Building Capacity in the Interim: Making the Most of a Leadership Transition
Presented by Julie Micou Cerf and Roxanne Greenstein
July 20, 2016
Presented in collaboration with The Foundation Center New York
During leadership transitions it can be beneficial to a nonprofit organization to engage an Interim Executive Director or Interim Director of Development instead of trying to hire a permanent employee immediately.
There are many advantages that senior interim executives can bring to an agency. They provide outside objectivity and candor that can lead to new approaches to ongoing challenges. Interim leaders bring the opportunity for new ideas, energy and solutions. They can save money by allowing the organization to take its time to assess what qualities and qualifications it really needs at this point in time and prevent rushing into possibly hiring the wrong person.
Other benefits include:
- Maintaining continuity, credibility and confidence in the organization, while a careful search is underway.
- Stabilizing operations and providing leadership to staff.
- Maintaining relationships with the board, funders, clients and other stakeholders.
- Evaluation and improvement of financial position and accountability.
- Developing fundraising capacity.
- Opportunity for timely board development, including: expansion, training and engagement.
