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CEO Chief Executive Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 965045049ceo6.25executive director5.51executive assistant3.69chief executive officer2.55director of operations2.2212707011267627000.00147881.35369000.00YEARLY436959012025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ,or Chief Operating Officer (COO), is responsible for performing duties as the highest-ranking executive within a corporation to guide company practices and procedures. Their duties include overseeing company operations, communicating between board members and other company executives and making important decisions that impact the company’s brand identity and financial health.

965045049ceo6.25executive director5.51executive assistant3.69chief executive officer2.55director of operations2.2212707011267627000.00147881.35369000.00YEARLY436959012025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05CEO duties and responsibilities

As the highest-ranking executive in a company or organization, the CEO is primarily responsible for leading the company or organization and making major decisions for the organization. Other duties include:

  • Act as the figurative head of the organization when communicating with stockholders, government entities and the general public.
  • Lead the development of the organization’s long- and short-term strategies.
  • Manage overall operations and make major decisions affecting the organization.
  • Manage the organization’s resources.
  • Negotiate or approve agreements and contracts for the organization.
  • Manage company organizational structure.
  • Communicate with the board of directors.
  • Assess and minimize risks to the company.
  • Set strategic goals.
  • Provide company-wide leadership.
  • Serve as the company’s primary spokesperson.
  • Identify and address companywide problems.
  • Develop and uphold the company’s culture and mission/vision.
  • Implement strategic plans by working with senior stakeholders.
  • Evaluate and track the success of the company in reaching its goals.

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does a CEO do? 

CEOs typically work for small, medium-sized or large corporations across a range of industries to provide leadership and insights into company operations. They work closely with other company executives to determine ways to promote the longevity of their company. Their job is to review financial reports, participate in board meetings and review suggestions from managers and employees to maximize employee productivity. They may also act as a spokesperson for their company to give quotes to media personnel in response to upcoming company events and product launches or legal matters.

CEO skills and qualifications

Most CEOs have experience working in upper management in the same or similar industry. Other skills and qualifications include:

  • Good communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Time management skills
  • Decision-making skills
  • Prioritization and delegation skills

CEO salary expectations  

A 965045049ceo6.25executive director5.51executive assistant3.69chief executive officer2.55director of operations2.2212707011267627000.00147881.35369000.00YEARLY436959012025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05CEO makes an average of $111,521 per year. This salary may vary depending on education, level of experience and geographic location.

CEO education and training requirements

A bachelor’s or master’s degree is a requirement for most CEO positions. In the private sector for-profit businesses, the preferred bachelor’s or master’s degree is usually in business administration or a related area such as management or marketing. In some industries, a degree in industry-specific areas such as chemistry, engineering or medicine is preferred. Government and nonprofit organizations consider degrees in public administration, law, business or liberal arts. In the education field, such as School Superintendent and College President positions, a master’s degree is required, with a Ph.D. preferred or required depending upon the organization.

965045049ceo6.25executive director5.51executive assistant3.69chief executive officer2.55director of operations2.2212707011267627000.00147881.35369000.00YEARLY436959012025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05CEO experience requirements

CEO positions require previous supervisory and management experience. Whether the experience is gained as a result of coming up through the ranks of the hiring employer or other employers, the applicant should have a history of successfully handling the increased responsibilities associated with each promotion they earned. While on-the-job management experience is the primary factor in considering applicants, successful completion of various executive-level leadership and management professional development programs can be an additional factor to consider.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you’re recruiting for positions related to a 965045049ceo6.25executive director5.51executive assistant3.69chief executive officer2.55director of operations2.2212707011267627000.00147881.35369000.00YEARLY436959012025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05CEO, see our job descriptions for similar roles:

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Frequently asked questions about CEOs

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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