Services

What does your organization need to be successful? I can help you:

  • Work with your board and staff to devise a strategic plan that identifies the top goals for your organization, along with detailed strategies and timelines that will enable you to reach those goals.
  • Hone your leadership skills and understanding of how effective organizations work, and access information and support when you have to make difficult decisions.
  • Create an organizational culture that enables staff and volunteers to perform at their best and enjoy their work.

Strategic Planning

I can help you work with your board and staff to devise a strategic plan that identifies the top goals for your organization, along with detailed strategies and timelines that will enable you to reach those goals. Together, we will…

  • Focus on the big, important questions and make the hard decisions.
  • Ensure there’s sufficient process and stakeholder input – but not too much process, such that it drags on too long.
  • Put in place an accountability structure, so that the plan becomes a living document that guides your organization’s work on a day-to-day and long-term basis.

Leadership Support

I can help you hone your leadership skills and understanding of how effective organizations work and be a source of information and support when you have to make difficult decisions. Here’s how I frame my leadership support work:

  • Build trust and maintain confidentiality. You can count on the fact that what we discuss will be kept just between us.
  • Structure our time together in a way that’s best for you. We can make it as informal or structured as you like.
  • Draw on my own experience as an executive director, board member, and volunteer. I can be a thought partner and help you problem-solve by sharing what has worked well for other organizations and what hasn’t. I’ll also recommend tried and true resources and be available between meetings to take on tasks, advise, or simply listen.

Organizational Culture

I can help you create an organizational culture that enables staff and volunteers to perform at their best and enjoy their work. I’ll work with you and your colleagues to…

  • Create positive morale.
  • Build a strong sense of team.
  • Ensure staff and board members operate according to your organization’s values.

Transition Planning

I can help you find opportunities in transition, honor the outgoing executive, and pave the way for new leader. I draw on my extensive executive recruitment experience, as well as my experience as an interim executive director, a role I was privileged to serve for the following organizations (in reverse chronological order): Fair Housing Council of Oregon, JOIN (Connecting the Street to a Home), Blanchet House of Hospitality, REACH Community Development, Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest, YWCA Clark County, Childcare Resource and Referral of Multnomah County, Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, and the Portland Women’s Crisis Line (now Call to Safety). I can work with you to...

  • Create a detailed transition process that involves the whole board and staff.
  • Communicate with stakeholders about what’s happening with the transition.
  • Determine how best to transfer important relationships and projects.
  • Address concerns, move forward with your team in a positive way, and embrace change!

Executive Search

I can help you find a new executive director or senior manager. I’ve facilitated searches for, among others, Causa (Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization), Neighborhood Partnerships, William Temple House, Community Health Care Centers of Benton and Linn Counties, the Wetlands Conservancy, Seeding Justice (formerly the MRG Foundation), Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Street Roots, Neighborhood House, Oregon Patient Safety Commission, Oregon Public Health Institute, JOIN ("Connecting the Street to a Home"), Fair Housing Council of Oregon, Community Partners for Affordable Housing, the Community Housing Fund (Washington Co.), Oregon HEAT, and Metropolitan Family Service. I provide comprehensive search services, including these elements:

  • Work with the recruitment committee to establish a detailed process and timeline that suits your organization.
  • Attract a diverse and qualified pool of applicants; score applications; and facilitate interviews and decision-making, all with a focus on equity.
  • Create a transition plan and on-boarding process that bolsters the new executive’s chances of success.

Meeting Facilitation

I can help you set clear objectives, prepare well-timed agendas, and ensure everyone can participate in a meaningful way. As a facilitator, I focus on three things:

  • Keep the group on topic, politely but firmly redirecting the conversation as needed.
  • Set the right tone, creating an atmosphere that encourages positive and productive discussion.
  • Make sure you accomplish your objectives and set clear assignments for timely follow-up.

How might I help you?
You can contact me at 503-309-3433 or kathy@kathykniep.com.

“Nobody's free until everybody's free.”

Fannie Lou Hamer
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