Selecting Association Leadership: Defining Your Search Criteria

Professional membership associations, like all organizations, encounter times of transition. We have created this 3-part series to help association boards navigate smoothly through these challenges. In this first installation of our series, we help you plan for a successful search. In the first installation, we shared tips to help prepare and plan for a successful search. This step will focus on candidate evaluation, with tips that are applicable to hiring an individual Executive Director or an association management company (AMC).

[bra_toggle collapsable=’yes’ caption=’Step 1. Brainstorm Evaluation Criteria’] Start your process by gaining input from folks who care. First, determine who your key stakeholders are. Then, use surveys, informal discussion groups, and more formal focus groups, to gather your audiences’ recommendations on how you should evaluate management and leadership solutions for your association. Questions to ask your key stakeholders include:

What is working within our organization currently? What do we want to improve upon?
What would a successful outcome be, one year from now, after bringing on new leadership? What structure would best ensure we achieve that outcome?
What experience would our ideal Executive Director or account executive possess?
What unique qualifications does the association management solution bring to this association?
What is our budget?
How do the association management candidates’ values match those of the association?
What are the association management candidates’ track records of success and references?

“One of the key duties of an association is to promote collaboration,” says Dara Rudick, CEO of Management HQ. “This should carry through in the selection of your association’s management and leadership solution.” [/bra_toggle] [bra_toggle collapsable=’yes’ caption=’Step 2. Develop an Evaluation Matrix and Scale’] Once you’ve determined your criteria, you will want to implement a transparent process. “Systemize your selection process, and ensure a fair evaluation process,” says Rudick. “This also demonstrates to your stakeholders that their input is valued.” These steps can help create an effective screening process:

Create a matrix for the screening process.
Prioritize and assign numerical weight to the criteria in your matrix, to consistently evaluate each candidate.
Ensure all stakeholders understand the criteria, and that all interviewers understand how to use your matrix.

[/bra_toggle] [bra_toggle collapsable=’yes’ caption=’Step 3. Communicate!’] Continually updating and securing feedback from your stakeholders is crucial to the success of your search. ”As with any initiative involving lots of moving parts,” says Rudick, “Stay connected with your stakeholders.” [/bra_toggle] Associations bring out the best in professionals, allowing them to collaborate, educate, and succeed. They give industries the tools they need to thrive. With this level of influence, selecting the right management partner for your association can have far-reaching results.