I probably don't have to tell you this....but director-level and C-level jobs go to people who NETWORK. Use your network -- join professional organizations, talk to your lawyer (they're naturally good networkers) and your doctor, and even your tax guy.
Execunet is OK.....Find a local professional organization you can network within if you want to stay local. For instance, we have a Women's Business Assn in Columbus and they have been tremendously helpful to me. (I suspect you would need to find the male equivalent). If you are a manager/diector of technology, might want to re-join your professional association of your engineering discipline. Some chapters of IEEE or AICHE (etc) are active.
http://www.sixfigurejobs.com/
Above is the link to an interesting site -- the job postings are a bit more...distinguished...than Monster. I personally look at the listings to figure out *who* is hiring, then use my network to find a connection within the company. Keep in mind you have to fill out a questionnaire and meet some criteria in order to join this site.
There is a reference book of recruiters, called The Directory Of Executive Recruiters (
http://www.kennedyinfo.com/js/der.html), which indexes recruiters by functional expertise, geography, and level of job. Pick 5-6 which fit your criteria and CALL THEM. Have a 5 min conversation about your background and what you're looking for (and practice your "elevator speech" before you call anyone). Ask them if they would like your resume for their database. Don't expect an immediate response -- but tens of jobs pass their desks daily and if you're memorable they will call you. Follow up every 4-6 weeks to make sure they keep you top of mind.
There are two types of recruiters -- contract and contingency. ALWAYS ask a recruiter which he is. Contract works specifically for the company doing the hiring -- and is being paid whether or not they find the right candidate. Contingency negotiates a fee (typically % of your starting salary -- often 20-30%) if the company chooses YOU (the recruiter's candidate) for their position. You get better representation from a contingent recruiter, although they are often of lower professionalism and quality (tend to be newer to their field). Often contingents will take you on as a "client" and will call several companies to market your skills.
OK......I think this is enough to absorb for now.
PM me if you want more information. I hope this was helpful.