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Executive Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Unifiedtherapy

Executive Director

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the organization's mission, financial sustainability, operational performance ...

Laurus Home Care

Executive Director

Waukee, IA · On-site

Executive Director StoryPoint Kettlestone Position Summary: Our mission is all about creating the absolute best experience, with every person, in every interaction, every minute of every day.

StoryPoint Group

Executive Director

Waukee, IA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall experience while maintaining the financial health of the community. The Executive Director will maintain an open-door policy to communicate with ...

StoryPoint

Executive Director

Waukee, IA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall experience while maintaining the financial health of the community. The Executive Director will maintain an open-door policy to communicate with ...

WesleyLife

Executive Director

Atlantic, IA

Position Summary The Executive Director holds the primary leadership role for an assigned geographic health and well-being network and participates in developing strategies to ensure the organization ...

Edgewater

Executive Director

Atlantic, IA · On-site

Position Summary The Executive Director holds the primary leadership role for an assigned geographic health and well-being network and participates in developing strategies to ensure the organization ...

WesleyLife

Executive Director

Atlantic, IA

Position Summary The Executive Director holds the primary leadership role for an assigned geographic health and well-being network and participates in developing strategies to ensure the organization ...

WesleyLife

Executive Director

Atlantic, IA · On-site

Position Summary The Executive Director holds the primary leadership role for an assigned geographic health and well-being network and participates in developing strategies to ensure the organization ...

Lawton Senior Living

Executive Director

Lawton, IA · On-site

Executive Director We are seeking a strong and compassionate Executive Director to lead our Assisted Living and Memory Care community. This position is responsible for overall daily operations ...

The Lakeside Village

Executive Director

Panora, IA · On-site

Executive Director We are seeking a strong and compassionate Executive Director to lead our Assisted Living and Memory Care community. This position is responsible for overall daily operations ...

The Lakeside Village

Executive Director

Panora, IA · On-site

Executive Director We are seeking a strong and compassionate Executive Director to lead our Assisted Living and Memory Care community. This position is responsible for overall daily operations ...

Lawton Senior Living

Executive Director

Lawton, IA · On-site

Executive Director We are seeking a strong and compassionate Executive Director to lead our Assisted Living and Memory Care community. This position is responsible for overall daily operations ...

Lawton Senior Living

Executive Director

Lawton, IA · On-site

Executive Director We are seeking a strong and compassionate Executive Director to lead our Assisted Living and Memory Care community. This position is responsible for overall daily operations ...

Socket.dev

Executive Director

Panora, IA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR We are seeking a strong and compassionate Executive Director to lead our Assisted Living and Memory Care community. This position is responsible for overall daily operations ...

Lawton Senior Living

Executive Director

Lawton, IA · On-site

$78K - $82K/yr

Executive Director Wage: $78,000-82,000/year We are seeking a strong and compassionate Executive Director to lead our Assisted Living and Memory Care community. This position is responsible for ...

The Lakeside Village

Executive Director

Panora, IA · On-site

Executive Director We are seeking a strong and compassionate Executive Director to lead our Assisted Living and Memory Care community. This position is responsible for overall daily operations ...

The Lakeside Village

Executive Director

Panora, IA · On-site

Executive Director We are seeking a strong and compassionate Executive Director to lead our Assisted Living and Memory Care community. This position is responsible for overall daily operations ...

LCS

Executive Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

LCS is hiring for an Executive Director to oversee the overall operations a Clarendale at Indian Lake located in Hendersonville, TN. This community offers 115 independent living units, 38 assisted ...

LCS

Executive Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

LCS is hiring for an Executive Director to oversee the overall operations a Clarendale at Indian Lake located in Hendersonville, TN. This community offers 115 independent living units, 38 assisted ...

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All JobsExecutive JobsExecutive Director JobsExecutive Director Jobs in Iowa

Executive Director information

See Iowa salary details

$34.3K

$84.4K

$155.4K

How much do executive director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive director in Iowa is $84,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $109,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an executive director do?

An Executive Director is the senior leader responsible for overseeing the operations and strategic direction of an organization, often in the nonprofit or public sector. Their duties include managing staff, developing policies, ensuring financial sustainability, and working with the board of directors to fulfill the organization's mission. Executive Directors also represent the organization to stakeholders, secure funding, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Their leadership is crucial for driving organizational growth and achieving long-term goals.

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

To thrive as an Executive Director, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and organizational development skills, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and significant managerial experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, CRM systems, and nonprofit or corporate governance frameworks is often required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and relationship-building abilities are crucial soft skills for inspiring teams and engaging stakeholders. These competencies are essential for driving organizational growth, ensuring operational efficiency, and achieving long-term mission success.

What are some common challenges faced by an executive director when balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day operations?

Executive Directors often face the challenge of balancing high-level strategic planning with the demands of overseeing daily operations. While setting long-term goals and ensuring organizational sustainability, they must also address immediate issues such as team management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. Effective delegation, time management, and maintaining open communication with both staff and the board are key to navigating these challenges successfully. Building a strong leadership team can also help distribute responsibilities and ensure smooth organizational functioning.

What is the difference between Executive Director vs Nonprofit Program Manager?

AspectExecutive DirectorNonprofit Program Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree typically required; relevant experience valued
Work EnvironmentOversees entire organization, strategic planningManages specific programs or projects within the organization
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in nonprofits, associations, foundationsCommon in nonprofit organizations, community services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, organizational oversightFocus on program management, project execution

The Executive Director holds a top leadership position, responsible for overall organizational strategy and governance. In contrast, a Nonprofit Program Manager focuses on managing specific programs or projects within the organization. While both roles require relevant experience and similar educational backgrounds, the Executive Director has broader responsibilities, including fundraising and stakeholder relations, whereas the Program Manager concentrates on program delivery and operational details.

More about Executive Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Executive jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Executive jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Executive Director jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Executive Director jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Executive Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Executive Director job openings:

Executive Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,363 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Executive Director

Unifiedtherapy

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Hospice of Dubuque is seeking an experienced, mission-driven leader to serve as its Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the organization’s mission, financial sustainability, operational performance, compliance, community presence, and long-term growth.

This position serves as the primary liaison among the Board, leadership team, donors, community partners, healthcare organizations, and regulatory agencies while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the development and execution of the organization’s strategic plan.
  • Serve as the primary executive partner to the Board of Directors and support effective governance.
  • Provide leadership and accountability for organizational performance, financial stewardship, and mission fulfillment.
  • Guide and develop the senior leadership team while fostering a strong organizational culture.
  • Build and maintain relationships with donors, community leaders, healthcare partners, referral sources, and other key stakeholders.
  • Lead fundraising strategy, major donor engagement, and philanthropic growth initiatives.
  • Oversee organizational risk management, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance efforts.
  • Ensure resources are aligned with strategic priorities and organizational sustainability.
Qualifications Required
  • Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior executive role.
  • Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial oversight, organizational leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Experience working with governing boards and leading through a senior leadership team.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the service area.
Preferred
  • Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPA, or related field).
  • Executive leadership experience in hospice, healthcare, home health, palliative care, or nonprofit organizations.
  • Experience with fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement.
  • Experience managing organizations with annual operating budgets exceeding $5 million.
Why Join Hospice of Dubuque?

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a respected, community-centered non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life quality care and support. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Hospice of Dubuque while advancing its mission, strengthening community impact, and ensuring long-term organizational success.

Join us in leading with purpose and making a lasting difference for patients, families, employees, and the communities we serve.

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