Working With Your Executive Director

A strong, collaborative relationship between the Board and Executive Director is the cornerstone of a thriving nonprofit. This workshop explores how boards can set their Executive Director up for success by fostering a supportive partnership rooted in trust, clear communication, and well-defined roles. Participants will learn strategies for building effective relationships, maintaining healthy boundaries between governance and operations, and engaging as active, constructive partners in achieving organizational goals. This session will also address tips for boards transitioning from a working model to a governance-focused board, including how to onboard and support a first-time Executive Director.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish between the Board’s governance responsibilities and the Executive Director’s operational role and apply best practice for maintaining healthy boundaries and collaboration.
• Implement effective communication strategies and relationship-building practices to support and evaluate the Executive Director, including regular feedback and shared goal setting.
• Develop an action plan for transitioning from a working board to a governance board, ensuring the Executive Director is set up for success through clear expectations, onboarding, and ongoing support.

Who Should Attend:

Board members, suitable for any non-profit but also for those who have transitioned from a working board to governance

 

Facilitator:

Carissa Caruk-Ganczar is a Certified Leadership Coach who brings over 20 years of experience in community economic development, entrepreneurship support, and leadership development to the work that she does with non-profit organizations across Canada.

Through her business Flourish Leadership Development, Carissa offers coaching, training, and consulting services in the areas of leadership development, community engagement, and capacity building for non-profit organizations.

Carissa's presentation style is interactive, aimed at leaving participants with insights and tools that can be applied immediately to their work. She is passionate about supporting individuals and organizations in improving workplace communications and discovering better ways to work together.

 

Technical Requirements to Participate Virtually:

To participate, you will need a computer/mobile device with internet connection, speakers and microphone. A webcam is preferred but optional.

 

Accommodations

Volunteer Manitoba strives to host inclusive, accessible workshops that enable all individuals to engage fully. If you require any accommodations to participate in our training, please indicate so on the registration form.

 

Course Cancellation Policy

Volunteer Manitoba may decide to cancel or postpone any event where the minimum registration level has not been met. In the case of low in-person registration, Volunteer Manitoba may decide to host the workshop virtually instead. If you wish to not participate virtually, you will receive a full refund.

All participants registered for an event that is cancelled by Volunteer Manitoba will receive a full refund.

Refunds will not be issued for cancellations received within 10 days of the event. Registered participants who fail to attend an event are still required to pay for that event, since a space was held specifically for that person. In case of non-attendance and lack of payment, the registered participant will be invoiced for the full fee, due 30 days from the date of the invoice.