ED Reality & Support
ED Reality & Support
Straight-talk guidance for nonprofit executive directors about role reality and coaching support
13 articles
All Articles
ED Reality & Support
Finding Balance Between Strategic Leadership and Daily Operations in Your Nonprofit
Most nonprofit executive directors spend 80% of their time on operations and firefighting, leaving strategic leadership to happen in the…
ED Reality & Support
Crisis Leadership for Nonprofit Executive Directors: Navigate Organizational Emergencies
When crisis hits your nonprofit, the first hours matter most. Learn the five-stage crisis leadership framework (Assess, Stabilize, Communicate, Mobilize,…
ED Reality & Support
Building Your Support Network as a Nonprofit Executive Director
Nonprofit executive directors face unique isolation—surrounded by people who need them, yet lacking anyone they can be completely honest with.…
ED Reality & Support
Preventing Nonprofit ED Burnout Before It Starts
Burnout doesn't announce itself—it creeps in disguised as dedication. For nonprofit executive directors, the unique pressures of mission weight, resource…
ED Reality & Support
Managing Up to Your Board: The Nonprofit ED’s Strategic Guide
Board relationships don't have to feel like a performance review that never ends. Learn the skills of "managing up"—understanding board…
ED Reality & Support
From Founder to Executive Director: The Transition Guide for Nonprofit Leaders
Making the leap from nonprofit founder to executive director is one of leadership's most challenging transitions—not because you lack skills,…
ED Reality & Support
Your First 90 Days as a Nonprofit ED: The Week-by-Week Roadmap for Success
Starting as a new nonprofit executive director? Your first 90 days set the trajectory for your entire tenure. This week-by-week…
ED Reality & Support
The Nonprofit Executive Director Survival Guide: Navigate Every Stage of Your Leadership Journey
Every nonprofit executive director travels through predictable stages—from honeymoon optimism through reality checks to eventual transition. Yet most EDs face…
ED Reality & Support
Nonprofit Executive Director Salary: Trends, Factors, and Benchmarks
The national median nonprofit executive director salary is approximately $98,000, but ranges from $45,000 at small organizations to $250,000+ at…
ED Reality & Support
How to Write an Executive Director Job Description for a Nonprofit Organization: A Step-by-Step Guide with a PDF Sample
Writing a strong executive director job description is crucial for attracting the right leadership to guide your nonprofit organization. This…
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