Tool #18: Open Search Process for FHCCP
(See Case Study Page 8)
In the event that the Closed Search Process does not result in the selection of a President/CEO, the Board of Directors will identify a search consultant that can conduct a national search for qualified candidates. Additional steps in this process include:
1.The Board of Directors and the existing CEO will discuss timeframes and any changes required regarding leadership through the second search process. This may include renegotiating the CEO’s contract or discussion of an interim leader if required. The Board of Directors and the existing CEO also will need to clearly outline the CEO’s role and responsibilities in the search process now that there will be a search consultant engaged.
2.The Board of Directors will share the Job Description/Position Announcement already created with the search firm.
3.The Board of Directors will provide specific feedback to the search consultant on the internal process and information on how candidates did not meet the specific characteristics desired. Review of the Job Description/Position Announcement may be warranted to determine any necessary changes learned through the internal search process.
4.The Board of Directors and Senior Leadership will craft language to communicate this change in strategy with the staff and organization. This may require careful attention to tone if internal candidates applied and were not selected.
5.The Board of Directors working with the search consultant will consider whether any external communication with stakeholders (e.g., partners, funders, etc.) is required regarding the expanded search.
6.The Board of Directors will work closely with the search consultant to be sure they understand the organization and the specific culture of the organization if that is important to the search process and outcome.
7.The Board of Directors will consider how to continue to engage staff in the search process and how to work with the search consultant to include an opportunity for each serious candidate to conduct a public presentation to an invited audience.
8.At the conclusion of the search process, the consultant, the Chairman of the Board, and the FHCCP attorney will conduct contract negotiations and determine a starting date.