How To Write an Executive Director Resume (With Example) | Indeed.com

How To Write an Executive Director Resume (With Example)

Updated July 30, 2023

Executive directors oversee operations in the companies they work at, ensuring efficiency and growth. They possess exceptional leadership skills, have business operations experience and are well-versed in finance. Including these credentials on your resume can help you show a hiring manager that you're the right candidate for this role.In this article, we discuss how to write an executive director resume and give you helpful tips to keep in mind. Plus, we provide a template and an example you can use as a reference when writing your own.

What is an executive director?

An executive director is a manager of a business or an organization. They may work in a non-profit setting and perform similar duties as a chief executive officer in a for-profit company. Their job often involves creating and implementing company plans to meet budgets and deadlines. Other job duties of an executive director include providing leadership to staff members and creating business goals for teams to achieve. They typically oversee a company's daily operations, attend board meetings and update other executives on the status of ongoing projects.Related: Comparing Jobs: Executive Director vs. Managing Director

How to write an executive director resume

Here are six steps you can take when writing your executive director resume:

1. Read the job description

Before writing your resume, look at the job posting to gain a better understanding of the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for in a candidate. If you possess any of the skills they list, be sure to include them in your resume. Mentioning these qualifications can help you gain a hiring manager's attention, distinguish yourself from other candidates and show that you meet the requirements for the job.Related: How To Write a Resume Employers Will Notice

2. Create a header

The first part of a resume is a header with your dedicated contact section at the top of the page. This includes your full name, email address, phone number, social media pages and website URL, if applicable. As the header is the recruiter's first chance to learn about you, make sure it looks professional and remember to add an email address containing your name or initials. Hiring managers often use the contact section to arrange an interview with you.Related: How To Create an Effective Resume Header (With Examples)

3. Add a professional summary

A professional summary outlines your qualifications and experience in two or three sentences. Start with a quick introduction and follow up by explaining your achievements and talents. Consider customizing your professional summary to feature the skills and qualifications that appear in the job description to show you're suitable for the role.Related: How To Write a Summary of Qualifications for Your Resume (With Examples)

4. Include your work experience

Showcase any relevant professional experience you have. When composing your executive director resume, list your previous roles by including the job title, employment dates, the name of the employer and the city and state where you worked. Next, outline your key responsibilities and any results or achievements you accomplished in that role.Related: How To Highlight Work Experience on Your Resume

5. List your relevant skills

Compile a list of relevant skills you possess. Since the goal of your resume is to show that you're an outstanding leader in the business world, focus on highlighting your mentoring qualities and any technical skills you've gained during your career. Some common executive director skills include leadership, communication, strategic thinking and staff management.Related: 10 Best Skills To Put On Your Resume (With Examples and FAQ)

6. Submit your resume

After finishing your resume, submit it to the company of your choice. You may do so by using a job board or application software. Alternatively, you can look for the email address of the organization's hiring manager and send your resume to them directly.

Tips for writing an executive director resume

Besides including the right skills and experience in your resume, choosing a proper format can be important. Here are some things to keep in mind when creating a resume for this role:

Quantify your achievements

Use numerical metrics to illustrate your accomplishments in previous positions. For instance, emphasize that you grew the company's net revenue by 14% in four months instead of simply saying that you boosted its revenue. This can help the hiring manager assess the impact of your work.Related: How To Quantify Resume Accomplishments (With Examples)

Identify the value you can bring

Before writing your resume, consider the unique value you can bring to the position. Identify any skills, experience or characteristics that may benefit an employer, and make sure to highlight these details throughout your resume. This can help you make a positive impression on a hiring manager and distinguish yourself from other candidates in your field.

Discuss your unique qualities

Include a quality or niche that differentiates you from other candidates and may make employers interested in learning more about your credentials. This can help you demonstrate that you're the right candidate for the role. Remember to choose qualities that are relevant to the job you're applying for.Related: 60 Interview Questions for Executive Director Jobs (Includes Sample Answers)

Add a cover letter

Consider writing a cover letter that expands on the information you've included in your resume. This can support your resume and provide more context about your qualifications, professional goals and expectations regarding the job you're seeking. It can allow the hiring manager to better understand your credentials and unique value.Related: Tips To Write a Great Cover Letter

Executive director resume example

Here's an example of a resume for an executive director:

Briella Rigatoni

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 320-339-6594 | Briella.Rigatoni@email.com

Summary

 

Dedicated Executive Director with experience in non-profit fundraising and marketing strategies. Proven success in creating successful, strategic plans to increase profit margins. Successful in managing large teams.

Education

 

Texas B&D University

Master of Business Administration

Austin State University

Bachelor of Science in Business

Experience

 

A to Z Booking | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Executive Director

June 2019–Current

Manage a team of 50 employees, overseeing daily operations
Develop new metrics to manage vendor productivity and performance
Evaluate employee performance and provide feedback
Facilitate the designing of new company-wide goals and objectives
Create new programs, increasing net sales by 22% in six months

Gumdrop Medical Center | Boston, Massachusetts, Executive Director

February 2000–June 2018

Created and implemented strategic marketing campaign efforts
Designed processes to increase profit levels by 8%
Attended board meetings to discuss progress on projects

Pet Rescue Sanctuary | Killeen, Texas, Senior Vice President

September 1996-February 2000

Analyzed financial reports to ensure the company stayed within budget
Led fundraising efforts to help provide housing for 20 dogs
Helped manage a high-performing workforce

Skills

 

Leadership
Strategic planning
Proficiency in Excel
Business development
Organization
Time management

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Executive director resume template

Use this template to help you write your executive director resume:[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State]Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements.]Work Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

[Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
[Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
[Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
[Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
[Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

[Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
[Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
[Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]

Skills
[Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill]Education
[Degree and Major]
[Name of School or University]Certifications
[Certification Name], [Host Organization] - [Year completed or expiration date]Related: Resume Template FAQ

Download Resume Template

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Video: Resume Tips To Get Noticed
Learn five tips to improve your resume and help it stand out to employers!

 

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