ED Transition Kit

Hire your next executive director, step by step

The biggest decision a board makes, usually run by volunteers who've never done it. This walks you through it, from the day you learn your ED is leaving to the end of the new ED's first 90 days.

1. Plan for the gap. Interim leader, timeline, and search committee.
2. Listen first. Staff, community, and funders answer a few short questions.
3. Write the profile. A leadership profile and job post, from what you heard.
4. Reach widely. ED-level boards, affinity networks, and search firms.
5. Interview well. The same questions for everyone, with a scoring guide.
6. Check references properly. Story-based questions, not ratings.
7. Decide and close the loop. Record the decision. Tell finalists, applicants, staff, funders, then the public.
8. Land the hire. A 90-day plan with check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days.

AI pulls themes from what people tell you and drafts the profile and interview guide. Your board reads everything and decides everything.

Only the search committee sees the search. Staff and community answers, and references, stay with the committee.

What it costs

Included with Nonprofit Board Manager. We're piloting it with a few boards now, free. If a kit isn't enough, we'll point you to interim leaders and search firms.

Start a search

Not ready yet? Read how to hire an executive director.