3 Questions a Nonprofit Board Should Ask In an Executive Search

Routinely across the United States, nonprofit Boards of Directors are called upon to search for and select the next executive director to help lead their organization. The process is vitally important for the Board and the incoming executive. Most importantly, it is critical to the nonprofit and the constituents, clients, or causes it serves.

From my experience, this high-stakes process can serve to galvanize and renew a nonprofit Board’s focus on the future of the organization or, in some cases, reveal significant cracks in the Board’s ability to agree on the future of the nonprofit and who best can help lead them into the future. The most effective way to prevent a Board’s inability to reach consensus on the next executive director is to focus on three clear, straightforward questions before launching the search for the next leader.

Question #1: As a nonprofit Who Are We and What Is Our Purpose?

While the stated mission of the nonprofit should clearly answer the question, it is critical that each member of the Board possesses a functional understanding and appreciation of the mission. Does each Board member fully understand the mission so that they can clearly and concisely communicate the purpose, form, and function of the organization? Routinely discussing and confirming the mission of the nonprofit at Board meetings, during informal conversations, as well as within printed Board materials helps keep the mission “top of mind” among Board members.

Question #2: As a nonprofit, Where are we now and Where are we going?

Many high-performing organizations regularly review the direction of the organization with Board members and provide an opportunity for Board members to pose clarifying questions to confirm their understanding and agreement with the direction. This process may take the form of a more formal strategic plan review during Board meetings or simply a conversation during a Board meeting initiated by Board or organization leadership. These regularly scheduled progress reviews can help organizations combat “mission creep” or even “mission fade”.

Question #3: Of the top candidates for the Executive Director role, who is best equipped to help us achieve our organizational goals and aspirations?

So, it’s coming down to crunch-time and the Board will soon be asked to make the critical decision between two or even three qualified candidates. Making the right decision will ensure the nonprofit will continue its path of successfully striving toward its mission and beyond. Making the wrong decision will possibly result in an organization that flounders and struggles to achieve meaningful success toward its goals.

From my experience, the successful Board approaches the executive search process with a clear sense of who they are, where they’re going, and who will be best equipped to help them reach their goals and aspirations. The successful Board will appoint a well-informed Search Committee and provide them with a clear charter to complete a search process that culminates with the presentation of one or more ideal candidates for the Board’s review and ultimate hiring approval. Along the way, the Search Committee and Board will have clearly defined the characteristics and qualifications that most accurately define the ideal leader for the organization and will use these parameters as tool for making their decision.

To the uninformed, the selection of a new nonprofit CEO or Executive Director may appear to be a simple, straightforward process. With the right planning, it can be – but it is far more complex than many people realize. Knowledgeable and engaged Board members rightfully see the executive search process as a unique and critical opportunity for the agency to coalesce around the mission and confidently choose a leader who will, under the Board’s direction and support, help the organization soar to new heights.

Partnering with the Moran Company to help your nonprofit navigate the executive search process can help protect against confusion and discordance that some organizations experience when launching an executive search. Our Senior Search Consultants have decades of experience as Executive Directors and members of nonprofit Boards of Directors, and each will effectively use that experience and wisdom to guide the Board to the best possible decision. They are keenly aware of the potential pitfalls and can provide clear and concise insights that will help achieve an outstanding executive search result. Contact us today for a free consultation about your nonprofit’s hiring needs.

By Jon Rosell, Ph.D.
Senior Search Consultant
The Moran Company
“We Find Great Nonprofit Executives”