Starting A Nonprofit: What does an Executive Director DO, exactly?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.พ. 2021
- Starting a nonprofit and wondering what an Executive Director or CEO does? I’ll talk about Executive Director roles and responsibilities in this video. #Nonprofit #Nonprofits
// ABOUT THIS VIDEO
I am a nonprofit founder who now works full time as the Executive Director for the nonprofit I started many years ago! As Founder, Executive Director was the staff position I was most naturally suited for, but I learned quickly that the job included a wide variety of responsibilities and brushed up on a lot of skills very fast.
If you are starting a nonprofit, thinking about it, or have just started a nonprofit, or KNOW someone who is trying to start a nonprofit, I hope this helps!
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// MORE ABOUT ME
Hi! I’m Amber, a nonprofit founder, Executive Director, and public speaker on social impact, changemaking, nonprofits, leadership, and more. Want me to come speak at your business, college, school, or event or interested in online training for starting your nonprofit? Check out resources on my site: ambermsmith.com/
My Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy -- with online trainings to guide you through the steps to start a nonprofit (in the USA) and more -- is now LIVE! foundertofulltime.com/
On Facebook? Talk to me and other change makers about social change, nonprofits, social enterprise, leadership and more in my Facebook group, Change the World or Bust: / changetheworldorbust
Join my newsletter! ambermsmith.com/blog/newsletter/
I'm also on Twitter: / ambermelsmith
Pics of me and my cute dog on Instagram: / ambermelsmith
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My Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy -- with online trainings to guide you through the steps to start a nonprofit (in the USA) and more -- is now LIVE! foundertofulltime.com/
My uncle has an nonprofit that’s been inactive for a few years and he asked me to take control of it which I am considering only if I get the proper knowledge to take this bull by the horns. Thank you @amber Melanie smith for this informational video it really helped me get an understanding about this new journey I’m planning to embark upon.
I've been a ED for 2 years now, great video! If I could go back to my college days and wondered what I would be doing for my career, being a ED for an amazing organization would have never crossed my mind at all.. after I graduated from college with a BA major I started as a Admin Assistant for 5 years on the dot, after that I was promoted to Program Manager, I did that for a little over a year before I took over as the Interim ED after the previous ED had to leave for health reasons, after being an Interim ED for a year I was finally appointed to serve as the Executive Director for my nonprofit that focuses primarily on youth employment services, the board couldn't find anyone else that would serve as ED so they took on a gamble for my appointment, but thanks for sharing your video! Spot on.
Thanks for sharing your story! It's so interesting how different people arrive in the role. I hope you are finding it fulfilling!
@@AmberMelanieSmith yes it is very fulfilling indeed, I plan on using this great experience to find work with a larger foundation in a managerial role some day, maybe project management field since that's what my job is basically about, I love working on various projects at once.
New nonprofit ED, here! This was incredible informative and encouraging!
Yessss #EDPower
Well, I’m doing all this at a small scale nonprofit with big local impact. My contract calls me a community connector, previously I was the Co Ordinator, while the community label me the manager.
If you feel your role is not clear, sounds like you may need to have a conversation with the Board!
You've become a very good public speaker.
D'aw thanks!
Thanks so much for the insights, Amber.
You are so welcome!
@@AmberMelanieSmith Always!
Simply AMAZING!!
Thank you!
Great information, thank you
Glad it was helpful!
That's was great information, ❤️
Glad it was helpful!
Amber!!! You are fantastic!!! Your videos and resources are helping me a lot now that I am starting a nonprofit!!! Thank you so much!!!
Yay! So glad the videos are helping!!
Thank you this is awesome
Glad it was helpful!
Exceptionally Informative, Thankful for Everything you do
Thanks for visiting the channel! :) :)
Very educative. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Amber, you are a life saver! Thanks for the work you are doing & for putting together videos like this.
I'm in the early stages of starting my youth & women focused non-profit organization and your videos are helping a lot with the right mentorship.
Well done and thank you so much 🙏
Yayyy! :) It's so nice to hear these videos are helping people for real. Thank you for your kind words, and for watching!
This was an amazing informative video, thank you. Can't wait to watch more.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I appreciate your vids. Super helpful on my new journey as a nonprofit founder.
Great to hear!
Great video! Your videos are a big help in my research into starting a nonprofit. Thank you!
So happy to hear it! :) Welcome to the channel!
Excellent and informative. Thank you Melanie ✨💖✨✨
You are so welcome!
Thanks Amber!
You're very welcome!
Your teaching is like a box of chocolate :) Thank you Amber!!!
Ha ha, you never know what you're going to get? :)
I don’t usually comment on videos, but (speaking from and ED), was the perfect way to capture what we do. Thank you for the video!
Woo! Thank you for watching and welcome to the channel! :) :)
Omg. This was the best explainer video about this position.
:D From one Amber to another - thank you!
Just about to get started with my non profit as an ED. I’m following, good info I’ll have more to watch I’m sure about all the other board members so I know everything I can. Thank you!!
Welcome to the channel! :)
Thanks for the guidance. More power.
:)
I've just started planning my own brand new potential charity/non-profit and few months ago. I found your information very helpful. The role description sounds just like me!🤗
Congrats on your launch!
Excellent video Amber!! That was a lot to take in. I am retired Air Force where I predominantly flew as a Boom Operator on a KC-135R (refueling aircraft in the air). What I did was quit a challenge and very dangerous! But nothing compared to being an ED for our non-profit…LOL! Half the time I feel like a “lost ball in tall weeds”. But I am up for the challenge! Looking forward to watching your other videos. I need all the help I can get…😉
-Bud
Hi Bud! I love your story! thanks for watching!
Well explained thank yu
Glad it helped!
Thank you sooo much... I m so grateful to God, I found u.
Yay! Glad to have you in the changemaker community!
Hi Amber, brilliant video! The ED is a jack of all trades, filling in wherever needed, which is hard some times because we start charities to help, not do paperwork, but doing paperwork helps the charity sustainable!
Yyyyup!
Great video, Amber! I'm an emerging nonprofit leader and intend to be an ED after grad school. I'm looking forward to checking out your other videos. Thanks so much :)
Glad it was helpful!
As always great presentation and straightforward advice. Being an ED is beaucoup.
Thanks!
Thank you!
You bet!
Great knowledge. I'm here in uganda. This is so helpful.
I'm so glad to hear it!
Thanks so much for your resources for non-profit, and yes I'm ready to become a ED.
Yay Carmela! You got this!
Thank you Again.
Always welcome!
I want to start a nonprofit to help the homeless but in a way that's different than any I can find on the internet. And when I do get it up and running I think it will make a big difference in the community. But still need months of research so as not to fail. And can't wait to take your online training but must finish writing and self-publishing my book. What you do is amazing and thank you so much !
Thanks so much Paul!!
Hey Amber, this is great. I'm still struggling with fundraising though, I have applied for a lot of grants but haven't got any yet.
Grants can be a challenge for sure! Best of luck!
I love this video, I am an aspiring Non profit founder and am from zambia. Your videos have really inspired my dream and have helped me gain much more knowledge on my new journey. Thanks Amber, this is amazing. . hoping to be like you in the future😍
Aw I'm happy to hear it! Good luck with your endeavor!
thank you i am Executive Director for
nonprofit it is hard work ... thank you for your videos
it really help .
You are most welcome!
Thanks!!!!!
Welcome!
I just became an ED to a non profit medical organization. I’ll take the help thank you.
You got this!
Good job. I am a brain injured nonprofit owner and this video helped me a lot
So happy to hear it was helpful!
Very good videos. I’m a aspiring founder of a nonprofit organization
Welcome to the channel! :)
I just started my non-profit organisation and half of the time I have no idea what I'm doing. Your videos have been really helpful.
So glad to hear the videos have been helpful! Don't worry, we all feel that way sometimes! :)
The videos are getting more interesting
🙂
It's been honestly a much more difficult journey than I had thought it would be. Wearing so many hats is not as problematic as accepting that you probably suck at at least half of those hats and that you need the right people around you to help you improve those hats.
There have also been challenges that I've never even imagined I'd have, like being rejected because of the name of the organization ("Heal The World" is not as popular as I had thought) or being considered guilty by association just because we have been kind enough to collaborate with a person with a dark past, so we had to take the hard decision to cut ties with them even if they were really helpful to the organization.
It's small daily decisions that can make or break an organization that are the hardest. Deciding the yearly budget or hiring people proved easier. But living with daily anxiety of whether or not I am making the right decisions for the community is what slowly shaves years off my life :)
Bianca, I FEEL you on this. Do you have some good people around you who can lift you up?
Amber is smart and funny
I enjoyed watching this video.
Ha, thanks! :)
Impressive
Hope it was helpful!
@@AmberMelanieSmith Very helpful Madame hope when you open a branch in the Middle East we can work together thank you very much
Just got Offer by my companie's board of directors to become a director of a Non profit organization. Thanks it was insightful. 💌
Seeking knowledge about raising funds.
Congratulations! I have some other videos about fundraising that may help you also!
This was an excellent video amber here in the UK the big boss here are known as CEO chief executive officer there has been scandels in the press about the charity bosses getting massive salaries the head can make a non profit a success and .the wrong boss can ruing a non .profit too my gosh they do have massive responsibilities and to run a non profit and keep it successful runs into the thousands yearly I used to ask for money for charity as I was a charity fundraiser and my goodness the public could really get nasty about being asked to help in funds as for me it was nerve wrecking asking for money but it is what keeps a charity running
We've had unfortunate scandals like that in the US too. Good news is, the vast majority of people working in nonprofits are doing it for the right reasons, genuinely care about their communities!
I hear you, see you, am there now and agree! Thank you again!!! Great information!!!❤
Question: How long before you as the ED start getting paid?
RE: Getting paid - check out my budgeting / hiring videos! That can depend on a lot of factors but among the biggest is - when your organization has raised enough to pay staff!
I really appreciate you. May God bless all Good you do through Him in the name of Jesus. I'm rooting for you Amber!
That's so kind of you, thank you!
I am restarting my organization and I will say I didn't have this much information on how to successfully do what I set out to do. I want to be the E.D because who knows my baby like me lol but watching this has me super nervous but now I want more information and training to do it effectively.
Every Director is different (we're all human of course!) but EDs are definitely expected to do a lot!
Hello, I really enjoyed The video since it gave me a lot of insight in whats it like to be an ED, Since I founded a Non Profit Youth Athletic Sports Organization and we Are in The process of becoming active and i will be The ED of this new community Organization.
Glad it was helpful! Being an ED is a unique job for sure!
The ED can occupy a board seat and vote...just not on anything that pertains to their own salary. Depending on how it’s set up, they can even have a vote on the organizations budget, just not their own salary.
There are def some technicalities around that! But anything that's a conflict of interest would not allow an ED to vote -- whether to hire themselves, fire themselves, what to pay themselves, whether to hire or fire someone related to them... etc.
Interesting! I had never thought of receiving a salary with the organization I recently founded, but I would think founders would prefer to keep their vote and have a say in the direction the organization is going.
There are so many different possibilities!
SuperFANTASTIC 🔥🔥🔥…
Thanks!
Hi Amber, I'm the Founder of an emerging nonprofit. The program I've been doing for many years is a hobby on my own dime. It has been suggested that I make a nonprofit to support the program and I'm in the process of pulling all this together. Yes, many, many hats have to be worn. I'm looking for people to make up a solid Board of Directors. I do hope to be the ED. But, whatever happens, I hope it's for the good of the program.
Thanks for sharing Allen! People come to the world of nonprofits from many directions for sure!
Thanks a lot Amber for your videos. They have been very helpful.
I understand an ED cannot be a voting board member because of conflict of interest.
Is there a way for them to still have a seat on the board but not partake in voting the process? Would you advise that at all?
For sure! Many EDs attend board meetings, make recommendations and encourage board votes for needed policies and budget decisions. The board ultimately votes, but the ED can have a bit of influence if they maintain a strong relationship with the board and, of course, are making sound and effective decisions that help move the mission forward.
Thanks for sharing! Do you have any referrals for a website and logo designer?
Not currently, but here's an article for DIYers! www.wildapricot.com/blog/best-nonprofit-website-builder
@@AmberMelanieSmith thank you! I appreciate your response!
Hi , just officially started my non profit corp. and seem to be having trouble raising money
Hey there! Do you have a business plan in place?
Can you go more in detail about why Extecutive Directors cannot be Voting Board Member? Because I've read that paid employees could be both members of the organization, and on the board as well. And per California law as long as 1/3 of the Board Members aren't family or business related there shouldn't be issues, right?
It's a red flag for the IRS, and for many potential funders as well. It is considered a conflict of interest. Let's say you are receiving a salary, and then the time arrives for the board to vote on the annual budget, which includes your salary. You should not be allowed to vote for your own salary - that is a dual loyalty issue / conflict.
I didn't know for the other peoples who do this but for me, that just describes all the fun stuff I hate to do and sadly to bring my vision alive for the future of humanity and probably even is survive I'm going to sacrifice myself. : D
You don't need to sacrifice yourself. :) You can take care of yourself AND take care of others.
I work for a fully established 501 C6 organization as a chapter management professional. This is a professional organization within the human resources field. I’m considering asking if they would be interested in me becoming the executive Director instead of the chapter manager. I do a lotof crossover work, and I would love to hear your thoughts on that, especially being a nonprofit member chapter that does not get the same considerations as a 501 C3
Hey there, good question! I think as a chapter manager you'd bring some valuable insights. But I'm not sure what the structure / budget of your organization is, so hard to advise on if it's feasible!
I need to speak with you - how do we do this? Great content!
Thanks! Definitely check out some of my other videos - they may help you!
As an accountant (I know, everyone's favorite subject), I am curious what metrics are most helpful to leaders. We use budget vs actual spending reports the most often.
Budget vs. actual is definitely helpful. I think helping leaders understand when / how / why to go from cash to accrual could be helpful. Also, some metrics that can help leaders forecast problems and future needs more easily!
@@AmberMelanieSmith Yeah, I feel choosing the right metrics has been a challenge in my organization. But it goes hand-in-hand with what you said about understanding the needs of the community, which I feel I need to pay more attention to.
Since my organization provides affordable housing, managers often focus on company-centered things like vacancy rates and maintenance cost. But when I speak with tenants, I feel they encounter things like families spending their money and poor financial decision making. Not really the purview of Accounting, but perhaps the biggest problem.
@@ryanh1335 Now if you're talking about program metrics, that's a whole different game (than accounting!). for Affordable Housing, are you all looking at metrics such as how long tenants are able to sustain rent, transition to traditional housing, etc.?
@@AmberMelanieSmith Good idea. We haven't looked at metrics like the ones you suggest, but should. For a housing rental company, a big issue is tenants who move in, and don't pay. We find that tenants either mismanage their income, or hand over decision-making to family members who mismanage it. By the way, our company focuses on the elderly only, so very few will ever transition out, except into a nursing home.
I did get some inspiration from watching your video to drill down into the problems our recipients face in making rent.
Thank you so much for this information. I’m currently in school for my MSW. The area of social work I want to work in is domestic violence. Years from now after I gain experience I want to have my own non profit organization for battered women. Can I do that with just a MSW? Or do I need another degree?
Hello Jasmine! No one leader will know or be able to do 100% of everything needed to run a nonprofit so I would say my advice is to identify your strengths then find others who complement them with other strengths! You can certainly manage a nonprofit with a MSW; I would also recommend gaining knowledge in nonprofit accounting / legal aspects, fundraising, marketing, and other business topics.
@@AmberMelanieSmith thank you for advice 😊
@@jasminesanders6034 My pleasure!
I co-founded an education NPO called, The Knowledge Exchange in 2020. I started in the organization as the CMO, then the COO and just got voted to become the CEO by the board (the founder resigned). I've already worn many hats in the organization so I'm excited for the opportunity but nervous about the responsibilities. The organization is my baby and I'm passionate to keep going! I found your video very helpful, can you suggest any other resources? Appreciate it! -Maija
Congrats, Maija! What other types of resources are you seeking?
Funding streams for young nonprofits(ie. Methods to fundraiser, seeking grants, and how to obtain monthly donors), how to rebuild when the org is low, what are the must have roles, and tips to help the org. Thankfully we still have a Treasurer to help with the Financials. I plan to do more resource this weekend and look through your channel. I already signed up for your newsletter.
Great vid! I thought to add that I'm happy that I added in the bylaws that I can't be voted out or removed, while it can be beneficial for the ED's doing wrong; it can also be a detriment if the board has ill intentions. Just wanted to advise that this can be added in the bylaws. I love public speaking, my issue is asking for money! I can't wait to get to the point of being comfortable and liking it lol
Thanks for sharing! I know this is a thing you can do (bylaws stating you can't be removed), but I also know it can be a red flag for some donors and funders as well as future board members (who may feel it would mean they won't have much of a say). Regarding asking for money - if you can do some public speaking, I think that's a great way to build up an audience of potential future donors!
@@AmberMelanieSmith I can see your viewpoint, I'm happy I didn't have that problem with my board, I think my passion says it all! Never would've imagined how helpful Toastmaster's would be when I was in college lol
@@HeadfulofHair Yuup!
I did the same thing with our bylaws.
@@HeadfulofHair hello, I'm a newly non profit organizer and I would love to speak to you or anyone that could be of service with additionalinformation. Thank you.
Am a founder of a charity organization in Zambia(AFRICA) and have got some concerns I would like you to assist me .. .Am positive you are the best person to get help from because have been following your videos for a long period of time now. How can I get in touch??
Hey there! What is your question?
👍
👍
NEW: LAUNCHING 2021! I've heard from SO many amazing people who want to make an impact in their communities by starting a nonprofit AND find a way to do it Full Time! I'll be launching the Founder to Full-Time Academy soon, which will include online training, materials, and support for folks starting up. If you're interested, let me know here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgEzf-dRU9VAE67xqbh29_hSceejM0kQHxIQL5RpoHvVxneg/viewform
interested
@@bryannebambobwalya7834 It's live foundertofulltime.com/
So when you founded the non profit, did you choose a chairman? I’m just now learning about the chairperson and they are over the executive director, BUT I’ve started an org, donated and invested. I do plan to work for my soon-to-be non-profit… How to decide on the position(s) to fill?! Lol. I consider myself the executive director.
When you first start out as a founder, you are most likely on your board of directors as the Chair / President (was the case for me). Once the organization has enough money to consider hiring staff, if you want to be the Executive Director (paid) the board would need to elect a new Chair and then vote to hire you and what your salary would be (and you can't vote for yourself).
@@AmberMelanieSmith thank you so much for this. I truly appreciate your guidance! 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Do you have any resources that explain what financial responsibilities have v. a board treasurer?
Do you mean like a board treasurer "job description"?
@@AmberMelanieSmith that would be great. I’m working with a small arts nonprofit and hoping to add a part-time executive director. I wasn’t completely sure which fiscal duties should fall with the treasurer v. the ED.
As a Pastor I keep getting told how we do church is illegal. Is there some changes to the 501c3 since 1986 that has changed? When to have meeting? How do obtain a vote? Who can vote? Where can I find all the rules?
Hi Pastor Gary, this is a good starting point! www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations
I would like to start a non profit but have no experience or college background and I would like to know can I still become an ED and run my own organization. I am very passionate about my cause which is helping underprivileged children and I have great ideas about how to make changes in my community your feedback would be greatly appreciated thank you.
Hey there! If you are determined enough and willing to put in the work to educate yourself, YES! For sure. I started my organization without too much experience, and I went back to school to learn additional nonprofit management strategies after I'd started.
Sorry, I wanted to ask what can a person study, particularly in the post graduate degree for this role?
Hello! I have a video that talks about some of that! Starting a Nonprofit: College Classes to take for success - th-cam.com/video/WSI1hk--R7U/w-d-xo.html
As a founder, do you risk being let go from your own org if you become the ED? Similar to Steve Jobs experience.
Yes, any Executive Director could be fired by their board. But, with good leadership and maintaining a good relationship with your Board, it is less likely to happen.
@@AmberMelanieSmith being fired are you shut all the way out of being part?
I think that depends on who remains with the organization and what ways you all agree that you should stay involved.
I am an aspiring founder and aspiring Executive DIrector. How many board members do I need? What is the Operations Officer. Can my spouse be on the board?
Hi there! Check with your state as the requirements for each state are different, but normally it's a minimum of 3 and no real maximum. Operations Officer sounds like a staff position in my mind. As for your spouse, if they serve on the board, they will not be allowed to vote for anything that impacts you or themselves (ex: they can't vote to hire you).
Could you just clarify for me the difference between Executive Director and Program Director? I've been looking at several organizational charts and it seems like they are the same position? (Not program manager**)
They're not usually the same. An Executive Director is like the CEO - overseeing the entire organization. A Program Director would be in charge of overseeing one or more programs, but not the entire organization.
Seen
Thanks for watching!
❤MAHALO❤
:)
Our ED is a part time Voulnteer.. i the founder. Fill this role and I’m the manager. But the ED makes final say
I've seen that model too!
@@AmberMelanieSmith I didn’t want you the final say it got too perdonal
Hi Amber, I have watched over a dozen of your videos and plan on watching them all because you do such a great job. I have a specific question if you don't mind. If I am going to be the Founder/Director of a brand new organization when could I take a small salary? Ex. I am raising 5000.00/mo. Would it be unreasonable to take a 1500.00 - 2000.00 mo salary so I can devote all of my time to it and really get it going? Thanks for everything!
Hey there! This video may help you: You CAN get paid for Nonprofit work, but there’s a catch th-cam.com/video/EwBGpgVOFPQ/w-d-xo.html - basically, you can't vote to hire yourself or pay yourself. Your Board has to vote to hire / pay you (and you can't vote for yourself); this is to avoid conflicts of interest.
If you are the CEO of your foundation does that mean you can't Be executive director and get paid.
I want to know if I create my own foundation and have 3 members for A 501c non Profit charity
How much do I keep and how much do I put back in to the company to keep it Running
Hey there! CEO and Executive Director are usually the same thing. But, your Board has to vote to hire you as a paid staff person and then what your salary will be. That is not something you decide unilaterally in a nonprofit.
@@AmberMelanieSmith Now if you put all your own money in your foundation can you take it back with donations or is it a loss
@@mandalorianihavespoke7453 If you have a reimbursement policy for related / relevant expenses, and your board has approved it in the budget, and you can provide receipts for accounting transparency, it is acceptable / common to be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.
Does the founder have to be the ED
Nope, they don't have to! It's just common.
Reviving our school booster club.
Thanks for sharing your mission and stopping by the channel!
I’m on my way to be an ED ….
Have fun! :)
Wouldnt the CEO technically be the director getting paid for the work he/she puts in?
The titles CEO and Executive Director are often interchangeable, so yes, generally. :) There can be unpaid CEOs / EDs, but I definitely mean paid Directors in this case.
How can I contact you.
Join my channel's Facebook group! facebook.com/groups/changetheworldorbust
This has scared me. Can’t i hire somebody to do the public speaking for me? Lol
Ha ha, if you have the budget, you can hire people to help with different responsibilities, of course, but the Director is often looked to to speak for the organization. :)
I am a new organizer of a non propit organization here in the philipphines what are the basic move to do?
I am not sure of the legal steps to file to be a nonprofit / NGO over there - what is the structure for those organizations there?
I dont like number 9((
Nope, that is not how it works?
What are you referring to?
@@AmberMelanieSmith I should not believe that all issues must have to suggest by-laws and a board members.
Very educative. Thank you
:)