TABLE OF CONTENTS
Free Non Profit Executive Director Cover Letter Example
Use this free template to write a cover letter for any non profit executive director role. Simply follow the instructions and fill in the blanks.
Your name
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[OPTIONAL: Department Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager or Recruiter last name],
This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.
This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.
The body paragraph (s): should contain skills and qualifications related to the job, i.e., provide a narrative example of how your job-related skills were obtained/honed. Your goal here is to match the skills to the employer’s needs. Justify how your career experiences could fit into the position and the organization.
The end paragraph: is the closer that would signify a ‘call to action’ by reiterating an essential qualification for the position you possess and an appreciation for the employer’s consideration.
Closing statement: Thank the employer/recruiter for their time.
Sincerely,
— Your Full Name
If you want to make it more presentable, check out our professional cover letter templates, which include more than a dozen customizable job-appropriate designs.
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How to Write a Non Profit Executive Director Cover Letter
The following cover letter example will help you identify the key sections in a cover letter and what to include in each one.
In the following writing guide, you'll find more details on how to tailor your letter to your target non profit executive director role.
STEP 1
Format your cover letter’s header correctly
A letter of application is a formal business letter. It should convey professionalism and have an appropriately formatted cover letter header with essential information about the employer and you.
Strong cover letter header example:
April 10, 2025
Jessica Brown, Hiring Manager
United Helping Hands
1234 Charity Lane
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Dear Ms. Brown,
Weak cover letter header example:
Date: 01/01/2023
To who it may concern,
Tina Jameson
23456 Random Street
Some Town, XY 00000
Phone: 123-456-789
Community Center for Environmetnal Awarness
56789 Unrelated Avenue
Another City, AB 11111
Attn: Mr. Jonathon Smythe
PRO TIP
A big cover letter red flag is to greet the letter's recipient with a generic “To Whom It May Concern.“ Instead, personalize the greeting by stating your recipient's name or address a cover letter without a name professionally with “Dear Hiring Manager.“
STEP 2
Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph
The way you introduce yourself to hiring managers in your cover letter's opening paragraph will set the tone for the rest of your letter. Stand out by mentioning key skills and qualifications, and state your interest in the particular non profit executive director position.
Strong opening paragraph example:
As a nonprofit program manager with over 8 years of experience in community engagement, I am eager to apply for the executive director position at Global Impact Initiative. My passion for driving positive change aligns well with your mission. I successfully increased volunteer participation by 40% last year by launching new outreach strategies, reflecting my ability to bring impactful growth to your organization.
Weak opening paragraph example:
Hello, I'm super interested in the Non-Profit Executive Director role at Heartfelt Charity. I've done a bunch of related stuff, so I think I'd be a great match. Thanks a lot!
PRO TIP
If you know someone who works at the company and is willing to vouch for you, mention this in the first paragraph. Find examples of properly addressing this subject in our article for referral cover letter opening paragraphs.
STEP 3
Share relevant achievements in the body paragraph
Your cover letter's body paragraph should consist of one or two paragraphs — or even bullet points — sharing what makes you the ideal candidate for the non profit executive director role. Ensure you include relevant quantifiable achievements and more insight into who you are as a professional.
Strong body paragraph example:
As a driven nonprofit leader, I spearheaded programs that grew mission impact by 50% and increased donor engagement by 35%, reversing a five-year decline in funding. My strategic planning and financial management skills successfully expanded our grant portfolio, doubling revenue streams while optimizing operational efficiency. Leveraging strong community relations abilities, I forged partnerships that bolstered our initiatives, creating sustainable change and empowering our target populations significantly.
Weak body paragraph example:
I'm seeking the non-profit executive director role mainly because it aligns with my interest. While I don't have significant leadership experience in non-profits, I'm willing to learn. My communication skills are decent, and I believe I can adapt given time. I'm hoping this position fulfills my job needs.
STEP 4
Finish by encouraging next steps
Finally, include a closing paragraph summarizing your best professional attributes and a call to action for a future interview. Sign your letter with an appropriate sign-off phrase and your name.
Strong closing paragraph:
My extensive experience in strategic planning and community engagement makes me an ideal candidate for the Executive Director position at Hope Community Foundation. I'm eager to bring my leadership skills to your team and drive impactful initiatives. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your mission in an interview.
Warm regards,
Michael Johnson
Weak closing paragraph:
I am really interested in the executive director position and believe I might be able to contribute positively but am unsure about how my skills will compare to others. I look forward to potentially chatting more about this role. Thanks a lot for reviewing my application for this opportunity.
Best regards,
Emily
Our professional advice makes writing a cover letter easy, but the fastest and most efficient way is with our Cover Letter Builder. Take advantage of key features like integrated spell-check, unlimited cloud storage and customizable professional templates.
Top Skills to Include in Cover Letter Examples for Non Profit Executive Director
The cover letter is a great place to include more skills you couldn't fit into your resume. Here are some of the most in-demand skills for a non profit executive director. Incorporate a balanced mix of soft skills and hard skills that show you're a top candidate.
- Fundraising Expertise
- Strategic Planning
- Board Relations
- Financial Management
- Nonprofit Compliance
- Community Engagement
- Public Speaking
- Donor Cultivation
- Team Leadership
- Grant Writing
- Stakeholder Management
- Advocacy Skills
Find more skills and content suggestions that make sense for your non profit executive director cover letter using our Cover Letter Builder to create a custom document. By simply sharing your desired job and writing style, we'll generate a letter in minutes!
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