  • Required: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Healthcare Administration, Education, Behavioral Health, or a related field.

  • Preferred: Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Marketing, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.

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