Building Executive Leadership That Lasts

Get Ready → Hire Well → Keep Them

A Three-Part Webinar Series with Cathy Allen, The Board Doctor, and Guest Experts

For many small and growing public lands nonprofits, hiring a first employee is a major milestone. Whether that first hire is an Executive Director, CEO, or another staff position, becoming an employer can fundamentally change how the board operates, how decisions are made, and how the organization manages its people, programs, and partnerships.

In this practical three-part series, Cathy Allen, The Board Doctor, will help nonprofit boards navigate the transition from an all-volunteer organization to one with paid staff. Cathy will be joined by guest experts throughout the series, bringing additional perspectives and practical experience to key topics.

Together, we'll look beyond the hiring process itself to explore what needs to happen before, during, and after the hire to create a strong board–staff relationship and set both the employee and the organization up for long-term success.

Part 1: Get Ready — Preparing to Hire Your First Employee

Thursday, October 15 | 2:00 PM ET

Before posting a job, is your organization truly ready to become an employer? Explore how to determine what kind of staff support your organization needs, assess board and organizational readiness, clarify board and staff roles, distinguish between employees and independent contractors, and consider the financial, governance, and HR foundations that should be in place before making your first hire.

Part 2: Hire Well — Finding the Right Person

Thursday, November 12 | 2:00 PM ET

A successful hire starts with clarity about the role and a thoughtful process for finding the right person. Learn how to define the position, develop a job description and compensation package, recruit and evaluate candidates, avoid common hiring pitfalls, and set clear expectations from the start. We'll also consider the unique skills employees may need to navigate relationships among nonprofit boards, public land agency partners, volunteers, donors, members, and communities.

Part 3: Keep Them — Setting Your New Employee Up for Success

Thursday, December 10 | 2:00 PM ET

The work doesn't end when the offer letter is signed. Explore how boards can effectively onboard, support, communicate with, and evaluate new staff while establishing a healthy board–staff partnership. We'll also look at common challenges that contribute to frustration, burnout, conflict, and early turnover—and what boards can do to help good employees succeed and stay.

Registration

PLA Members: Free
Nonmembers: $35 for the full three-part series

Click here to register

One registration provides access to all three sessions. Participants are encouraged to join the full series but are welcome to attend the sessions most relevant to their organization.