Clear Roles and Strong Succession Planning for Nonprofits

Who is responsible for what? A critical question when developing a strong working relationship between the board president and the executive director. Of course, we know that operational activities typically fall with the executive director while broader, strategic decisions fall to the board. Does this need to be taken a step further?

Developing clear roles

In general terms, the board of directors provides oversight and guidance to the executive director and the nonprofit’s other staff members. The board ensures that the organization stays aligned with its mission and values in addition to complying with all federal and state laws.

While the board’s role is to oversee, the executive director and his/her staff are more involved than the board in the day-to-day operations of the organization. Clarifying the roles and responsibilities between an organization’s board chair and executive director is the primary means for building an effective partnership. In some cases, the leadership pairs meet early on to agree upon expectations and role definition. Others work this out together as the relationship evolves.

The strongest and most winning partnerships understand the importance of flexibility in negotiating roles, and trust is a compelling dynamic in building a strong partnership.

How do you maintain continuity of leadership?

In the ideal situation, with reasonable term limits, the board president will turn over more often than the Executive Director, making the leadership succession plan critical for continuity of leadership and organizational growth. Still, executive directors face the challenge of dealing with a variety of leadership styles.

Further, a deep succession plan will allow for cross training and integrating future officers into leadership positions, often with strategic planning or board development, key areas for leadership. It provides opportunities for the executive director and board president-elect to fashion a working relationship before assuming the presidency.

A smooth transition among leaders of a nonprofit will not only impact strategic growth and development, it will allow a strong partnership, a winning partnership, to form between the executive director and board president.

The More Than Giving Co. created The Winning Partnership Program to build a winning partnership between your board and your executive director through a 90-day intensive series. The program includes six, 75-minute coaching sessions where we provide exercises focused on helping your leadership team apply what they've learned directly to your nonprofit organization.

To learn more about The Winning Partnerships Program, click here.