Faced With the Sudden Departure of the Nonprofit Executive Director: 5 Steps for the Board

by William J. Moran, J.D., M.S.Ed. 

The current Executive Director informs the nonprofit’s Board that he or she has taken another position and is departing in three weeks.  Or, in the alternative, the Board decides that the current Executive Director must be terminated.  Here are five immediate steps for the Board to take.

1. Involve the Board as a Whole.  The Board becomes critical for a successful transition to a new Executive Director. This is the time for Board members to step up.  The Board as a whole should be involved in key transition decisions.
2. Form a Board Transition Committee.  This Board Committee is authorized to make decisions regarding the transition in between Board meetings.  This Committee reports to the Board.  The Executive Committee of the Board (Board officers) often serves as this Transition Committee.  Having the Executive Committee fill this role provides a seamless decision-making process with the Board.  If the Executive Committee is not an appropriate choice, form a separate committee comprised of top, respected Board leadership.
3. Agree on Interim Executive Leadership.  Select interim leadership to manage the day-to-day operations of the nonprofit during the transition.  Define the responsibilities of the interim leadership.  This leadership preferably will be one person (ex., a senior staff person or Board member) but the responsibilities may be divided up among several people – current staff and/or Board Members.  A professional interim Executive Director may also be used.  Interim leadership reports to the Board through the Transition Committee.
4. Draft a Written Communications Plan.   Decide how staff, funders and other stakeholders will be informed of the departure and transition decisions.  Select one individual to be the designated spokesperson.  Put this Communications Plan into writing for future reference.
5. Form a Board Search Committee.  Form a Search Committee of strong board members to begin the search for a new Executive Director.  This committee meets immediately to agree upon a search process.

Also see:  Hiring a Nonprofit Executive Director – First Steps for the Board

Bill Moran, The Moran Company, specializes in nonprofit executive searches for executive directors, development directors/fundraising staff and other top nonprofit leadership.

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