Trusted Interim Executive Directors for Nonprofits Facing Leadership Transition
When nonprofit organizations prepare for a leadership transition, the board of directors decides how to ensure stability and maintain operations during a new executive search. An organization's succession plan lays out the next steps, with many boards choosing a trained and experienced interim executive director to manage day-to-day responsibilities, bringing nonprofit leadership expertise and profound people skills.
What Is an Interim Executive Director?
An interim executive director steps into a temporary executive role (CEO, COO, Development) to manage operations, lead staff and methodically guide the organization until a permanent executive search is complete. Whether due to a resignation, leave or crisis, interims are prepared to step in and lead from day one.
What Interim Executive Directors Provide
- Operational excellence and mission continuity
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Organizational assessment and strategic planning
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Staff support and leadership alignment
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Board collaboration and guidance
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Preparing the runway for the next permanent leader
Highlights of Our Interim Executive Placement Service
- Designed for search committees and boards seeking guidance and structure until a permanent leader is in place
- Experienced nonprofit leadership to manage daily operations and guide staff with confidence
- Focused on mission success, leadership alignment and operational excellence
- Complimentary consultation with a specialist nonprofit accounting firm for strategic planning
- A Peer Advisor for the interim leader, providing a supportive relationship to meet challenges and deliver impact
- Onboarding support to help the next permanent leader succeed on their start date
Why Choose an Interim from Third Sector Company?
Founded in 2002, Third Sector Company helps nonprofit boards of directors in their search for an interim executive (CEO, COO, Development) and trains aspiring and experienced nonprofit professionals through a methodical and purposeful interim management science through Interim Executives Academy.
Our team has supported over 900 nonprofits and trained 700+ interim leaders across the U.S. and Canada. Recruiting exclusively from our Academy alumni, each graduate is trained to advance a standard in quality interim leadership, guiding organizations through 6 defined phases and 13 protocols.
Interim Executives Academy Graduates Near You
Get Started with Your Interim Executive Director
Let our team help your board or search committee find the right person to step in as interim executive director who understands your organization's transition challenges and can deliver profound leadership on a short-term basis.
Contact our Confidential, Responsive Leadership Specialists
📱 206-799-1942
Our Process for Interim Executive Director Placement
Step 1: Initial Intake & Agreement
A dedicated interim solutions strategist discusses your needs, and outlines our process and fees. We get started with a signed agreement.
Step 2: Candidate Presentation
We present Academy graduates along with their biographies able to engage with a set of identified deliverables we’ve helped you create.
Step 3: Interim Leader Selection
You manage the temporary employee selection process with access to tools and protocols developed by the Academy.
Step 4: Engagement Begins
Delivery on mission is priority one. The interim provides methodical and transformative leadership using models and protocols taught by the Academy.
Testimonials
"Our interim was just what FishWise needed at its moment of crisis. She brought strong Executive Director skills to the board, the leadership team, and the organization as a whole. But more than her 'hard skills', she brought the 'soft skills' that were even more important. She has a unique combination of sincere empathy, a commitment to listen deeply, and a willingness to collaborate with strong personalities to find a path forward."
George Leonard, PhD, Board Chair of FishWise, Santa Cruz, CA
"I feel truly blessed to have been connected with our Interim ED, and this connection wouldn't have been possible without Third Sector Company. I also learned so much from their Board Chairs Academy service."
Victoria Gazulis, Board Member of Challenge Day, Concord, CA