An Interim Executive Director (IED) is a highly-qualified executive with extensive experience directing nonprofit organizations. The IED is also trained to handle the complicated issues that often arise during an executive transition. The IED comes in to stabilize and lead the organization for a specific period of time. While an acting ED can be an effective pinch hitter, an IED is a specialist in transitions: we perform many of the functions of a permanent ED while also stabilizing the organization at a crucial time. One way that IEDs distinguish their service is serving as a consulting resource to the board, providing governance support, assessment, and guidance, while reassuring staff, clients, donors, and a wide array of stakeholders.
What is the benefit of hiring an interim versus an acting executive director?
An interim is hired specifically to ensure the health and continued operations of the organization while serving as a source of advice and counsel to the board during the search for a permanent executive director.
Having an interim helps the board assess what it needs in a new executive director and how best to fulfill the organization’s long-term goals. It gives the organization time to course-correct if the prior executive director’s tenure was less than ideal. And an interim has the crucial responsibility to create a smooth transition for the incoming permanent executive director, readying the staff, keeping the financials in order, and reassuring the donor community.
How do we find a pool of qualified candidates to be our IED?
- Word of mouth – other board members may have experience from their other nonprofit activities.
- Ask a trusted executive search consultant (a “headhunter”) as many of them have IEDs with whom they like to work. If you’ve already identified the right search consultant for your organization, they may help find an IED at no additional fee.
- Ask an organization that specializes in such talent. Two to consider are:
- Xander Subashi at The Support Center: https://supportcenteronline.org/
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- David Harris at Interim Executive Services (IES): https://interim-exec.org/
- Contact me! I’m happy to speak with organizations to determine their best path forward in times of flux.
How long is an interim director’s typical engagement?
It depends on the situation. In each assignment, a highly customized timeline and plan are developed. Generally, engagements are at least six months but can last for a year or more.
How do I know if my organization needs an interim executive director?
Some organizations don’t require an interim executive director to successfully manage the transition between permanent leaders. Others definitely do. Here are some questions that will help you decide what is best for your organization. Of course, you can also contact me for a free consultation and an honest assessment based on your description of the situation.
Does the interim play a role in the search for a permanent executive director?
It depends on the specifics of each situation. Most IEDs help shape the job specifications, answering questions based on their experience running the organization. Some will recommend executive search consultants or make suggestions to help structure the search process. Some boards ask the IED to meet candidates at different points in the process, most commonly when the selection is down to one or two candidates. In rare instances, the board may seek more specific involvement by the IED and that is negotiated between the board, the search consultant, and the IED.
How long does a search for a permanent ED actually take?
Most searches take 4-6 months depending on how readily available the search committee members are for regular meetings.
How long does it take to get an interim ED on board?
An interim ED can often be hired within 4-6 weeks.
