Whether your organization is just starting up or has been around for a while, it is important to work with an executive search firm you can trust. Following is a checklist of 12 executive search firm questions you should ask before paying a retainer: What is your area of expertise? What sectors, positions, and geographic…
Read MoreYour nonprofit organization is dedicated to fundraising—or at least, it should be. In order to make sure that raising money is a top priority, you have a fundraising committee on your board of directors. The purpose of this committee is to work with the development staff and encourage fundraising. There are some items you can…
Read MoreFunds are short, and you need to start moving forward with a large project before a certain date. You have a donor who has contributed thousands of dollars in the past, but could easily give more—and you need a lot more. But how do you ask for a donation of that amount? Asking for hundreds…
Read MoreA big fundraising event is coming up, and you are planning to speak. As the executive director, you represent your nonprofit organization, and in order for your fundraiser to be successful, you need to inspire people to act on behalf of your cause. A well-written speech can have a powerful effect on people. To make…
Read MoreEvery executive director wants an outstanding board to work with, but it’s not always easy to find the right candidates. Having a good list of interview questions is certainly a start, but it is crucial to know what you are really looking for. You are measuring the person’s qualities and what they are able to…
Read MoreGood storytelling has a huge impact on people, making it a valuable asset to any nonprofit organization. You want to circulate powerful stories about what you do in order to engage staff members, inspire board members, and spread the word about your mission throughout your community. In order to be effective, your nonprofit stories need…
Read MoreAn executive director wants to make sure that the board members are top quality, but it’s not always easy to figure out who has that quality and who does not. In addition, you also want to make sure they will fit in with the group. Your board needs to be able to work together…
Read MoreWhen you contemplate everything about your nonprofit organization that inspires you, board meetings probably don’t come to mind. They can drag on, covering the same data that no one really pays attention to anyway, and only become interesting when they bring up something absolutely terrifying, such as if you are way over budget. However, board…
Read MoreYou don’t want them to leave. They are brilliant. They get things done. You would rely on them if everything else went down the drain. They are your best employees, and you wish they could stay forever. Chances are, they won’t, but there are some ways that, as an executive director, you can ensure that…
Read MoreAs the executive director, you believe in your nonprofit’s cause, and you want it to continue on no matter what happens to you. You want to be sure the right person takes your place afterward. When it comes down to it, you need an effective succession plan. And you need it now. But how do…
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