OUR SERVICES Interim Museum Services LLC serves the museum community during the period between permanent directors, a time when many boards feel beleaguered and inadequately prepared. Many museums go into a stall when their directors leave; IMS keeps the organization on course. IMS provides both interim directors and transition consulting services to bridge this gap and turn the time into a productive period. Interim Directors The departure, sometimes unexpected, of museum professional leadership forces an urgent decision, a decision with profound consequences for the future of the institution. Museums frequently look to their current or former staff and board, but the long-term consequences frequently argue against such replacements. An experienced interim director, capable of objectively analyzing and overseeing the entire organization, provides the board with valuable expertise that lays the foundation for the future and helps the staff stay focused on needed tasks, moving the institution forward rather than just marking time. Interim Museum Services has developed a roster of skilled former museum directors, professionals who have managed many of our nation's outstanding institutions. They have experience in diverse disciplines, including art, history, children's museums, botanical gardens, and zoos. Many have special knowledge in management areas, such as human relations, finance, development, and marketing. They live across our country and abroad. They are not candidates for full time directorship of the client's institution and are, therefore, able to rise above and ameliorate internal tensions. IMS selects directors for placement from a roster that has been carefully built. In addition to research by IMS into experience and reputation, each candidate has provided personal and professional references and has been interviewed and vetted by at least one of the principals. While many have already served with distinction as interim directors, those who have not done so are specially prepared by IMS for their responsibilities. All interim directors are provided with substantial information about the institution before commencing their positions. We offer a ready register of highly experienced and able directors, a register with continual additions and replenishment. Transition Services Interim Museum Services helps provide stability to a museum by advising and guiding the board and staff during the period of transition. When a museum decides not to hire a professional interim director, IMS can coach the museum through the search process to maintain the momentum for the museum and lay the groundwork for the new executive director. Our consultants provide guidance through the complex process of assessing the strengths, weaknesses and needs of the institution. IMS can assist in defining necessary leadership qualities for the next Executive Director, in order to meet the institutional needs. If a museum board decides to do the search in-house, IMS can coach the museum through the search process. Interim Museum Services will work with the board and staff to develop the plans and budget for the transition and beyond, develop programmatic strategies, and will prepare the new executive director, once hired, for the immediate challenges. IMS can lay out the post-hiring phase so that the director can be integrated into the organization and community and can become effective from the starting day. If your museum might benefit from Interim Museum Services, please review Clients.