As a board member, one of your most important tasks is to hire and evaluate the executive director. Yet many board members find themselves unprepared when faced with an unplanned transition. The board chair often receives a phone call from a leader who has just accepted another opportunity; even if there is a succession plan in place, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. The first step is to acknowledge that an executive director search is not any ordinary hire: it’s a pivotal opportunity to shape the vision for your organization’s future. The way you respond to the news of an executive’s departure can shape the future of the search and the organization, inspiring confidence and setting forth a vision. This checklist will help get your search off on the right foot, to engage and align your stakeholders and pave the way for future leadership.

Leadership transitions are critical change moments for organizations. In 2025, as nonprofits navigate economic uncertainty, evolving workforce challenges, and heightened scrutiny around how to talk about equity, these transitions carry even greater weight. To ensure your next leader is well-positioned to move your organization forward, you need to take a step back and assess your strategic direction. You can’t afford to begin the process of recruiting, interviewing, and selecting your next leader or high-impact team member until you are aligned around the needs of the role and vision for where the organization is heading. Follow this guide to know how to approach your next strategic and equitable executive search.

Executive transitions are defining moments for nonprofits. For board members serving during a transition, finding the right leader is the most important—and most impactful—decision they will make. The search for the right executive leader is not just about filling a role. It’s about defining the future of an organization.