Rethinking Nonprofit Leadership

The executive director position is arguably the most important hire in a nonprofit organization. They must set and carry out your organization’s vision, be adept at working with the board and staff, and be a trusted messenger of your mission. 

Many nonprofit boards tasked with hiring this role typically look to the past to determine the needs for the future. It can be comforting and easier to stay with what’s worked, but looking beyond the typical résumé may offer a refreshing, innovative take on your organization’s needs, challenges and opportunities.

In the private sector, communicators more often have a seat in the C-suite, with communications strategies that inform and align with overall business strategies. 

While in the nonprofit world, fundraising and programming are traditional paths to the executive director position, don’t sleep on communicators — they’re often the ones who see all sides of your organization, and most importantly, know how to translate your mission to various audiences.