Is an interim director the best option at this time? If you're looking for a new director, you're usually facing a five to six month search process to recruit and bring on a new leader. This is a time of extra work for the board, anxiety on the staff, and potential concern by your funders. As experienced interim directors we bring calm, stable leadership at a time of uncertainty. We'll step in quickly and assess things. Then we'll focus on the systems, from financial oversight to board involvement and HR that you need to be in good shape for a good transition. We'll provide leadership for the staff, and help them be sure that your programs, the essential work of your organization, can continue.
We were very fortunate to have chosen the path of using an interim director. The experience, ability to deal with ambiguity, lead a team, involve others, and deliver on the execution of plans, was instrumental on the successful journey that followed to assess options for the future, and then execute those plans. Our interim Executive Director jumped into this challenge with thoroughness and thoughtfulness. Not only did this ensure the ‘what’ of the outcomes, but the ‘hows’ involved people, brought them along, and engaged them to be a strong part of the solution to the difficult challenge that had to be worked through.
Our interim ED provided needed leadership during a critical time of transition—leadership that the board and senior staff were unable to provide. The scope and deliverables were established in advance so real work was getting done. During this transition we adopted a strategic plan, met our budget goals in a tough economy, met program goals, and guided the organization through the transition to the new Executive Director. Having this skilled leadership enabled us to bring staff, Board, and stakeholders together during a time of transition to lay the foundation for us to continue our services to the community.
