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.
Our interim Executive Director brought expertise and breadth of knowledge in nonprofit management. I knew I could count on this leader for day to day management of the organization and to bring attention to hot issues. This gave the board a ‘reality check’ to where the organization is and where we needed to go. By hiring an interim executive director, I was able to focus my energies on the work of the board and the eventual search for the next ED. And having this skilled leadership as a model, we learned what to look for in the next leader of our organization.
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.
