I have ended a one-year contract with my employer, which is a small nonprofit organization (less than five employees), but have volunteered to stay on for one particular program fir a few months to support and mentor the person who will be in charge of my responsibilities as well as my supervisors who is leaving the organization in a few weeks (she informed us of her upcoming departure a few weeks ago). It was a HUGE surprise to all, including the Board of Directors.
I posted before that my supervisor asked me to complete a multi-year program evaluation (reflecting the time she’s lead the organization). A program evaluation is nowhere in my job description, but it is in hers, she just hasn’t done it while she’s been on board. Per the advice received from many of you (thank you!), I went ahead and did some of the work but did not complete the evaluation because 1) A lot of the data needed is missing (poor data management), 2) l I had four other major projects (including my performance review) I was asked me to complete prior to my departure and 3) my supervisor was MIA for about 2 weeks. Prior to the evaluation assignment, I had paced and organized myself to complete multiple projects on time. When she added the evaluation it was very very hectic (this is part of the reason why I’m leaving, last minute unreasonable requests ...burnout).
I’d like to contact the board members to thank them for the opportunity they gave me and to share the reports I completed so they have an idea of the various roles we undertook, the programming we implemented in response to the pandemic/unique challenges, and provide an overview of the clients we supported this year.
Part of me wants to do this Because I’m very proud of the work I’ve completed (more than what’s under my job description and certainly more than my part-time status), The mentoring I’ve provided, skills I’ve learned and overall adaptability considering the pandemic. Another part of me also wants to share this with them because I have a sense that my supervisor is going to take credit for the projects I completed. It’s a tough situation because I’ve known my supervisor personally for many years but at the same time I recognize that she hasn’t fully done her job in the time she’s been with the organization, forced some of her responsibilities on me last minute and may claim credit.
I’ve also found it odd that as small as an organization as we are, me and the other employee have not had any communication, even an introduction as a new employee, with the board. Please advise. Thank you!
3 Comments
3 Comments
Anonymous
02/23/21 at 6:35PM UTC
I love your email idea whereby the Board is made aware of your contribution and also those tasks left to your boss to complete. This is a nice way to frame everything and make your contribution to the work completed clear and also directly assign those tasks uncompleted to their rightful owner (your boss). Apart from taking credit for your work, chances are very good that she will try to throw you under the bus for work she has left uncompleted.
User edited comment on 02/23/21 at 7:13PM UTC
2
Reply
Anonymous
02/23/21 at 9:36PM UTC
I agree that sending an email is a great way to wrap up your time at the organization. Do you have a meeting with any members of the Board before you go?
Reply
Anonymous
02/23/21 at 10:32PM UTC
I have two questions: is your supervisor the ED and with this person's departure - are you at all interested in the position?
Since both you and your supervisor are leaving this isn't going to be as tricky as it could be. The primary responsibility of a non-profit board is fiduciary - with legal issues a close second. People tend to expect boards to have a greater degree of influence than we actually want them to have.
For your message to be heard in a fashion that reflects very
well on you, make sure you are not perceived as going behind your supervisor. In a perfect world it would be great if you were invited to attend the last board meeting your supervisor will attend, with specific time allotted on the formal agenda for you to provide updates.
But since this outcome is unlikely then I would not reach out to the entire board because they don't know you. Instead consider reaching out to the board president - with an approach along the lines of since you are going to be staying on as a volunteer in a key capacity - perhaps your experience and knowledge (and reports which I'm sure contain important information) will be of help as the board navigates staffing transition. You are proud of the work you accomplished (and accomplished on behalf of the organization's mission). ..
I totally understand the issue of taking credit but you need be deft about letting your work speak for you - aka you did the work - rather than being too overt. Some of the most meddlesome but some of the sharpest people I've known were board members at non-profits where I worked.
Finally, if you'd rather email the entire board then focus on your enthusiasm and your work in a strategic fashion.
Reply
Looking for a new job?
Our employer partners are actively recruiting women! Update your profile today.
The Fairygodboss Feed
We're a community of women sharing advice and asking questions