Free kit · Board and governance
Executive Director Evaluation Kit: free evaluation form template in Word and PDF
Run a fair annual review of your executive director in eight weeks. The board and the executive director get the same pages: a board evaluation, a self-evaluation, staff and stakeholder input, a summary sheet with the meeting agenda, and a development plan for next year.
Word and PDF · 13 pages · For board chairs and executive directors
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What is inside
- Board evaluation of the executive director. Each board member rates this year's goals and five areas of performance, with evidence.
- Executive director self-evaluation. The same goals and areas, so the two views sit side by side.
- Staff and stakeholder input. Five statements for direct reports, four questions for funders and partners.
- Evaluation summary and meeting agenda. One sheet that shows where the views differ, and a 75-minute agenda.
- Development plan and check-in log. Next year's goals, the support behind them and four quarterly check-ins.
How to use it
- Week 1: a small committee confirms the goals and sends out Forms A, B and C.
- Weeks 2 to 4: board members, the executive director, staff and stakeholders fill in their forms.
- Week 5: the committee compiles everything into Form D.
- Week 6: the evaluation meeting, run from the agenda in Form D. Pay is a separate conversation a week later.
- Week 8: the executive director and board chair agree the plan in Form E, then check in each quarter.
Questions
Is the kit free?
Yes. Enter your name, email and organization once, and every kit in the library opens on this browser.
Can I edit it?
Yes. The Word file is fully editable: change the goals, the statements and the calendar to fit your board.
Does it work in Google Docs?
Yes. Upload the Word file to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs; the tables and ruled lines carry over.
Can I share it inside my organization?
Yes. Copy it, adapt it and share it with your board and staff.
Read the guide
More kits for boards
Board Self-Assessment Kit26-statement questionnaire, scoring workbook, retreat guide and action plan
Board Onboarding KitA 90-day checklist, welcome letter, check-in guides, announcements and a development plan
Executive Director Compensation Review WorksheetComparables log, total pay calculator and the board's documentation checklist
With an evaluation, the form is rarely where it goes wrong. The meeting is. A coach helps the executive director walk into it ready, and walk out with a plan.
Six sessions of executive coaching: $300, $400 or $600, set by your organization's yearly operating expenses.
