Executive Director Coaching
Executive directors may apply for an individualized leadership development opportunity through the Initiative for Nonprofit Excellence (INE) executive director coaching program. This program is designed to help nonprofit executives who are ready to enhance their capacity for leadership, make changes in their work performance, and use a coaching process to achieve maximum impact in their organization. The program will entail a leadership assessment of the ED and up to six hours of coaching with a seasoned executive coach.
Successful applicants will begin the process with completion of a widely-used leadership assessment tool, the Leadership Profile Inventory (LPI). This assessment is completed by the executive director, their staff, board members and peers. Seven to 10 observers provide feedback through a confidential electronic portal. Leadership is assessed around five key areas:
- Model the way
- Inspire a shared vision
- Challenge the process
- Enable others to act
- Encourage the heart
Once the LPI results are in, the executive director will select a coach from the INE pool of executive coaches. The executive director and coach will review the LPI together and identify a set of goals for their coaching relationship. While the executive director coaching program will support up to six hours of coaching, the executive director and coach may agree to extend the relationship with support from the ED and/or their organization. Coaching sessions may take place in place in person or over the phone.
Although this program is administered through the INE, all LPI results and subsequent coaching session content will be kept confidential. INE staff are available for consultation at any point during the process, but coaching candidates are not required to meet with the staff after the initial screening conversation.
Eligibility and guidelines
Executive director coaching is a process that requires a significant investment of time and open-mindedness. This is not a process for addressing short-term needs or problems. Should an ED have specific questions related to their work, they should speak with a member of the INE staff for suggested resources. INE staff can also refer to consultants who may be available to assist with organization-wide needs.
Executive director coaching also requires a sense of readiness and the ability to “get right to work.” If the ED is unable to make time for the coaching process, the process will be terminated.
Eligible candidates must identify at least seven observers for the LPI (staff, board and peers). They must also demonstrate a willingness to create change and take appropriate steps to make those changes.
Applicants must be in the executive director position for at least 12 months and supervise at least two staff members. The INE will consider applications from executive directors working within the Foundation’s six sectors.
If accepted to the program, a commitment fee of $100 is required. Applicants must agree to complete the LPI and meet with the executive coach for up to six hours. If an ED is interested in additional time from their coach, they should make those arrangements individually with their coach.
Application process
Interested applicants should email Jill Pfitzenmayer, vice president of the Initiative for Nonprofit Excellence, for a brief screening interview to ensure that this program is the right fit for their needs. If appropriate, applicants must complete a written, online application.
Executive directors who work in arts and culture organizations will be required to complete a data profile through the Rhode Island Cultural Data Project.
Once accepted, executive directors will begin the LPI assessment and select an executive coach from the pool of INE-endorsed coaches. If an executive director requests a coach from outside of this pool, they must be approved by the vice president of the INE. The staff from INE is available to help guide EDs through the coach selection process.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. All LPI assessments and coaching sessions must be complete by December 31, 2012.
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