The First 90 Days: A Survival Guide for First-time Executive Directors

Final Project for the Executive Masters of Not-for-Profit Leadership program

at Seattle University

 

For more information or to request permission to reproduce this publication please contact:

Katie Hultquist

4827 S. Brandon St., Seattle, WA  98118

(206) 725-7194 · kghultquist@hotmail.com

Project Description

           

Research in the nonprofit sector has shown that Executive Directors of nonprofit organizations tend to enjoy and value their jobs as a means of addressing important community needs, but when asked, they do not want to do it again.  In other words, being an Executive Director is a “one-time event.”  Many Executive Directors highlight high stress, long hours, and concerns over financial stability as major stress factors, particularly for leaders of small and mid-sized agencies. 

 

While a review of the research does not uncover any studies specifically done among first-time Executive Directors, one recent study of nonprofit Executive Directors more generally shows that nearly two-thirds of Executive Directors are in the role for the first time.  Though most first-time Executive Directors have significant experience in leadership positions inside and out of the nonprofit sector, they are by definition treading on new ground.  In particular, first-time Executive Directors bring an optimism and energy to their position, but often experience a rude awakening in terms of the work and skills required to perform their jobs effectively.  Much of what is required to perform their jobs well will be learned through time and experience.  However, adequate training, resources, and support can help them adjust more quickly and smoothly, gain relevant tools and skills, and find the encouragement and empathy they need to succeed and stay in this profession.

 

Text Box: “Set policies and work to get past the operational…Don’t stick to your desk — use networking as a tool…Invest time in fundraising training...Build strong committees with Board and community volunteers…Find other EDs to mentor you through the specific weaknesses you perceive with your organization… Breathe – know that you are doing something courageous, crazy and important!”The purpose of The First 90 Days: A Survival Guide for First-time Executive Directors is to provide a resource guide and handbook for new EDs, with a focus on small nonprofit organizations.  In addition, the research and best practices will be useful for Boards of Directors and training institutions interested in better preparing their community’s leaders.

 

The handbook is divided into four major sections:

  1. Introduction.  This section explains what makes first-time Executive Directors unique, why a handbook and resource guide for first-time Executive Directors is needed, and how this handbook may be used.
  2. Research.  This section provides a review of current information on nonprofit management in general and information specifically designed for first-time Executive Directors.  It also includes a survey of local first-time Executive Directors to discover what areas they identify as the most critical for success.
  3. Best Practices.  This section reviews four key management areas: planning, fundraising, financial management, and general words of wisdom.
  4. Appendix.  Highlights of the Appendix include a listing of community resources for Executive Directors and a report of the survey results.  It is hoped that future editions will include a training module for use by training institutions.

Key Findings

 

Who are Executive Directors?

·        Women outnumber men

·        Majority in late 40s – early 50s

·        Over 50% have advanced degrees

·        Race varies with geography

·        Budget: 33% with organizations of $100-$500,000

 

What are EDs saying about their work?

·        EDs enjoy their work because of the mission and impact on community

·        Between 45 and 80% depending on the survey would NOT take another ED position

·        Reasons for leaving include: burnout, high stress, financial worries, professional growth

 

Why focus on first-time EDs?

·        2/3 of all EDs are in first position

·        We must learn through experience, but we can better prepare our leaders

·        While there is a large body of information for nonprofit management generally, there is very little designed for new EDs

·        New EDs have unique needs: less experience, short timeframe to ramp up, strained resources = greater need for support

 

The Research (1999 CompassPoint, 2000 UWKC, 2001 Compasspoint suveys) says:

·        EDs say they need and can’t get: mor