Where can I learn about executive transitions in nonprofits?
One of the most important responsibilities for nonprofit boards is selecting the organization's next executive director. The search and transition can be complex, and both generally require careful planning, well before a planned - or unplanned - departure occurs.
This process, also known as succession planning, includes developing your staff's knowledge, skills, and abilities, and preparing for the many changes that come with a change in leadership. Some things to consider, for example:
- What does the board need to do during the first five days after the initial announcement?
- Will you need a temporary chief executive?
- Have you developed a transition timeline?
- What do you need to include in the new chief executive's orientation packet?
The Annie E. Casey Foundation argues that nonprofits should have a succession plan because it: Ensures the organization's viability in the event of a key manager's unplanned absence
- Makes the organization more nimble and flexible by developing a deep talent pool
- Makes the executive's job more "doable" because leadership is shared
- Energizes and reassures the board by providing opportunities to develop high-level strategies for the future
- Strengthens the local nonprofit network as staff develop their skills and ambitions
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Staff-recommended websites
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Fieldstone Alliance
6 Generational Trends That Will Affect Your Nonprofit
Six critically important generational trends you need to know about in order to keep your nonprofit relevant and able to meet the changing needs of your staff, volunteers, donors, and the community you serve. NOTE: This is an archived version of the original page.
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CompassPoint & Meyer Foundation [PDF]
Daring to Lead 2006
Provides data on executive turnover, compensation, career plans, and retirement, based on nearly 2,000 surveys from community-based nonprofits in 8 metropolitan areas. Explores leading causes of executive burnout---in particular, widespread frustration with boards of directors and funders. Concludes with recommendations to executives, boards, funders, and capacity builders.
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PND
Philanthropy's Role in Succession Planning: How Funders Can Assist Grantee Organizations in Preparing for Leadership Change
Case study of developing an innovative approach to promoting nonprofit succession planning. Posted Nov. 2007.
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Free Management Library
Succession Planning
Links to resources on this topic.
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Bridgespan Group
The Nonprofit Sector's Leadership Deficit
The need for senior talent is a recurring theme in our work with clients. Founders of organizations move on; growth brings the need for new functional capabilities.
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Hiring a Director for a Nonprofit Agency: A Step-by-Step Guide
This article suggests a process and/or checklist designed to help ensure that a board will meet its own needs and those of its constituencies when selecting its next director. Includes a sample candidate evaluation form and illustrative materials used in the Orange County Rape Crisis Center’s 1999 recruitment of a new director.
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Interim Executive Directors: The Power in the Middle (PDF) (2005)
Explains the benefits of having an interim executive director in place during a period of leadership transition.
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Philanthropy News Digest
Fire, Aim, Ready: Why Most Foundation-Funded Capacity Building Efforts Miss the Mark
Written by Mary Genis, a certified coach specializing in leadership development and executive transition. Published Feb. 2008.
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The Bridgespan Group
The Benefits of Diverse Experience in Leading a Nonprofit
This survey of over 600 nonprofit leaders focuses on their backgrounds and their organizations, suggesting that nonprofits that seek new executive directors should focus on finding candidates with diverse skills sets and experiences, and learning how they have handled, adapted, and grown from them. This valuable information can help nonprofits support their new leaders as they adapt to the organization's culture and build key relationships outside of the organization.
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Staff pick
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Executive Transition Monographs
Series of 7 free PDF publications on executive transition management.
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Staff pick
Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers
Sample of Leadership Development and Emergency Succession Plan
Covers succession in the event of a short- or long-term temporary, planned or unplanned absence.
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Staff pick
Blue Avocado
Succession Planning for Nonprofits of All Sizes
Succession should be a topic taken up now, whether or not you expect a change in executives. Includes questions and issues to be addressed now, and some that draw attention to longer-term planning. Increase your readiness for this inevitable occurrence and the likelihood of a positive transition.