A board’s most important job is to set up an organization to succeed through its executive director. This collection will guide boards though all the major transitions that they face with Executive Directors, from hiring to onboarding, to the ED’s departure.
Note on TREC’s HR Guidance
TREC is committed to providing new and pertinent information, tools, and samples to meet your Human Resources (HR) needs. Please note that this resource is not intended to be all-inclusive; we make every effort to present thorough and accurate information. However, numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations may vary regarding some of the issues; we encourage all organizations to review local laws and regulations and seek legal counsel when implementing new HR policies and procedures.
Resources in this Collection
Self-Checklist for Considering a Transition Out of the Executive Director Role
Thinking about leaving an organization is a big step for an Executive Director (ED) or organizational leader. This checklist is designed to help a leader prepare and anticipate what might be needed to support a smoother transition.
Executive Director Transition Planning Worksheet
This worksheet can help an Executive Director or Senior Leader organize the considerations, decisions, and handoff tasks involved in a planned transition. The information gathered will help to build the transition plan.
Executive Director Transition Timeline Template
This timeline template outlines roles, responsibilities, deadlines, considerations, and opportunities found throughout the ED transition process. It’s designed for both an Executive Director who is considering leaving but hasn’t announced it yet, as well as for Boards and leaders who have already begun planning for a leadership transition.
The Executive Director Hiring Process
Hiring an executive director is one of the most important tasks a board will ever undertake. If you are a board member or chair with little hiring experience, you are in good company. We’ve created this guide to support board members at any level of hiring experience.
Acting vs Interim Executive Director: Board Decision Worksheet
This worksheet is a practical tool designed to help nonprofit boards determine whether their organization requires an Acting Executive Director (ED) or an Interim Executive Director (ED) during a leadership vacancy or temporary absence.
The Board’s Role in a Leadership Transition
In an Executive Director (ED) transition, the board’s role is to ensure organizational continuity, maintain stakeholder confidence, and oversee the hiring and onboarding of the next leader. The board’s role…
Working with a New Executive Director
The first 100 days of a new executive directors tenure is crucial. The board must work closely with the new ED to set them up to succeed. This section of…
Executive Director Turnover, Resignation, and Termination
Turnover is inevitable, at all levels and for different reasons from retirement, job changes, and termination. Organizations and boards need to be prepared to handle any turnover, especially at the senior level.
Executive Director Hiring Checklist
We’ve created these overview checklists to support board members and hiring committees in the hiring process. We encourage you to use these in conjunction with TREC’s Transitions in Leadership toolkit.
Communication Checklist for ED Transition
This communications checklist will help your organization communicate effectively during an executive director transition.
Executive Director Personal Statement
When an Executive Director leaves an organization, the ED and Board need to inform their membership and stakeholders with a departing statement. TREC offers this sample for EDs and Boards alike to consider their own statements.
Organizational Health Review Assessment & Model
Use TREC's Organizational Health Review self-Assessment tool and Org Ecology Model to gain clarity on the status of your organization - both in your strengths & opportunities to improve.
Following a Founder or Long-Term Leader: A worksheet for new Executive Directors
This worksheet is designed to help a new ED step into leadership with clarity, especially when following a founding or very long-term ED whose relationships, decision-making habits, and public identity may be deeply woven into the organization.
Creating Intentional Staffing Transitions
Are you exploring a transition in your role or supporting others in your organization who may be planning a shift? This webinar will look at both how to plan for leaving as well as how to plan transitions from a place of creative opportunity.