Executive Officer Responsibilities

Executive officer is commonly referred as chief executive officer, may be employed in private or public organizations. The role and responsibilities vary depending on the type and size of the organization.

Key Responsibilities of an Executive Officer

The executive officer needs to juggle a wide range of duties and ensures that the organization runs smoothly. He is one of the highest ranked persons in the organization. He is responsible for implementation of various rules, procedures, policies, plans, etc., which will ensure in achieving the organization's goals and objectives. He is responsible for representing the organization in front of share holders if they are employed in a public organization. He reports to the board of directors if he is working in a private organization. However, his responsibilities remain more or less similar. Here is a detailed description of the key responsibilities that need to be handled by an executive officer:

1. To maximize the profits for the organization by developing and implementing innovative plans that would assist in the growth of the organization
2. To coordinate and formulate new policies and procedures for each and every department, so that they collectively function to deliver best results
3. To maintain excellent, healthy, and professional working relationships with internal members, so that there are minimum issues that need to be addressed, and if there are any, they are resolved at the earliest
4. To oversee the planning, development, organization, and management of various projects by ensuring that they are executed within the outlined budgets and the given time frame
5. To maintain excellent public relations, especially with the clients, so that a positive image of the organization is portrayed in the market. This is especially essential for the executive officer of a non-profit organization
6. To closely monitor the financial activities and records and design cost cutting plans without compromising on the performance levels

If an executive officer is functioning for a non-profit organization, he may be involved in fund raising after estimating the financial requirements. He also keeps a track of fund raising records and may submit proposals for the same. He makes sure that the work environment is motivating and helps in building team spirit. He keeps himself updated with the current developments, so that he can stay ahead of the competitors. He is involved in approving and negotiating different agreements and contracts. Thus, an executive officer has his own vision and ensures in giving a direction to the strategies and plans to earn more profits by getting an edge over the competitors.

Essential Skills

It is essential that you should have a vision and a great business acumen to take the organization to new heights. You should have an in-depth knowledge of the relevant industry and its functioning and should be updated with the competitor's plans and strategies. A creative and innovative way of thinking, good problem solving skills, exceptional decision making skills, good judgment, aggressive, positive attitude, etc., are some of the other requirements to ensure success.

Educational Background

A bachelor's or a master's degree in business management or administration, law, liberal arts, etc., is preferred. However, people from lower levels with a demonstrated work experience in handling similar responsibilities can definitely move up.

Work Schedule

Handling the executive officer responsibilities is a huge task and most of them require to work for long hours in the evenings, late nights, or sometimes, even on the weekends and holidays. Thus, they have hectic work schedule. They may need to travel at times. Some may have the freedom of designing their own work schedule.

Salary Details

Depending on the experience, skills, type, and size of the organization, the salary varies in the range of $65,000 to $150,000.

Career Prospects

The demand for executive officers is expected to increase by two to three percent. This demand will always be more for those who have a successful track record in the relevant field.

Thus, if you are aspiring to become an executive officer, you should be well-acquainted with the executive officer responsibilities, skills, and educational background in order to ensure huge success.