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Executive Director Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Northeast Community Fund

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Executive Director

Decatur, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer Northeast Community Fund (NECF) Location: Decatur, Illinois (On-site) Reports To: Board of Directors Status: Full-Time, Exempt Salary: $75,000 - $95,000 ...

SR COMPANIES LLC

Director of Sales

Decatur, IL · On-site

Achieves all occupancy goals as established by executive director.* 17. Visits each area of the community on a daily basis to ensure areas are clean, safe, and project the appropriate atmosphere ...

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Executive Director information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$35.4K

$87.1K

$160.5K

How much do executive director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive director in Decatur, IL is $87,121.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $113,500.00 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 the board of directors, 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.

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.

Who is higher, CEO or executive director?

In organizational hierarchy, a CEO (Chief Executive Officer) is typically higher than an executive director. The CEO is usually the top executive responsible for overall company strategy and decision-making, while an executive director often manages specific programs or departments, especially in non-profit organizations. The exact hierarchy can vary depending on the organization’s structure.

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.

Is executive director a big deal?

An executive director is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing an organization’s operations, strategy, and staff. It is considered a significant position that often involves high-level decision-making, fundraising, and stakeholder management. The role typically requires strong leadership skills, experience, and sometimes specific certifications or educational background.

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, IL? The most popular types of Executive jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Executive Director jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Director jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Executive Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Executive Director job openings:
Executive Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Director job openings in Decatur, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,121 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Executive Director

Northeast Community Fund

Decatur, IL • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer

Northeast Community Fund (NECF)
Location: Decatur, Illinois (On-site)
Reports To: Board of Directors
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: $75,000 – $95,000

Benefits Package: Health reimbursement of $6,000, 20 days Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 3 personal days per calendar year

Position Summary

Northeast Community Fund (NECF) seeks a visionary and mission-driven Executive Director/CEO to lead one of Macon County's largest nonprofit social service organizations. Rooted in faith and community service, NECF provides food security, emergency assistance, housing stabilization, medical nutrition, clothing, furniture, home repair, and other essential services to vulnerable individuals and families throughout Macon County.

The Executive Director serves as the organization's chief executive officer, providing strategic leadership, financial stewardship, fundraising oversight, operational management, community engagement, and board partnership. This leader will guide NECF's continued growth, strengthen organizational sustainability, and advance innovative solutions that address food insecurity, health equity, and family stability.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

  • Lead NECF's mission, vision, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability efforts.
  • Develop and implement organizational goals, performance metrics, and growth strategies.
  • Ensure operational excellence, accountability, and mission impact across all programs and services.
  • Identify emerging community needs and develop innovative, scalable responses.

Board Governance & Executive Management

  • Partner with the Board of Directors to support effective governance, strategic planning, and organizational oversight.
  • Provide timely financial, operational, and impact reporting.
  • Support board development, engagement, and succession planning initiatives.

Financial Stewardship & Fundraising

  • Oversee a multi-million-dollar operating budget and ensure strong fiscal management.
  • Lead revenue diversification through grants, major gifts, corporate partnerships, government funding, faith-based support, and community fundraising.
  • Cultivate and steward key donors, foundations, and institutional relationships.
  • Ensure compliance with all financial, grant, audit, and reporting requirements.

Program & Community Impact

  • Oversee NECF's portfolio of food access, emergency assistance, housing stabilization, medical nutrition, and community support programs.
  • Ensure services are delivered with dignity, accessibility, and measurable impact.
  • Advance strategic partnerships that address social determinants of health and community well-being.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture

  • Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, compassion, and service.
  • Strengthen leadership capacity, employee engagement, and volunteer involvement.

Community Relations & Advocacy

  • Serve as NECF's primary spokesperson and public representative.
  • Build partnerships across healthcare, government, business, education, faith, and nonprofit sectors.
  • Advocate for policies and initiatives that strengthen food security, health equity, and community resilience.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Significant senior leadership experience in nonprofit, healthcare, social services, government, or other mission-driven organizations.
  • Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, and organizational leadership.
  • Experience working with boards of directors, grant funding, compliance, and complex budgets.
  • Strong relationship-building, communication, and public speaking skills.
  • Commitment to serving vulnerable populations with dignity, compassion, and accountability.

 

Preferred Experience

  • Food security, housing stabilization, emergency assistance, or community-based social services.
  • Build and develop healthcare partnerships and social determinants of health initiatives.
  • Government grants, regulatory compliance, and audit oversight.
  • Organizational growth, change management, and program development.
  • Faith-based or community-rooted nonprofit leadership.

 

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate is a strategic leader, skilled fundraiser, effective operator, and trusted community ambassador. They will possess the vision to lead organizational growth while maintaining a deep commitment to NECF's mission and the individuals and families it serves.

This is an opportunity to lead a respected, high-impact organization dedicated to strengthening lives, improving community well-being, and creating lasting change throughout Macon County. Must live in Macon County and be able to build sustainable partnerships that lead to life changing initiatives for the community at large.