While an executive director transition may be challenging for your organization and board, it can also provide a positive opportunity to position your organization for long-term success. With a carefully designed and managed process, the departure of an executive director is an opportunity for your organization to step back, reflect on your mission, and think critically and creatively about your organizational and leadership needs.


NSP Resources

  • Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) for Succession Planning can help prepare your organization for staff as well as board leadership turnover.
  • Executive Transition Grants gives you access to highly skilled and experienced transition consultants who can guide your board and transition team through the essential steps of leadership change.
  • Thresholds Programs for Departing or Retiring Executive Directors/CEOs offer executives the opportunity to learn about effective practices to prepare for their leadership departure, use tools to assess organizational vulnerabilities and the actions necessary to leave well, and to share with peers the joys and anxieties of leaving their work.

Other Resources

  • Leadership New England, a report by TSNE MissionWorks, explores issues, practices and trends in nonprofit leadership in New England.
  • CompassPoint has assembled resources for nonprofits, including in the area of Executive Transition.

  • Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Report - This 2022 report from The Alliance and community partners including the Hartford Foundation includes salary and benefits information for CT nonprofits, as well as data on the diversity of executive and senior leadership positions.