The role of an Interim Manager in the Association sector

Within an association, it may be appropriate to call on an interim manager to fill key positions.
Here are some examples of situations where the Interim Manager can bring real added value in association.

Why call on an Interim Manager in association?

The voluntary sector has experienced a real professionalization in recent years. Like companies, associations need to delegate experienced people, with solid and recognized skills, to key positions.

It is therefore fairly standard to use an Interim Manager . The role of the transition association manager is to provide a solution to the problems or difficulties encountered by an association, or to support it in its development by providing a strategic vision. It intervenes in particular in situations like this:

• The association may need to centralize the information disseminated, as part of a national or international project. For example, a fundraising project or a communication campaign requires the participation of all structures and must be organized around a competent manager. In this context, a project manager dedicated to real added value, by structuring and organizing the project and delegating the right people.
• The manager of an association may be required to be absent for a more or less long period: leave, illness, training, etc. A transitional association manager can then assume the position of operational and strategic management.
• If an association is in a logic of development, it may need to develop its scope of intervention, but also to create new activities. Using an external person, able to set KPIs and manage a project, is a winning strategy.
• An association faced with a crisis (internal, reputational, financial, etc.) may have to call on a transition association manager to manage conflicts or emergency situations.

What positions does an Interim Manager in association occupy?

In the voluntary sector, an Interim Manager is required to occupy several management positions. Here are some examples among many missions:
Transition project manager: this external professional experienced in the voluntary sector is the coordinator of an internal team, which brings together the various skills necessary for the smooth running of the project. Its objective is to carry out a project defined as a fundraising campaign.

• Associative transition manager: he is an experienced associative adviser, whose mission is to steer an association, for example in the event of the unexpected departure of a member of its board of directors.
• Transition communication director: as in a company, the communication director is responsible for managing internal and external communication, and communication aimed at members and donors. Communication conveys strategic issues because it makes it possible to set up donation campaigns, for example, which are one of the most important sources of income for associations.
• Responsible for team leadership: with significant managerial experience in the voluntary sector, this Interim Manager may be called upon to take care of recruitment, training or even conflict management between members. This is a strategic management role, an intermediary between communication and human resources.
• Interim human resources manager: in the voluntary sector, human resources management is a central concern. Management of recruitment, training, payroll… are fundamental issues in a sector where the motivation of members is crucial.
• Responsible for volunteers: volunteers are the cornerstones of associations. The position of Transition Manager in charge of recruiting, managing and mobilizing volunteers is therefore very strategic.
• Responsible for training: the voluntary sector requires a well-trained team to ensure the success of projects and support for the public. The transition training manager is called upon to design and lead the training of the association’s employees.
• Responsible for relations with partners: the Interim Manager is a privileged interlocutor of the association to negotiate partnerships with companies, communities, establishments, etc.

What profile for an Interim Manager in association?

It is therefore characterized by versatility and multi-skills, which allow it to respond effectively and in a personalized way to the needs of associations.
To be operational, he must have the following skills:

• Sense of general interest and ethics,
• Significant experience in the associative sector, which enabled him to develop a network in the world of the association but also among partners from the business world,
• Perfect mastery of the specificities of the associative sector,
• Ability to develop and lead networks.

How much does an Interim Manager in Association cost?

The cost of an Interim Manager in association is impacted by different criteria that can be linked to the manager or the association.

These criteria include:
• the level of experience of the manager,
• the mission entrusted to it,
• the profile of the recruited candidate,
• the size of the association,
• the area of the activity,
• the duration of the mission,
• the benefits expected by the structure.

The average cost of an Interim Manager in association is estimated at €900 per day on average.