ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Founding Executive Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acelero Learning

Executive Director

We are seeking a Founding Executive Director to help bring our vision to life as we enter an exciting new chapter with a refined strategic direction and expanded philanthropic aspirations. The ...

Acelero Learning

Executive Director

We are seeking a Founding Executive Director to help bring our vision to life as we enter an exciting new chapter with a refined strategic direction and expanded philanthropic aspirations. The ...

Strive International Inc

Executive Director

Houston, TX · On-site

The founding Executive Director leads program execution, community engagement, partner cultivation and facility establishment to achieve success in our Houston location. They will provide vision and ...

Wucf Tv

The Opportunity The University of Central Florida seeks an accomplished executive leader to serve as the founding Executive Director of the National Commercialization and Translation Institute (NCTI)

Wucf Tv

Executive Director - NCTI

Orlando, FL · On-site

The Opportunity The University of Central Florida seeks an accomplished executive leader to serve as the founding Executive Director of the National Commercialization and Translation Institute (NCTI)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBusiness JobsBusiness Services JobsBusiness Specialist JobsFounding Executive Director Jobs

Founding Executive Director information

See salary details

$36.5K

$89.8K

$165.5K

How much do founding executive director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for founding executive director in the United States is $89,818.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a founding executive director?

A Founding Executive Director is the initial leader who establishes and oversees a new organization, often a nonprofit or startup. This role is responsible for setting the vision, developing strategic plans, securing funding, and building the foundational team and systems. The Founding Executive Director often wears many hats, handling everything from operations to fundraising and board relations. Their leadership is crucial in shaping the organization's culture and long-term success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a founding executive director?

To thrive as a Founding Executive Director, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, organizational management, and fundraising expertise, typically backed by experience in nonprofit or business management. Familiarity with financial management software, CRM systems, and grant management tools is often required, along with knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards. Exceptional communication, vision, adaptability, and relationship-building skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for establishing organizational direction, securing resources, and ensuring sustainable growth in a new or evolving entity.

What are some unique challenges that founding executive directors face when establishing a new organization?

As a Founding Executive Director, you will often encounter the challenge of building an organization from the ground up, which includes setting the strategic vision, developing operational infrastructure, and securing initial funding. You'll likely need to wear many hats—from hiring and managing the first team members to cultivating partnerships and serving as the public face of the organization. Navigating these early-stage complexities requires adaptability, resilience, and strong relationship-building skills. Collaboration with board members, stakeholders, and early employees is key to establishing a healthy organizational culture and sustainable growth.

What is the difference between Founding Executive Director vs Program Director?

AspectFounding Executive DirectorProgram Director
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, nonprofit management), leadership experienceUsually requires bachelor’s or master’s degree in related field, experience in program management
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in startup or new organization, strategic planning, fundraisingOversees specific programs, manages staff, implements projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in nonprofits, startups, foundations during organization launchFound across nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations managing programs

The Founding Executive Director focuses on establishing and leading a new organization, handling high-level strategy and fundraising. In contrast, a Program Director manages specific programs within an organization, focusing on implementation and operations. While both roles require leadership skills, the Founding Executive Director has broader responsibilities during the organization's startup phase.

What does a founding executive director do?

A founding executive director is responsible for establishing and leading a new organization, setting its strategic vision, securing funding, and building the initial team. They often handle high-level management, stakeholder relationships, and operational planning during the organization's startup phase.

What cities are hiring for Founding Executive Director jobs?

Cities with the most Founding Executive Director job openings:

What states have the most Founding Executive Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Founding Executive Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Founding Executive Director jobs?

For Founding Executive Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Founding Executive Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Founding Executive Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,818 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Executive Director

Rochester, NY • On-site

COORDINATED CARE service inc
See more jobs at COORDINATED CARE service incexternal

$120K - $140K/yr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Executive Director

Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach (SCPO) is seeking a mission‑driven Executive Director to lead our organization through its next chapter of growth and impact.

Founded in 1980, SCPO is a Rochester‑based nonprofit that empowers individuals who are justice‑involved and homeless through stable housing, life skills development, connections to treatment services, and supportive community. Today, SCPO is a $2.5 million organization employing nearly 40 staff members and providing transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing to approximately 100 individuals annually.

This opportunity follows the planned transition of our founding Executive Director after 46 years of leadership. The next Executive Director will inherit a financially stable organization with a dedicated team, strong community partnerships, and a proven record of impact. The successful candidate will work closely with the Board of Directors and staff to preserve SCPO’s deeply relational culture while strengthening organizational systems, fundraising, and long‑term sustainability.

Key Qualifications
  • Experience as an Executive Director or senior nonprofit leader
  • Experience with fundraising and resource development
  • Experience developing and implementing strategic plans
  • Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
  • Commitment to serving marginalized populations with dignity, compassion, and accountability
Compensation

$120,000‑$140,000 annually, plus a competitive benefits package.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply