So, you're looking to hire a new Executive Director at your organization. It's time to deliver on what is likely the most important decision you will make as a nonprofit. You can’t screw it up.

Actually, sure you can. Even strong boards often make bad ED hires, and weak boards almost always do. We want to help turn these odds around and make sure that this doesn't happen to your organization.

But how do you go about finding the right fit for your organization? How do you fight the urge to “settle” when you have a mediocre candidate pool? (Hint: DON'T). If you've already mapped out your steps in the hiring process and determined who you're inviting to interview, then the next step is the actual face-to-face interview.

To help ease the interview process, we've created a Executive Director Interview Guide that includes:

• The 10 hard-hitting questions you must ask in an interview
• Characteristics and answers to look for during their responses
• A grading template you can print and use during the interview