In March 2024, I had the privilege of completing an impactful 8-week program with 60 other nonprofit leaders - the Interim Executives Academy with Third Sector Company. This experience provided helpful and accessible insights around the transformation that is possible for organizations with an interim executive director.

The program emphasized the unique role and challenges of interim leadership compared to serving as a permanent Executive Director.  Having previously held an Executive Director role, I grew accustomed to playing the long game - developing multi-year strategies, building enduring relationships, and incrementally shaping the organization's culture.

In contrast, interim leadership is more of a sprint and the role demands both urgency and thoughtfulness because interim Executive Directors must quickly diagnose and address critical challenges while also ensuring that their interventions are sustainable and aligned with the organization's long-term goals. Striking this balance requires a strategic mindset, adaptability, and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure.

For growing nonprofits navigating constrained resources and increasing fundraising demands, effective program planning can take center stage.

A well-designed program serves as a guiding narrative, illustrating how your organization’s collective efforts - including staff, volunteer, partners, and donors - will make a meaningful impact. Documenting a program should be evidence-based, drawing insights both from your internal team and the communities impacted by your work.

Program narrative and logic models answer the fundamental questions of “what are we doing and where are we headed?” They should be widely shared across your organization to orient and align your board and staff. Furthermore, they are the basis for compelling grant applications and enable program evaluation and strategic program evolution. 

So, how does one embark on this journey?