Step Seven: Orientation and Onboarding
Congratulations! You’ve hired a new Main Street Executive.
The orientation and onboarding of your new executive needs just as much dedication and attention as the search process. This is a critical time that will set up your executive for success.
A quick note of distinction between orientation and onboarding. The orientation includes the traditional administrative paperwork and gaining familiarity with the organization. Onboarding is a much more intentional process that can take up to a year to get the executive truly embedded into the organization and community. The Board of Directors should be actively involved in the onboarding of the new executive to ensure they succeed in the role and in the community.
The Search Committee should make professional development recommendations to the Board for the new executive. For example, if this is their first time as a leader, they should take leadership training.
In the “Orientation and Onboarding Checklist,” you will see a detailed list of activities, but some key tasks include:
- Publishing a press release announcing the new executive;
- Completing administrative paperwork;
- Having the new executive meet with the community.
Review the checklist and edit the document to fit the needs of your organization and community.
Additionally, if more support is needed in onboarding your new executive, CMSC can provide onboarding support services.
Time Frame
- Completing administrative tasks on Orientation and Onboarding Checklist: These tasks can take 1-3 weeks to complete.
- Guiding and assisting the new Main Street Executive through the Orientation and Onboarding Checklist: Depending on the experience level and familiarity with the community, this can take 3 to 12 months.
Action Kit Resource
To Do
- Complete the Administrative tasks on the checklist
- Introduce and guide the new Executive to follow the checklist