Leadership Transition in Nonprofit Management

Sooner or later it happens…even in a nonprofit agency, inevitably leadership leaves. Whether it is a dedicated board member, a founding director or a long-time fiscal director, the time will eventually arrive when people leave and new people must be hired to fill the positions. Unlike a larger business or for-profit corporation, nonprofit organizations are often unprepared for transition on a leadership level. Having depended on leaders to wear many hats and hold together a agency on a shoestring budget, trying to find qualified and satisfactory replacements may seem like an insurmountable challenge. 

    The important thing to remember as you enter a period of leadership transition, is to balance the immediate and short-term needs of the organization with long-term needs. If your organization has gone through planning procedures, use this as a guide when facing big changes. If you haven’t put some energy and thought into long-term planning - this is a great time to do it. By looking closely at the goals, strengths and growth potential of the organization, it will help to guide the selection of a new manager or leader. 

    Some common mistakes made in selecting someone to succeed an established manger are to try to select someone who is “just like” the person leaving or someone who is “nothing like” the person leaving. Take some time to evaluate and update the job description and look at what the previous person brought to the position - both positive and challenging, and think about what the job will now require. You will be looking for someone who is both qualified to step into the current situation and capable of leading the organization into the future.