Nonprofit Executive Director – Health Equity or Community Health

Career Guide
Leads a nonprofit focused on health equity or community health, setting strategy, overseeing programs and budgets, developing partnerships, and ensuring measurable impact. Works with the board to govern the organization, secures funding, and represents the mission to donors, policymakers, and the community.

Key Responsibilities

  • Set organizational strategy and annual operating plans
  • Lead fundraising, grants, and major donor cultivation
  • Oversee program design, implementation, and evaluation
  • Manage budgets, financial reporting, and audits
  • Recruit, develop, and supervise senior staff
  • Ensure compliance, risk management, and board governance
  • Build community partnerships and coalitions
  • Advocate for health equity with policymakers and stakeholders

Career Progression

Can Lead To
CEO/President (Nonprofit)
Chief Strategy/Impact Officer
Executive Vice President, Programs & Operations
Transition Opportunities
Public Health Director (local or state agency)
Program Director, Health Equity
Policy Director (Health/Community Advocacy)
Program Officer, Health Philanthropy

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Major gifts fundraising and grant managementNonprofit budgeting and financial reportingBoard governance and bylaws administrationProgram evaluation and logic model designHealth equity policy advocacy
Development SuggestionsComplete a nonprofit finance/fundraising course and lead a grant or small campaign for a local nonprofit; join a board committee (finance or programs) to gain hands-on governance and evaluation experience.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$95,000-$120,000
Mid Level$120,000-$165,000
Senior Level$165,000-$230,000
Growth Trend
growing

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
United WayPlanned ParenthoodYMCA
Industry Sectors
Non-Profit & Social ImpactHealthcare & Public HealthPhilanthropy & Foundations

Recommended Next Steps

1
Earn a Certificate in Nonprofit Management or CFRE prep and complete 1–2 grants to build a fundraising portfolio.
2
Take a program evaluation course (logic models, KPIs) and produce an outcomes dashboard for a community project.
3
Network with EDs via APHA/NNPHI chapters; request an informational interview and attend a board meeting as a guest to observe governance.