Human Resources

M. Zulayka Santiago, Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation

Survivors of sexual harassment and assault have pushed the envelope with the courageous #MeToo and #TimesUp campaigns. Bold truth-telling through social media and technology has changed how allegations get reported and how organizations must respond. In fact, the federal government issued a report in its own words to "reboot workplace harassment efforts." A lot has changed with public and enforcement agency expectations for what organizations should be doing.

Tom Adams with CompassPoint developed this sample job description for an interim executive director that you can adapt for your own purposes.

"Interim Executive Directors: The Power in the Middle" by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund explains the benefits and basics of using an interim executive director in a leadership transition. Interim executive directors are highly skilled managers who temporarily take the helm of an organization, help the board and staff address important systems and capacity issues, and lay the groundwork for the permanent leader’s success.

Acting and Interim Chief Executives - During a chief executive transition, nonprofits generally rely on transition leadership to bridge the gap between the former executive's departure and hiring a new CEO. However, the type of transition leadership an organization chooses depends on a number of factors.

Nonprofit Quarterly's "Exit Agreements for Nonprofit CEOs: A Guide for Boards and Executives" provides a context and a set of choices when considering whether an exit agreement is needed and, if so, what might be included. Learn the important difference between an exit agreement and a separation agreement. 

BoardSource's Executive Transition Timeline provides a timeline that nonprofits can use to help prepare for an upcoming transition or update their succession planning process.

To find the right firm for your search, you must consider a number of factors. This article shares what actions should be taken prior to selecting and engaging with a search firm. (The Bridgespan Group)

A Nonprofit Organization's Guide to Engaging an Executive Search Firm

52 Free Development Opportunities for Nonprofit Staff is a list organized by skill type of ways nonprofit leaders can engage staff members in critical skill development areas without sending them to formal external trainings.

Nonprofit boards of directors can adapt these sample policies for CEO evaluation, compensation, and emergency succession. See also: the Kentucky Nonprofit Network's Sample Executive Compensation Policy.