This document summarizes the essential steps for a smooth leadership transition when an executive director leaves an organization. It outlines responsibilities for the board such as creating a search committee, developing a job description, and hiring an interim director. It also discusses communicating the transition, orienting the new leader, planning the outgoing leader's departure, and special considerations for founder transitions. The goal is to maintain stability and continuity during a change in executive leadership.

1. NYS ARTS presents ArtsForward Leadership Training Webinar & Blog Series Leadership & Succession in the Arts Instructor: Alene Valkanas Session Three Essential Steps to Assure Smooth Succession This program is made possible with support from American Express Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency

5. Update the job description

6. Consider an Interim Executive Director

9. Communication Plan

10. Conducting the Search

11. Recruitment

12. Screening

13. Selection and Negotiation

14. Role of the staff

17. Defined Departure Nuts & Bolts of Defined Departure Planning –www.commpasspoint.org

20. “ To make an ending is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” T.S. Eliot