Lecture Notes: First 100 Days as a Non-Profit Executive Director

Introduction

• Presenter: Valerie Leonard, Founder of Nonprofit Utopia
• Platform: Crowdcast and Facebook Live
• Resources: Workbook available for Crowdcast participants

Overview

• Focus on your first 100 days as a non-profit Executive Director
• Workbook includes:
  • Worksheet for summarizing findings and solutions
  • 100-day checklist
  • Worksheet for 100-day plan
  • Weekly work schedule
  • Action plan worksheet
  • Notes section

Nonprofit Utopia

• Community for emerging and serious non-profit leaders
• Mission: Develop ethical non-profit leaders
• Vision: Train and develop 50,000 non-profit leaders by 2033
• Services: Professional development, networking, and resources

Personal Background

• Valerie Leonard's Experience: Over 20 years in the non-profit sector
• Achievements: Helped over 750 people meet goals, raised over $100 million

Key Strategies for First 100 Days

1. Meet with Board Members

   • Start with Board President
   • Understand power dynamics and board priorities

2. Review Organizational Documents

   • Bylaws: Understand structure, roles, limitations
   • Board minutes: Assess board operation 1-3 years of minutes
   • Board policies and procedures

3. Financial and Program Policies

   • Financial policies: Ensure compliance with GAAP
   • Program policies: Align with strategic plans

4. Meet with Staff and Management

   • Understand roles, goals, and alignment with strategy
   • Meet with top staff and middle managers

5. Review Contracts and Agreements

   • Ensure compliance and look for improvement opportunities

6. Assess Programs and Operations

   • Evaluate alignment with proposals and strategic plans
   • Ensure systems for monitoring program performance

7. Financial Review

   • Monthly financial reports and compliance checks

8. Engage with Stakeholders

   • Meet with clients, partners, other stakeholders
   • Assess their views and gather feedback

9. Develop Leadership and Organizational Plans

   • Leadership Plan: Assess personal strengths and weaknesses
   • Organizational Action Plan: Prioritize tasks and responsibilities

10. Implementation and Reporting

    • Communicate progress to staff, board, clients, and stakeholders

Questions and Further Information

• Contact: Valerie F Leonard at nonprofitutopia.com
• Discussion encouraged via chat and email

Conclusion

• Thank attendees for participating
• Recording available shortly after the session