Executive Director Jobs in Ithaca, NY

Ithaca, New York$121,900 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Executive Director Jobs in Ithaca

Looking for a Executive Director job in Ithaca? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Executive Director in Ithaca, NY.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Ithaca has a strong job market for Executive Directors. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Executive Director Salary in Ithaca

Entry Level
$72,080
Median
$121,900
Senior Level
$182,850

Executive Director salaries in Ithaca are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Ithaca is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

LeadershipStrategic PlanningFundraisingBoard RelationsFinancial Management

Executive Director Job Market in Ithaca

Ithaca, NY is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Executive Director professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Ithaca offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Education leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Executive Director roles across various sectors. The market for Executive Director positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Executive Directors in Ithaca

Local consulting firmsRegional professional servicesNational companies with local presence

Major employers hiring Executive Directors in Ithaca include Local consulting firms, Regional professional services, National companies with local presence. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Executive Directors in Ithaca

Living in Ithaca as a Executive Director means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Executive Director salary, housing is quite affordable at 18% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

106
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Executive Director in Ithaca

Ithaca Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Executive Directors in Ithaca: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Executive Director professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in New York

New York has relatively high state income taxes. A Executive Director earning $121,900 might pay approximately $9,752 in state income tax. However, New York's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Executive Directors

The job outlook for Executive Directors in Ithaca is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Ithaca offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Leadership, Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Board Relations.

Relocating to Ithaca

New York has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Executive Director salary in Ithaca, NY?

The average Executive Director salary in Ithaca, NY is $121,900 per year. Entry-level Executive Directors typically start around $72,080, while experienced professionals can earn $182,850 or more. The national average for Executive Director roles is $115,000.

How many Executive Director jobs are available in Ithaca?

Ithaca has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Executive Director professionals. Major employers hiring Executive Directors include Local consulting firms, Regional professional services, National companies with local presence. The Education and Technology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Ithaca a good city for Executive Directors?

Ithaca is an excellent choice for Executive Directors. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's education industry creates strong demand for business & operations professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Executive Directors in Ithaca?

Top skills for Executive Directors in Ithaca include Leadership, Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Board Relations, Financial Management. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Executive Directors in Ithaca?

Ithaca's cost of living is near the national average (106% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Ithaca is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Executive Directors in Ithaca?

Ithaca Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Business & Operations Jobs in Ithaca

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