Executive director’s annual performance review

Planning & Organizing: Demonstrates an understanding of the Foundation’s mission and priorities; establishes effective courses of action to implement the goals and objectives set forth in the strategic plan.

Judgement & Decisiveness: Makes well-timed and sound decisions; meets deadlines; solves problems promptly; sets appropriate priorities for tasks.

Initiative: Sets high goals/standards of performance for self and others; originates action rather than only responding to the action of others.

Vision: With the trustees, develops and articulates a vision for the future of the organization; considers issues that are broader and longer range.

Oral Communications: Gives and receives information effectively; clearly presents ideas/tasks; listens to others.

Written Communications: Expresses ideas in a clear and effective manner; prepares reports that are easily understood and responsive to the needs of the trustees; advances the Foundation’s communications and information systems.

Analytical Ability: Sorts through and compares data from different sources; identifies key issues; secures needed information; is able to balance diverging and competing points of view.

Sensitivity: Demonstrates consideration for others; shows appreciation for the work done by others; makes effort to put people at ease; solicits feedback and opinions from others; accepts constructive criticism.

Adaptability & Resourcefulness: Maintains effectiveness in varying environments; reaches goals using various means available; is able to learn from successes and failures of the past in planning for the future.

Team Building & Conflict Resolution: Fosters collaborative work among trustees; is a good team player; facilitates work group effectiveness; resolves conflicting interests fairly.

Management: Effectively oversees day-to-day activities; manages successful grantmaking.

Financial Management: Demonstrates effective oversight of the financial health and well-being of the Foundation, including budgeting; ensures that the operations are soundly managed; clearly communicates financial information to trustees.

Professional Knowledge: Understands and stays abreast of current issues in the philanthropic and social investment fields and in the issues the Foundation has prioritized.

Trustee Relations: Works well with trustees individually and as a unit; is accessible and responsive; provides sufficient information for trustees to make thoughtful decisions; creates opportunities to involve trustees in various aspects of the Foundation’s activities.

External Relations: Develops effective working relationships and networks with other funders; interacts well and respectfully with the grantee community; acts as a spokesperson for the Foundation on topical issues; enhances the Foundation’s image in the philanthropic community and beyond.

Legal & Professional: Knows and follows the foundation’s trust documents, policies, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and the national standards for family foundations.

Accountability: Files necessary reports, participates in surveys, and answers inquiries from the public that demonstrates accountability to the community.

Additional questions

What one or two major strengths or significant achievements of the Executive Director would you like to highlight?

What weaknesses have there been or improvements could there be in the Executive Director’s performance?

What should be included in the organizational and/or personal goals for the Executive Director during the next year?

Other Comments or Suggestions: