Nonprofit Salaries - Nonprofit Executive Director

March 18, 2008

Name: Ann E. Tucker
Job Title: Nonprofit Executive Director
Where: Galesburg, IL
Employer: United Way of Knox County, Inc.
Years of Experience: 15 as a paralegal
Education: Illinois Central College, Associate Degree; Western Illinois University – going back to get my bachelor's degree
Nonprofit Salaries : $45,000 to $75,000*
* See the PayScale Research Center for median salaries of nonprofit executive directors.

Nonprofit Salaries – Nonprofit Executive Director

A career in the nonprofit industry can certainly have its perks. Ann Tucker is a nonprofit executive director for United Way, and says there’s not much she doesn’t love about her job. Plus, Ann gets the daily satisfaction of knowing she’s helping others. Median nonprofit executive director salaries can be as low as $35,000 for those with less than one year of experience, but can also reach beyond $90,000 once one has gained at least 20 years of experience. Salaries can also vary by location, so be sure to check out salaries of Nonprofit Executive Directors by city.

Do You Know What You're Worth?

Nonprofit Executive Director Job Description:

Organize and hold an annual campaign; recruit and train volunteers; organize special events; supervise one full-time employee and two part-time employees; networking; attend seminars; promote public awareness of our organization and our partner agencies; agency relations.

PayScale: How did you get started as an executive director for a nonprofit?

I had been a paralegal for 15 years. Due to downsizing in my firm, and burnout on my part, I was forced to find new employment. I interviewed for an administrative assistant position with United Way. Three weeks after I started my job, the executive director submitted her [resignation]. I was offered the job after serving as interim director for six months.

PayScale: What do you love about working as a nonprofit executive director?

There isn't much I don't love about my job. It is entirely different from anything I have done before. I love the agency directors that I work with, and my board of directors. I have met a lot of people and have heard some amazing stories of how United Way has helped someone during hard times.

PayScale: What are the biggest challenges you face in your job?

Obviously fundraising. With the economic climate the way it is, and the fact that two major factories have left our city, it is incredibly difficult to raise money.

PayScale: What's the craziest thing that's happened to you while working at United Way?

Having had no background in fundraising or the nonprofit world, I would have to say that accepting the executive director's position was the craziest thing I've ever done. It has been worth it, however. I've also met so many interesting people who make me believe that what I do makes a difference.

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