Experienced Interim Executive Directors for Nonprofit Organizations
When your nonprofit organization faces a leadership transition, the board of directors decides how to ensure stability, wisdom and operational excellence during the executive search. Trained and experienced interim executive directors lead through changes, meet challenges and deliver impact.
What Is an Interim Executive Director?
An interim executive director is a nonprofit leader who steps into a temporary executive role to stabilize operations, lead staff and guide the organization through transition. Whether due to a resignation, leave, or crisis, interims are prepared to 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
Why Choose an Interim from Interim Executives Academy?
Founded in 2002, Third Sector Company & Interim Executives Academy helps nonprofit boards of directors in their search for an interim executive director (including Development Directors) and trains aspiring and experienced nonprofit professionals through a methodical and purposeful interim management science.
We’ve 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.
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 from Day One
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
Get Started with Your Interim Executive Director Recruitment
Whether facing a sudden leadership vacancy or planning a strategic transition, let our team help your board or search committee find the right interim executive director who understands your challenges and delivers impact.
Submit a Simple Contact Form for a Confidential, Responsive Consultation
Academy Graduates are Located Around the Country
