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12 Steps to a Successful Search: A BoardWalk Guide
Considering a search for a new CEO or Executive Director? Here's a template to guide you through the 12 Steps to a Successful Search.
A Founder's Legacy: Leaving Well
Helping your organization transition during executive succession when you've decided to move on.
Sample Policy and Process for CEO Evaluation
Organizations can adapt this sample policy and process for the board of director's evaluation of the executive director/CEO.
CEO Compensation Checklist
The CEO Compensation Checklist from BoardSource outlines 11 key items to consider when creating a compensation plan to help your organization recruit and retain the best possible chief executive.
Letting Go and Leaving: The Founder's Role in a Successful Transition
Lessons learned from a wise former executive director about succession planning and the process of letting go.
Leadership Transitions Work Plan Example
Adapt this sample transition work plan and timeline.
Job Description for Interim Executive Director
Adapt these sample job descriptions when hiring an interim executive director.
Interim Executive Directors: The Power in the Middle
This monograph explains the benefits and basics of using an interim executive director in a leadership transition.
Interim Chief Executives
This chart from BoardSource describes the differences among acting, interim, and transition chief executives and when each one might be the best fit.
Exit Agreements for Nonprofit CEOs: A Guide for Boards and Executives
Learn the difference between and exit agreement and a separation agreement as well as good practices for boards managing executive transitions.
Executive Transition Timeline
Nonprofits can use this executive transition timeline to help prepare for an upcoming transition or update their succession planning process.
Emergency Backup and Cross-Training Plan
Adapt this template emergency backup plan for an executive director's sudden departure. It includes a cross-training plan as well.
Confidentiality Agreement for the Search and Transition Team
Adapt this template from the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits to help committee members be clear about the do's and don'ts around their committee work.
Building Leaderful Organizations: Succession Planning for Nonprofits
A white paper from the Annie E. Casey Foundation written to help nonprofits push past resistance to succession planning.
Boards and Onboarding New Nonprofit Executives
Five recommendations for boards to lay the groundwork for a new executive director.