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Founding Executive Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meridian Senior Living

Executive Director

Hollywood, FL · On-site

$100K/yr

Details about the Executive Director position we are hiring for: The Executive Director is ... Practice and promote Meridian Policies and Procedures, Mission Statement, Core Values and Founding ...

Gardant

Executive Director

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

We are seeking an Executive Director to lead our lease-up from the ground up: Heritage Woods of ... founding leader. Responsibilities: * Embraces innovative and inclusive approaches, displaying ...

Gardant

Executive Director

Columbus, OH · On-site

$100K - $105K/yr

We are seeking an Executive Director to lead our lease-up from the ground up: Green Oaks of Canal ... founding leader. Responsibilities: * Embraces innovative and inclusive approaches, displaying ...

Gardant

Executive Director

Columbus, OH · On-site

We are seeking an Executive Director to lead our lease-up from the ground up: Green Oaks of Canal ... founding leader. Responsibilities: * Embraces innovative and inclusive approaches, displaying ...

Gardant

Executive Director

Toledo, OH · On-site

$105K - $110K/yr

We are seeking an Executive Director to lead our lease-up from the ground up: Green Oaks of Holland ... founding leader. Responsibilities: * Embraces innovative and inclusive approaches, displaying ...

Gardant

Executive Director

Toledo, OH · On-site

We are seeking an Executive Director to lead our lease-up from the ground up: Green Oaks of Holland ... founding leader. Responsibilities: * Embraces innovative and inclusive approaches, displaying ...

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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

Hollywood, FL

MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVINGexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Meridian Senior Living rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Meridian Senior Living believes that “Everyone Deserves a Great Life.” 

To us, a great life in our communities starts with great employees.  What makes a great employee, you ask? 

We believe a great employee is someone that understands that our work is hard yet rewarding, that team work truly makes the dream work, and that at the end of the day there is nothing more satisfying then making a difference in someone’s life.

What do we offer to these great employees?

  • A solid benefits package (with several different plan options for you to choose from) – complete with Medical, Dental, and Vision.
  • 1800MD – Telemedicine that is available to all employees and their family members at no cost! No enrollment required!
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Company paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Benefits that include Short Term Disability, Accident Coverage, Critical Illness, and more!
  • Pet Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • 401K
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Referral Bonus
  • Employee Discounts – (Enterprise, Staples, HD Supply, Office Depot, Sherwin Williams, and more!)

What else do we offer?

  • We equip you with the ability to grow your career – whether it be with us or another employer.
  • A company culture that is dedicated to promoting integrity, joy, respect, and excellence!
  • Life changing experiences with some of the best Residents an employee can ask for.

Details about the Executive Director position we are hiring for:

The Executive Director is responsible to lead and direct the overall operations of the Community in accordance with residents’ needs, government regulations, and Meridian Senior Living policies and procedures. Maintain excellent service quality, high occupancy, and meet the financial goals within established budgetary guidelines.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. 
  • Experience of 3 years or more in a retirement, nursing home, or assisted living industry preferred. 
  • Must be licensed in good standing if required by the State Licensing Authority. 
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with residents, families, staff, community officials, State hospitals and general public. 
  • Must have compassion for and desire to work with the elderly. 
  • Must demonstrate the ability to work responsibly as a team member as well as an individual. 
  • Must be honest, fair, dependable, respect confidentiality and the rights and privacy of others. 
  • Practice and promote Meridian Policies and Procedures, Mission Statement, Core Values and Founding Principles. 
  • Must be computer literate. 
  • Experience with financial reporting and managing multiple budgets. 
  • Must meet all health and background check requirements. 
  • Must have valid driver’s license. 
  • Must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities (Essential Job Functions) with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Meridian Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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