Nonprofit Executive Director Annual Performance Review
Annual executive director performance review is a board fiduciary duty and a best practice requirement for IRS rebuttable presumption of reasonable compensation. This structured review framework ensures consistent, documented evaluation aligned with organizational goals.
- Industry: Nonprofit
- Frequency: Annually
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
- Role: Board Chair / Compensation Committee
- Total Items: 29
Mission Advancement and Strategic Leadership
Evaluate mission advancement and strategic performance.
- Progress against strategic plan goals documented and reviewed?
- All major decisions and programs aligned with organizational mission?
- Organizational community presence and reputation maintained or improved?
- New opportunities for mission advancement identified and pursued?
- Key stakeholder relationships effectively maintained?
Financial Stewardship
Evaluate financial management performance.
- Annual budget managed within approved parameters?
- Annual revenue goals met or variance explained?
- Adequate internal financial controls maintained?
- Audit or financial review findings addressed appropriately?
- Operating reserves or reserve fund maintained at target level?
Program Delivery and Outcomes
Evaluate program effectiveness.
- Program service delivery goals met or exceeded?
- Measurable beneficiary outcomes documented?
- Program quality improvement efforts implemented?
- Strategic community partnerships developed or maintained?
- Volunteer and constituency engagement maintained?
Board Relations and Governance Support
Evaluate board partnership and governance support.
- Board communication timely, transparent, and informative?
- Board development, recruitment, and orientation supported?
- Organizational compliance with laws, regulations, and reporting maintained?
- Board committee work effectively staffed and supported?
Compensation Review (IRS Rebuttable Presumption)
Document compensation review process.
- Compensation reviewed by independent board committee or full independent board?
- Comparable compensation data from similar organizations reviewed?
- Compensation decision contemporaneously documented in board minutes?
- Total compensation package including benefits and deferred compensation reviewed?
- Any conflicted board members recused from compensation vote?
Goal Setting for Coming Year
Document goals for next performance period.
- Performance goals for next year mutually agreed upon?
- Goals are specific, measurable, and time-bound?
- Professional development plan for ED developed?
- Succession planning discussion included?
- Complete review documentation filed in confidential ED personnel file?
Related Nonprofit Checklists
- Nonprofit Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Process
- New Nonprofit Board Member Orientation Checklist
- Nonprofit Board Governance Self-Assessment
- Nonprofit Whistleblower Policy Compliance and Implementation Review
- Nonprofit Annual Reporting and Compliance Calendar Audit
- Nonprofit Document Retention Policy Compliance Review
- Nonprofit Executive Succession Planning and Emergency Preparedness
- Nonprofit Volunteer Onboarding and Orientation Checklist
Related Governance Compliance Checklists
- Nonprofit Board Meeting Preparation Checklist - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Bylaws Annual Review and Compliance Audit - FREE Download
- IRS Form 990 Annual Filing Preparation Checklist - FREE Download
- State Charitable Registration and Renewal Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Process - FREE Download
- New Nonprofit Board Member Orientation Checklist - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Board Governance Self-Assessment - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Whistleblower Policy Compliance and Implementation Review - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Annual Reporting and Compliance Calendar Audit - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Document Retention Policy Compliance Review - FREE Download
Why Use This Nonprofit Executive Director Annual Performance Review?
This nonprofit executive director annual performance review helps nonprofit teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for board chair / compensation committee professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Nonprofit Executive Director Annual Performance Review cover?
This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 6 sections: Mission Advancement and Strategic Leadership, Financial Stewardship, Program Delivery and Outcomes, Board Relations and Governance Support, Compensation Review (IRS Rebuttable Presumption), Goal Setting for Coming Year. It is designed for nonprofit operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Who should use this Nonprofit Executive Director Annual Performance Review?
This checklist is designed for Board Chair / Compensation Committee professionals in the nonprofit industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.