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Executive Director Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

HallKeen Management

Executive Director

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$125K/yr

Executive Director Location: River Mills Assisted Living Chicopee, MA 01020 Hours: Full Time Pay Rate: $125,000. Yearly Salary Job Summary: The Executive Director is responsible for leading the day ...

Favor INC

Executive Director

Wethersfield, CT · On-site

$100 - $120/hr

Position Summary The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief leader of FAVOR, responsible for strengthening internal operations, supporting staff, and ensuring the organization delivers high ...

Socket.dev

Executive Director

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Executive Director plans, implements, and evaluates all aspects of operations, recruits and trains Department Heads. Supervises employees in order to create and maintain a high functioning team ...

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Executive Director information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$36.4K

$89.5K

$164.9K

How much do executive director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive director in Springfield, MA is $89,504.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $116,600.00 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 Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Executive jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Executive Director jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Executive Director job openings:

Executive Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Director job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,504 per year, or $43 per hour.

Executive Director

National Museum of Wildlife Art

Windsor Locks, CT • On-site

$220 - $250/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

The New England Air Museum (NEAM) seeks an accomplished leader with demonstrated success in fundraising, strategic leadership, and organizational management to serve as its next Executive Director.

The Opportunity
  • Strengthen the Museum's long-term financial sustainability. Working closely with the Board and development staff, the Executive Director will expand philanthropic support, diversify revenue streams, and build the financial resources necessary to support the Museum's ambitious educational, exhibition, and preservation goals.
  • Prepare for a future capital campaign. The Board envisions a campaign to construct an additional exhibition hangar and associated visitor amenities that will allow the Museum to display more of its nationally significant collection, improve the visitor experience, and create new opportunities for exhibitions, programs, and events. The next Executive Director will help determine the timing, scope, and readiness for this transformative initiative.
  • Lead the Museum's next strategic planning process. Building on the organization's recent accomplishments, the Executive Director will work with the Board, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to develop a shared vision and strategic roadmap for the Museum's next chapter.
  • Advance exhibition renewal and interpretation. Building upon recent investments in exhibitions, the Museum seeks to continue refreshing its galleries through new permanent installations, rotating exhibitions, enhanced digital interpretation, and storytelling that broadens the Museum's appeal while highlighting New England's historic and ongoing contributions to aviation and aerospace.
  • Expand the Museum's leadership in STEM education and aerospace workforce development. The Museum has become an increasingly important educational resource for schools, families, and industry partners. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to deepen these partnerships while further positioning NEAM as a leader in aviation education and career exploration.
  • Deepen partnerships throughout Connecticut's aerospace ecosystem. The Museum's proximity to Bradley International Airport and many of the world's leading aerospace companies presents exceptional opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, workforce initiatives, and public engagement.
  • Pursue accreditation. The Executive Director will have the opportunity to evaluate and, if appropriate, position the Museum for future accreditation and other initiatives that demonstrate excellence.
Compensation

The salary range is 220,000 - 250,000 commensurate with experience, plus an attractive benefits package.

Responsibilities and Expectations Strategic Leadership & Governance
  • Provide visionary and strategic leadership for the Museum, working closely with the Board of Directors to establish organizational priorities, implement strategic initiatives, and position the Museum for continued growth and relevance.
  • Serve as the Board's principal advisor, ensuring that trustees receive timely, accurate, and meaningful information to support sound governance and informed decision-making.
  • Cultivate a productive and collaborative partnership with the Board, engaging trustees as ambassadors, advocates, and philanthropic partners in advancing the Museum's mission.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Fundraising & Resource Development
  • Serve as the Museum’s chief fundraiser by actively cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, government agencies, and community supporters.
  • In partnership with the Board and development staff, expand philanthropic support through annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, sponsorships, grants, special events, and future campaign initiatives.
  • Personally represent the Museum in cultivating relationships that translate into meaningful financial investment and long-term institutional support.
Financial & Operational Leadership
  • Provide prudent financial leadership by developing and managing the annual operating budget, monitoring organizational performance, safeguarding assets, and ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources.
  • Identify opportunities to diversify and strengthen earned and contributed revenue while maintaining fiscal discipline and long-term financial sustainability.
  • Ensure effective oversight of Museum operations, including facilities, visitor services, collections stewardship, and technology.
Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture
  • Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a talented and diverse professional staff while fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace.
  • Establish clear expectations, encourage professional growth, promote accountability, and support a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous learning.
  • Recognize and celebrate the Museum's extraordinary volunteer community, ensuring that volunteers remain fully integrated into the organization.
External Relations & Community Engagement
  • Serve as the Museum's principal spokesperson and ambassador, strengthening relationships with members, donors, elected officials, educators, veterans' organizations, aerospace leaders, cultural institutions, and community partners.
  • Promote the Museum throughout Connecticut, New England, and the national museum and aviation communities through effective communication, public speaking, and active civic engagement.
  • Build strategic partnerships that enhance the Museum's educational mission, broaden its audience, and reinforce its role as a leader in aviation history, STEM education, and aerospace workforce development.
Mission & Collections
  • Champion the Museum's mission to preserve and present the history of aviation and aerospace while ensuring the responsible stewardship of its nationally significant collections.
  • Support excellence in exhibitions, educational programming, collections care, restoration, and visitor engagement, encouraging innovation while maintaining high professional standards.
  • Ensure that the Museum's programs and initiatives remain relevant, engaging, and responsive to the interests of diverse audiences.
Experience, Skills, and Attributes Required Qualifications
  • Verifiable success securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and public agencies.
  • Senior executive leadership experience within a nonprofit, museum, educational institution, or similarly complex organization.
  • Demonstrated financial acumen, including budget oversight, long-range planning, and the ability to make difficult resource-allocation decisions.
  • Experience working effectively with governing boards and leading professional staff.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into measurable results and organizational performance.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience raising funds for cultural, educational, or heritage organizations.
  • Familiarity with aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, STEM education, or related industries.
  • Experience securing government grants and other public funding.
  • Experience leading or working with a substantial volunteer organization.
Personal Characteristics
  • An energetic, optimistic, and engaging leadership style that inspires confidence among donors, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
  • Sound judgment, integrity, and the confidence to make difficult decisions while fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
  • Strategic thinker with a strong sense of financial stewardship and urgency regarding long-term organizational sustainability.
  • Intellectual curiosity, openness to new ideas, and a willingness to challenge assumptions while respecting the Museum's history and culture.
  • Diplomatic, collaborative, and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to build trust, navigate differing perspectives, and communicate candidly with both the Board and staff.
  • A genuine passion for the Museum's mission and enthusiasm for preserving aviation history while inspiring future generations through education and innovation.

We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this position.

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