Educators: Level Up With Online Graduate Programs
What’s Next in Your Education Career? Those who work in education may encounter many opportunities for advancement, but their level... Read More
Do you want to move into an executive director position? If you have at least 10 years of professional leadership experience and want to advance further, consider applying to our online Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership degree program. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is dedicated to helping leaders develop the skills and attributes they need to make positive impacts in their workplaces, communities, and the world at large. This program can be completed in as few as 2.5 years and is designed to fit the schedule of busy working professionals. Discover how you can take steps to become an executive director.
How to Become an Executive Leader
If you’ve been working at the mid-manager level in any economic sector, you understand the challenges that continually arise. For those who are ready to accept these challenges at the executive director level, a high-level educational credential can make a difference. Especially when the degree program is designed to help you develop stronger, more sophisticated leadership skills.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, all of our programs are informed by our dedication to student-centered learning in the Lasallian Catholic education tradition. We encourage students to live ethical lives of service and leadership while providing an education that aligns with workforce needs. The accelerated Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership program helps working professionals pursue positions where they can contribute their best selves to issues in business, healthcare, industry, and government.
Duties and Responsibilities of Executive Directors
The students in our Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership program are aware of the multitude of tasks and responsibilities held by executive directors. These leaders must actively manage departmental managers and may need to report to a board of directors for the company or division. They work diligently at creating organizational strategies, preparing and approving budgets, and maintaining compliance with all laws and regulations. Executive directors can be the face of the company or organization, appearing in media and giving public addresses. Participating in conferences and other meetings within industries or areas of interest, executive directors must promote the work of their organization, as well as bring fruitful ideas from other entities back to their own company.
Perhaps one of the most important jobs of an executive director is to make sure that the organization follows a strategic plan, and that there are specific plans and goals laid out for managers to follow. They must have a practiced eye when it comes to cutting costs from proposed budgets or reviewing sales figures. Working alone and with counsel, they negotiate contracts and approve agreements. Executive directors are also heavily involved with recruiting and hiring, especially in the executive suite.
Job Outlook and Potential Earnings for Executive Directors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projects job growth for top executives at 3% through 2032. The median pay for chief executives was reported at $206,680 in May 2023, with the highest 10% earning more than $239,200. Top executives earned a median annual income of $103,840. Important skills for executive directors and chief executive officers include communication, decision-making, leadership, problem-solving, and time management.
Fast Track Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership Program
To apply for our Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership program, potential students must have earned a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. In addition, they are required to have a minimum of 10 years of professional leadership experience. These requirements help create a unique environment, where students engage in project-based learning with a capstone project. Real-world problems and challenges are the focus of the work. The combination of our experienced faculty and the professional experience of the students in the program leads to an exchange of practical insights and solutions that benefit all.
This accelerated program can be completed in 2.5 years and is offered completely online. The curriculum is designed to help students develop communication and leadership skills, including the development of organizations and increasing the effectiveness of organizational structures and models for learning. Students will gain confidence as they work on projects and develop ethical standards for decision-making. There is also a focus on cultural competency and social justice, so important for executive directors and other leaders today. Participate in an upcoming virtual information session to find out more about the particulars of this exciting program.
Get Ready for Your Next Step as Executive Director
Would your career benefit from an engaging online educational program that confers a terminal degree? The Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership program may fit with your schedule and career plans. Designed for working professionals, this online, accelerated graduate program can help you advance to the next level. There is always more to learn about becoming a leader, and the programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can help. Request information today.
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