FINDING OPPORTUNITY IN TRANSITION
The departure of an executive director can be trying even for nonprofit organizations considering themselves to be healthy and sustainable. Despite strong board leadership, staff cohesion, and good communication, it’s common for board and staff members to feel anxious about transition. Even if the departure of an executive director is a positive outcome, there’s no denying that change can be hard.
But transition can be an extremely healthy and positive opportunity for organizational growth and development. When a leadership transition occurs, it’s an excellent time to take a look under the hood, make necessary changes, re-energize the board and staff and reaffirm the organization’s value to the community.
Here are six tips on how nonprofit organizations can come out of a period of transition stronger, revitalized and inspired to execute their mission:
1. Don’t rush to hire the first qualified person who walks through the door and says they can do the job (and they can start tomorrow!) It’s tempting for sure, but it’s always better to slow down, take stock of the organization and plan a thoughtful and strategic approach to finding the right leader.
2. Do you have a current strategic plan and do you know where you want the organization to go? If not, undertake a planning effort with the board and staff to gain clarity on organizational goals and vision. This will help you identify the characteristics, skill sets and management style you are looking for to lead your organization into the future.
3. Update your website. This likely is a potential applicant’s first impression of your organization.
4. Find support. Consider hiring an interim executive director to give you time to pause and learn about the organization. The interim executive director will bring a fresh, unbiased perspective and provide day-to-day management and leadership. An interim executive director also can conduct an organizational assessment that informs your hiring process as well as support strategic planning efforts. Interim executive directors have experience working as temporary leaders and addressing hard issues frequently faced in transition.
5. If possible, design an orderly transition process from the present to the new executive director.
6. Run past the finish line. Once the new executive director is hired, don’t let off the gas! Take the time to orient the new hire, introduce him or her to key stakeholders and constituents, and provide regular support and guidance to ensure success.
Contact the Nonprofit Association of Oregon if you need help navigating a period of transition until new leadership is hired. It may set your organization on a whole new trajectory. Call 503-239-4001 extension 113 and ask for Janelle who can help you determine if NAO’s transition leadership program is right for you.
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) is the statewide membership organization providing a unique vehicle for nonprofit sector expression and support. At NAO, we believe the nonprofit sector strengthens the fabric of our democracy and our communities. Nonprofits create many public benefits such as opportunities to participate in civic affairs, enrich cultural life, provide needed services, generate significant economic impact, address inequities, and create innovative solutions to community issues. By representing and supporting charitable nonprofits of all sizes and geographic locations across Oregon, we strive to convene, build capacity, promote best practices and be a thought leader to help nonprofits build a thriving and vital Oregon
(Photo above | Cascade Business News)
