Case study
ASSEMBLE
ASSEMBLING A
THOUGHTFUL
SUCCESSION PLAN
Case study
ASSEMBLE
ASSEMBLING A THOUGHTFUL SUCCESSION PLAN
A founder-led organization depended on Compass to craft an inspirational and practical sustainability plan
Client
Assemble, a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh, is dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and community engagement through STEAM-based activities. Founded in 2011 as a volunteer-based organization, Assemble has grown from a one-person organization to close to 30 employees offering a diverse range of programs.
Challenge
As a dynamic, vibrant, and hyper-local organization dedicated to offering out-of-school-time STEAM education, ensuring continuity and stability is paramount to Assemble’s ongoing success. The founding Executive Director has played a critical role in shaping Assemble’s mission and culture, and has generated intense loyalties among staff, donors, and community. Without a well-defined succession plan, Assemble may face challenges in maintaining its momentum, preserving institutional knowledge, and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Process
This succession plan project centered around three phases Vision, Alignment, and Execution to understand the current state of the leadership culture, hear the voices of multiple constituents from different perspectives, identify critical business priorities, and craft the optimal succession plan strategy for Assemble.
Compass was instrumental in helping us navigate a critical juncture in our organization’s growth. Their expertise and care…allowed us to develop a comprehensive strategy that ensures our continued success and a smooth transition of leadership. The team’s collaborative approach and deep understanding of our unique culture were invaluable in gaining buy-in from our board, staff, and community partners.
Nina Barbuti
Executive Director, Assemble
Scope of Work
Conducted interviews with leaders and focus groups with board members, community partners, and employees.
Researched and validated benchmarked data to inform market compensation, role/responsibilities, and trends.
Identified key competencies necessary to maintain operational needs and achieve strategic leadership position goals.
Established a succession plan process which included a matrix, nine-box leadership competency assessment.
Developed a comprehensive succession plan comprising of a vision statement, leadership profile, job description,
KPIs, transition timeline, interim duty delegation, recruiting strategy, and an executive integration/onboarding plan.
Presented the organizational assessment and succession plan strategy and roadmap to key stakeholders.
Results
By investing in a robust succession plan, Assemble has strengthened its organizational resilience and ensured continued success in its mission to build confidence through STEAM education. This project has laid the groundwork for future leadership change through a well-defined founding Executive Director succession plan, and buy-in and engagement of key stakeholders through the planning process. This custom Compass strategy will ensure Assemble identifies the right talent and has a smooth leadership transition to support its unique organization.
