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To Whom Does a Nonprofit Executive Director Report?

May 31, 2018

A sketch of people standing togetherThe executive director reports to the board, with the chief liaison being the chair of the board. This is the body that hires the ED, monitors and evaluates that person’s performance, and directs the search for a new chief executive if that becomes necessary. The ED and the board work together as a team to carry out the mission of the organization, but each entity has autonomy in certain areas. Though there are over-lapping areas, in general the board is responsible for mission and vision, sets policy, and develops the strategic plan of the organization; and the staff, headed by the executive director, is responsible for day-to-day operations.

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From the Standards for Excellence®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. The Standards for Excellence code, developed by the Standards for Excellence Institute, includes specific benchmarks and measures that provide a structured approach to building capacity, accountability, and sustainability in your nonprofit organization. The code identifies 6 major areas of nonprofit governance and management: Mission, Strategy, and Evaluation; Leadership: Board, Staff, and Volunteers; Legal Compliance and Ethics; Finance and Operations; Resource Development and Fundraising; and Public Awareness, Engagement and Advocacy.

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