Hiring a new executive is a major investment—but the costs do not stop when the offer letter is signed.

Too often, we focus on the visible expenses: the search firm fee, relocation reimbursement, salary negotiation, and onboarding logistics. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the average cost per hire in the U.S. is more than $4,700. But that’s just the beginning. SHRM notes the real cost—including lost productivity and transition time—can total three to four times the position’s salary. (Read more.)

That’s where the hidden costs start adding up.

When a senior leader comes on board, every week they spend finding their footing represents missed opportunities:

• Decisions delayed or deferred
• Relationships not yet built
• Team members confused about priorities
• Strategic initiatives sitting idle

Having served as the CEO of two national associations, and more recently as an interim executive, I know how important it is to get up to speed fast. The organization needs you to lead not just listen, observe, and absorb. A thoughtful onboarding plan must be efficient.

Like many leaders, I turn to The First 90 Days as a roadmap when I am onboarding. It offers helpful structure, but I have found that it does not fully address the unique complexity of nonprofit organizations. When you lead in a mission-driven setting you have to think beyond the evaluating the business model and add:

• Building relationships with the Board of Directors
• Balancing the mission versus revenue
• Meeting funder and partner expectations
• Understanding the role of volunteers.

It is more complex and requires an expanded playbook.

That’s why I’ve started developing a resource tailored for nonprofit executives that will focus on effective onboarding including the realities of leading through mission, governance, and community.

In the meantime, I’d love to learn from others who have navigated this challenge.

• What has helped you accelerate onboarding?
• Whether for yourself or for a new team member—what tools, habits, or approaches made a difference?

Let’s share strategies that help nonprofit leaders start contributing faster and with purpose.