I have been the ED of a small museum for 10 years. I love my job, but I am considering --within the next two years--some long term plans which may include retirement, or perhaps negotiating a part time consulting arrangement with my current job. I will, of course, discuss all this with my board, but not certain when I need to share that I am thinking about this next chapter in my life. I do want a role in helping to choose my successor, but I don't want to make this public too soon. Thanks!

6 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 24,2024 at 5:54PM UTC

   Discuss these plan when they are firm. No reason to make everyone aware of potential plans with no firm commitment or dates.

2. Karen P. StoreyJune 24,2024 at 11:47PM UTC

   A woman cannot be comfortable without her own approval.

   Remember: Today's dream is the threshold of tomorrow's discovery. Don't give up on the future.

3. Karen DallettJune 25,2024 at 1:01PM UTC

   Silence is golden for the next 18 months girl. Let them know 6 months ahead of when you want to retire, then present a succession plan to the board. You may or may not be granted the choice to be involved to vet your replacement. You can't hire another you - let the board do it.

4. AnonymousJune 26,2024 at 2:29PM UTC

   I worked for a non-profit, where a succession plan for the ED approaching 70 was part of the five-year strategic plan. You can work through this with the board in a closed session and decide the right time to make it public with them. Timing would depend on the grooming of a successor, the size and complexity of the organization, and its financial status. If you have a good relationship with your board and executive committee, it is not too early to start the process, as leaving the organization "headless" could be disastrous. It could take two years to find and groom someone you trust to turn the reins over.

5. AnonymousJuly 3,2024 at 2:10AM UTC

   One more thing to note: I was interviewed for an ED/CEO position for a nonprofit in March and just got notified today that they had decided to go with someone else. Planned succession is essential in the nonprofit world (and SOP in the for-profit world). I am actually glad because the place I interviewed has been with an "interim" leader since before the first of the year, and it was going to be a rough start there if I got the job because of that.

6. AnonymousJuly 2,2024 at 12:19PM UTC

   Never let anyone know your plans until you are ready to hear. "Thank you for time you enjoy your retirement. We have decided to go ahead and let your retirement begin today." Most places will work things out for a better transition, but many others will just goodbye the day you say you are leaving no matter the amount of notice.

   So when you tell them just be prepared it could be your last day.