The Strange Work of a Non-Profit Executive Director

As we wrap up the fourth quarter of 2021, I’m getting ready to start the fourth quarter of my operating year, and planning for the first quarter of the next year. It’s a weird overlap that happens each year.

January through March is the fourth quarter of my current operating year, and we want to end the year with our eye on the goal, finishing strong. The challenge is the shiny object known as the plan for the new year.

Here’s how this looks from my end. The deadline to submit my major funding application is January 15. That means I start strategic planning in September, followed by operations planning in October, and writing the grant application in November. This leaves time for proofing and any sort of approvals that are needed well before the holiday break.

The tricky part is all the excitement that builds up with planning for the new year. The staff team brainstorms all sorts of wonderful ways to fulfill the strategic goals with amazing programs and services. It’s natural to want to jump right into those exciting ideas as soon as possible. It takes a lot of self control to prevent ideas for next year from sneaking into programs for January.

The challenge is the shiny object known as the plan for the new year.

Stretching out the planning process has been one easy way to help us keep our focus on our current work and not look too far ahead. The gaps in time between strategic planning operations planning, and grant application writing help to draw things out and create a bit of mental distance from the excitement. That puts the focus back on our current work.

The holidays are another natural break that helps to create a bit of mental distance from the excitement. Wrapping up current programming before everyone takes some time off in December, is a great incentive to, well, focus on our current work and not look too far ahead.

I’ve been in my current role for quite a long time now, and while I know the schedule and follow the plan, I’m always amazed at how hard it is to stick to that plan. But that is my job as Executive Director, to make the plan, keep everyone on track to complete the plan, and make sure there is a new plan ready and waiting for the next cycle.

Oh, the strange work of a non-profit Executive Director.

The reality of being the ED is that sometimes you don’t get to have the fun. Yes, I get to see all the great work going on right now, and I know all the exciting work that is coming very soon. But I can’t talk about it. I need to keep the team focused on today. I’m the party pooper for the team. But that reality check only last so long, that is until I write a fabulous follow-up report at the end of the year that tells everyone what great work we did.

Oh, the strange work of a non-profit Executive Director.

I hope you’ve found these ideas helpful. If you have a question, please leave a comment, or send me a message. I’d love to help you out. Talk to you soon. 😊

-Christie

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Hi, I'm Christie Saas, former board member, current Executive Director, and non-profit volunteer. I remember well, those early years when I lacked the training, the confidence, and the work-life balance to focus on becoming the best non-profit leader I could be.

Fast-forward past many bumps in the road, lessons learned, and you’ll find me still in the trenches, but a little wiser, a little calmer, and a whole lot happier. I love my work and I want to help you love yours too.

I created ChristieSaas.com to give you tools, tips, and templates to remove the mystery of learning to run a small non-profit. If you’re a brand-new non-profit leader, or a little more seasoned, someone who’s looking to make a meaningful contribution and still have time for a full life away from the job, you’re in the right place.

© Christie Saas 2021 All Rights Reserved

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