Nonprofit Board Chair Succession Planning

Succession planning for the board chair position this content is available exclusively to boardsource members.

Nonprofit board chair succession planning.

The vice chair fills in when the chair is not able to carry out the duties. Unfortunately according to boardsource s research only 27 percent of nonprofits surveyed reported that they had a written succession plan in place. Outline the executive search phase of your nonprofit succession plan. Still board of director succession planning is essential to good governance as it sets the stage for board engagement and performance not to mention effective leadership.

Officer succession is only part of board succession planning. Board directors are responsible to ensure the long term sustainability of the organization. Succession planning can be the point in the tenure of a nonprofit board where new influences and ideas can bring positive change and progress the mission even farther. And effective board leadership matters more than many think as noted by asae and referenced by social venture partners in succession planning for the non profit board chair.

Align an internal vision for your nonprofit succession plan. A board portal system offers a secure platform for board work that ensures confidentiality. This is why board chair succession planning as well as the identification and nurturing of promising board members should be a priority and an ongoing activity for every board. Assess what vacancies your nonprofit succession plan will address.

Recruiting and maintaining effective leadership at the top is a major part of the board s fiduciary responsibilities. Begin cultivating internal talent for future transitions. The board chair is responsible for leading the board in the oversight thinking and support that are critical to good governance and organizational success. In profiling candidates for vacancies it is an opportune time to consider along with experience and personality other aspects such as gender age culture and to the extent.

Nonprofits that are serious about their own sustainability will also be serious about planning for smooth and thoughtful transitions of leadership as well as making sure their nonprofit is prepared for unexpected departures. Keeping them engaged is essential for good leadership but only 1 in 5 ceos surveyed by boardsource strongly agree a majority of their board members are engaged. The treasurer keeps the board on top of the finances. We offer membership and partnership programs for those working in or with nonprofits.

This position provides for automatic succession when the term of the chair is up. The succession planning process comprises the following key steps. Many nonprofit boards find it helpful and expedient to delegate the responsibility for succession planning to a board development.