The articles don't seem to have gotten any basic facts wrong.

She had director in her title and reported directly to a vice president, Joel Kaplan, who is now a C-level officer. She managed staff.

That's seriously high up in the corporate hierarchy at Facebook. Feel free to read more:

"She managed a growing staff and oversaw government relations for entire continents, including Asia and South America. She reported to corporate vice presidents and had direct contact with Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, then the chief operating officer."

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/facebook-alleges-h...

So again, I don't what you mean by "wasn't an executive in the sense you're thinking". She's seems to be exactly an executive in the sense that everyone thinks.