Question Overview: This question is designed to probe the candidate's knowledge of leadership styles and to see if they have a good grasp of what leadership is all about. You want to make sure that the candidate has a good understanding of the different leadership styles, and that they will be able to lead in a way that is appropriate for the organization.
Sample Answer: I do not like a "command and control" style of leadership. I believe in empowering my employees and giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Question Overview: The executive director will be responsible for the search committee. This is a very important task, and you will want to make sure that the candidate has the right experience and skills to do this job.
Sample Answer: I have been involved in many searches for board members and staff, and I know how to manage the process from beginning to end.
Question Overview: The disease process of dementia is a very difficult one for the patient and the family. The executive director will be responsible for helping the patient and their family through this difficult time. You will want to see that the candidate has experience with this type of situation and can articulate how they would handle it.
Sample Answer: I would help them understand that there is a lot of help available to them, and I would be there for them every step of the way.
Question Overview: The executive director is the leader of the organization, and you want to make sure that the candidate is a good fit for the organization. You can get a sense of this by asking them why they applied for the position.
Sample Answer: I am passionate about this organization's mission and believe that I can help it achieve its goals.
Question Overview: As executive director, the candidate will be responsible for securing donations and grants from major donors and other sources. You want to make sure that the candidate has experience in this area.
Sample Answer: I have secured a $250,000 grant from a major donor.
Question Overview: The executive director will be responsible for increasing the number of donors to the organization. This is a critical function because the organization will need to raise more money in the future, and it will need to do so by increasing its donor base. You want to make sure that the candidate has a plan for how they will accomplish this.
Sample Answer: I have a proven track record of increasing donor bases for organizations, and I know how to do it.
Question Overview: The executive director will be responsible for dealing with a variety of challenges that come up in the course of the organization's work. You want to make sure that the candidate has the experience to deal with these challenges.
Sample Answer: I have always been able to deal with challenges and find solutions.
Question Overview: Every organization has its share of problems, and the executive director will be responsible for dealing with them. You want to make sure that the candidate has the experience to deal with these problems and can articulate how they would handle them.
Sample Answer: I have been able to deal effectively with many problems in the past. I would first try to understand the problem and then come up with a solution.
Question Overview: The Internet has changed the way that content is distributed, and many organizations are now distributing their content online. The candidate should be able to discuss the changes in the industry and how they would handle them.
Sample Answer: I would look for ways to lower the costs of distribution by using new technologies.
Question Overview: An executive director will have to deal with employees who are not performing up to their potential. This question will help you determine how the candidate will handle this situation. You want to see that they are able to handle the situation professionally and that they are able to get the employee to improve their performance.
Sample Answer: I am able to handle difficult situations in a professional manner, and I am able to get employees to improve their performance.
Question Overview: An executive director will need to be able to apply for grants to fund the organization's programs. This question will help you determine whether the candidate has any experience with this process.
Sample Answer: I have applied for many grants in the past and have been successful in receiving them.
Question Overview: This question is designed to test the candidate's experience in the public policy arena. The question is open-ended, so you will want to probe for specific examples of how the candidate achieved their goal.
Sample Answer: I was able to change state policy by working with the governor's office and the state legislature. I was able to do this by demonstrating that the policy would be effective and efficient.
Question Overview: As the leader of an organization, the executive director will be responsible for disciplining employees. This question will probe their experience in this area and their ability to handle it.
Sample Answer: I have had to discipline employees on several occasions, and I have always handled the situation in a fair and professional manner.
Question Overview: The executive director will be responsible for getting to know the chapter and its members. This question should probe the candidate's knowledge of the chapter and what they plan to do to get to know it.
Sample Answer: I will get to know the chapter by attending events and meeting with all of its members. I will also be sure to meet with the board of directors.
Question Overview: The executive director will be responsible for setting the tone for the organization and ensuring that it is consistent with the organization's values. You want to make sure that the candidate has a set of core values that they can articulate and that they are in line with the organization's values.
Sample Answer: I believe in integrity, honesty, and fairness. I will ensure that these values are reflected in everything that we do.
Question Overview: This question is designed to get the candidate to open up about what they dislike about their current job. This will help you to understand what they are looking for in a new job and what they are not looking for.
Sample Answer: I am not happy with the way that my organization is run and how it is structured. I would like to be able to have more control over the organization and its direction.
Question Overview: This question is designed to probe the candidate's leadership style. You want to see if they are a good match for the organization.
Sample Answer: I am a very hands-on leader, and I am always looking for ways to improve the organization. I am also very good at delegating tasks to my staff.
Question Overview: An executive director will be responsible for the performance of the organization's staff. You want to make sure that they know how to assess the performance of their team and how to motivate them to work towards the organization's goals.
Sample Answer: I will assess my team by looking at their individual performance and how they interact with each other. I will also look at how they interact with the outside world.
Question Overview: As an executive director, you will be responsible for the overall success of the organization. This means that you will have to deal with failure when it occurs. You want to see how the candidate deals with failure and what they do to learn from it.
Sample Answer: I have learned that failure is a part of life and that it is important to learn from it. I have also learned that success is not permanent and that I must continue to work hard in order to maintain it.
Question Overview: This is a question that is designed to get a sense of the candidate's personality. You want to see that they have a life outside of work and that they have interests and hobbies. This will help you to understand what kind of person they are and whether or not they will be a good fit for the organization.
Sample Answer: I would spend time with my family and friends, travel, and pursue my hobbies.