Or, What to do When the Phone Rings at Midnight

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I have to resign my job as your CEO. Immediately. I won’t be in tomorrow.

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Planned Unplanned

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Go on record: the Board is committed

to a smooth and orderly transition in the best interest of the organization.

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Develop and approve a checklist

of procedures. Store in a readily available place.

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The Board of Directors should approve the job description for the top

staff person on an ANNUAL basis. Job

descriptions change. Keep it current.

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From your perspective as a Board member, does the job description reflect what you think the Executive Director should be doing?

Are there responsibilities that you think should be eliminated, changed or updated?

Are there new ones that should be added? Are the current hours of work, benefits, work

supervision, dress code and terms of employment appropriate?

Do any need to be changed, updated or new ones added?

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Compile the Succession Book. Review it annually. Keep it up to date. Make sure everyone knows where it is!

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The Temporary Successor

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Who can open the door and answer the

phone? Write the checks? Be up and

running in 5 days or less?

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Who has authority to appoint the Interim? What is the acceptable time frame? Is there a candidate now for that

position? If so, do we have emergency contact information?

Do we have any additional expenses covered in a reserved fund?

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Minimize confusion

Move ahead with confidence

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Fund-raising/grant writing

Public speaking Self-starter, takes

initiative Honesty & integrity Farm background Business/management

experience

Accounting/financial management

Good communication skills

Good writing skills Program management Conservation

knowledge Works well with people Organized -

Punctual

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Board of Directors? Executive

Committee? Special Search

Committee? Who will be on it? What’s the

Budget? Will be Hire a

Professional?

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Professional Consultant?

Pay for Interview Expenses?

Operations budget for the Search Committee?

Overhead Expense? Put the projected

budget in writing!

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• Know what you’re paying now.

• Know what the competitive marketplace is offering.

• Revise this regularly• Include every thing:

wages benefits, moving costs, car allowance, insurance, other perks.

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Dates for major events and programs Annual Meeting Date Budget Date Fiscal Year Elections Employee Reviews Tax Reporting

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Succession planning should not be rushed. It is much better to have discussions about executive succession in the cool reason of a planning session than in the heat of an executive crisis.

Succession planning is your opportunity as a Board to inventory your current direction and strategize your organization’s future.

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Handouts for Conservation District slide presentation: Transition Check List

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