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Executive Director Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Phoenix Senior Living

Community Sales Director

Decatur, AL · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

The Community Engagement Director reports to the Executive Director PURPOSE Sales & Marketing | Community Relations The Community Engagement Director is responsible for hands on sales execution at ...

Phoenix Senior Living

Community Sales Director

Decatur, AL · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

The Community Engagement Director reports to the Executive Director PURPOSE Sales & Marketing Community Relations The Community Engagement Director is responsible for hands on sales execution at the ...

GE Appliances

Director, Plant Operations

Decatur, AL · On-site

Reports up through Executive Director (Plant Manager)*** The Director, Plant Operations is a key member of the plant leadership team, responsible for the performance, strategy, and execution of all ...

Atlas Senior Living

Administrative Assistant

Huntsville, AL

$17.25 - $23/hr

Receive community guests and act as the liaison for the Executive Director, department heads, and others. * Run errands outside the community. * Set up and maintain files. * Answer phones and keep ...

GE Appliances

Director, Plant Operations

Decatur, AL

Reports up through Executive Director (Plant Manager)*** The Director, Plant Operations is a key member of the plant leadership team, responsible for the performance, strategy, and execution of all ...

Affinity Hospice

Clinical Manager

Madison, AL · On-site

Conduct quarterly record reviews and provide findings and recommendations to the Executive Director and clinical staff. * Participate in the hiring, screening, and orientation process for new ...

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Executive Director information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$34.2K

$84.2K

$155.1K

How much do executive director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive director in Decatur, AL is $84,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $109,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What exactly does an executive director do?

An executive director is responsible for overseeing the overall operations and strategic direction of an organization, ensuring goals are met and policies are implemented. They often manage staff, develop budgets, and communicate with stakeholders, requiring strong leadership and management skills.

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.

Is an executive director higher than VP?

In most organizations, an executive director is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing operations and strategic planning, often comparable to or slightly above a vice president (VP). The hierarchy varies by industry and company size, but generally, the executive director reports to the board or CEO and may have VPs reporting to them. In some organizations, VPs are considered higher, especially in corporate structures, while in non-profits, the executive director is typically the top executive.

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.

Is an executive director higher than CEO?

An executive director and a CEO are both senior leadership roles, but their hierarchy depends on the organization. In some nonprofits, the executive director is the top executive, while in corporations, the CEO is typically the highest-ranking officer. The specific responsibilities and authority vary based on the organization's structure and governance.

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.

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 do executive directors get paid?

Executive directors typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to over $150,000, depending on the organization size, location, and industry. Compensation often includes benefits such as bonuses, retirement plans, and health insurance, and requires strong leadership and management skills.
More about Executive Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Executive jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Executive jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Executive Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Executive Director job openings:
Executive Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Director job openings in Decatur, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,200 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Executive Head of School

Vivvi Early Learning

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Executive Head of School - Huntsville, A.L.
at Vivvi Early Learning on the Toyota Campus - Huntsville, Alabama
Who We Are
Vivvi is not your typical daycare or preschool! We're reinventing child care and early learning for today's families and creating opportunities for teachers and caregivers to do what they love (and feel valued while they're doing it). Vivvi is partnering with Toyota to build a brand new, 24-hour child care center in Huntsville, AL
About The Role
This is a highly visible, executive leadership role. The Executive Head of School serves as the on-site face of Vivvi to Toyota and is responsible for leading with presence, accountability, and decisiveness in a dynamic, 24/7 operating environment.
We are seeking a leader who takes full ownership of outcomes, operates with a strong executive presence, and is comfortable engaging directly with senior client stakeholders, families, and partners.
As the Executive Head of School, you'll:
  • Be the founding leader of a brand new, high quality child care center dedicated to serving the Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama team members
  • Lead hiring, training, and ongoing coaching of a large team, ensuring strong staff management and team leadership across a 24-hour childcare operation
  • Conduct coaching meetings with all direct reports; establish clear expectations and feedback across the team
  • Continuously refine and improve daily operational systems - including classroom transitions, family communication routines, staff coverage, and materials management - serving children 6 weeks until school age
  • Ensure full compliance with Alabama licensing regulations, as well as Vivvi's standards of excellence.
  • Lead licensing inspections and audits, ensuring all documentation meets state regulatory and child safety requirements
  • Ensure the ongoing delivery of a developmentally appropriate curriculum
  • Support in all aspects of relationship-building and enrollment with prospective families
  • Foster and promote Vivvi's inclusive environment throughout all aspects of the school
  • Serve as the primary on-site executive leader and representative of Vivvi, modeling professionalism, accountability, and composure at all times
  • Lead with a high degree of visibility and presence on campus, building trust with families, staff, and client partners through consistent engagement
  • Own end-to-end execution of center operations, ensuring issues are proactively identified, addressed decisively, and communicated clearly
  • Act as the primary point of contact for client stakeholders, confidently representing the center and navigating high-stakes or sensitive situations with sound judgment
  • Lead and present in client review meetings, clearly communicating operational updates, outcomes, and strategic priorities
  • Drive a culture of urgency, accountability, and operational excellence, ensuring no gaps in ownership or follow-through
  • Ensure clear, proactive communication across teams and stakeholders-anticipating challenges rather than reacting to them

What Success Looks Like In This Role
  • A visible, trusted leader on-site who is known by staff, families, and client partners
  • Strong executive presence in all interactions, especially with client stakeholders
  • Issues are surfaced early, with clear ownership and swift resolution
  • The center operates with consistency, professionalism, and urgency across all shifts
  • A culture of accountability and excellence is clearly felt across the team
  • Client partners experience clear communication, confidence, and follow-through

Apply Today If You:
  • Enjoy working with young learners and their teachers and see every child as infinitely capable
  • Have 10-15 years of experience leading a childcare center, preschool, or early childhood education program as a Director or Center Leader
  • Have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (MA preferred)
  • Hold or are willing to obtain an Alabama Pathways Director Credential (required)
  • Are an exceptional people leader who holds teams accountable to high standards while driving results through clear expectations and feedback
  • Have experience operating in high-visibility, client-facing environments, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders
  • Demonstrate strong executive presence, including clear communication, sound judgment, and professionalism under pressure
  • Have a proven track record of owning outcomes and driving execution, not just managing processes
  • Are decisive and action-oriented, with the ability to lead in real time and take accountability for results
  • Have deep expertise in emergent- or inquiry-based curricula and a progressive approach to early childhood education
  • Are knowledgeable about licensing requirements for early childhood programs
  • Are an excellent communicator, both in written form and in-person - and confident representing your team to client partners
  • Value and create strong relationships with families, children, and faculty
  • Are a systems thinker and excel at building systems from scratch
  • Possess strong problem solving skills and are flexible and adaptable
  • Are already or are willing to be CPR and First Aid certified

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Our Campus Leaders earn competitive salary with leadership-level compensation based on level of education and experience. Full-time employees also receive benefits including tuition reimbursement, health, vision, and dental insurance, retirement savings, and commuter benefits.
Child-Centered Approach: Our educators facilitate each child's success by observing their interests and developing a curriculum inspired by their curiosity. Learn more about our teaching philosophy here https://vivvi.com/programs
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our campuses are purposefully designed to support high-quality infant, toddler, and preschool programs. Our newest campus in Huntsville, A.L. is being specifically built to support the needs of the Toyota families, and will include the most up-to-date materials and equipment to ensure teachers have everything they need to deliver a high-quality educational experience.
Employee Development: We offer financial support for ongoing education through tuition reimbursement, as well as robust onboarding training, ongoing professional development days, and individual coaching and feedback. We also love to promote from within and are committed to helping our colleagues achieve their career goals at Vivvi!
To be considered, applicants must be based in or willing to relocate to Huntsville, A.L.. Candidates must also possess independent US work authorization.
Physical demands of this position include but are not limited to sitting and standing for extended periods, bending at the waist, reaching overhead, and frequently moving or lifting children weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@vivvi.com. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.
Keywords: Child Care Director, Preschool Director, Early Childhood Director, Daycare Director, Center Director, Childcare Center Management, Early Childhood Education (ECE), 24 Hour Childcare, Overnight Childcare, Extended Hours Childcare, Non-Traditional Schedule Childcare, Employer-Sponsored Childcare, On-Site Childcare, Huntsville AL Jobs, Child Development, Infant Toddler Preschool Programs, Licensing Compliance Alabama, Curriculum Implementation, Family Engagement, Enrollment Management, Childcare Leadership Jobs

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