Appointing A Leader For Your Website Redesign Project

Lisa Hirst Carnes | December 2023

When beginning a redesign for an organization, we ask them to appoint one contact person or leader.

As an agency that works with nonprofits, the expression “too many cooks in the kitchen” often rings true. Already complicated projects get even more challenging when too many stakeholders weigh in.

How do you keep this from happening?

To ensure a successful redesign, choose one leader to manage the project.

For many organizations, choosing a leader can feel like “going against the grain.” We understand that most nonprofits collaborate on most decisions. But, having one leader creates efficiencies and produces a better outcome.

Before choosing a leader to manage your project, let’s look at the benefits of doing so.

Benefits of Appointing a Client-Side Leader:

One Leader Creates Alignment and Accountability

When it comes to redesigns, having one leader ensures alignment, accountability, and clarity. This person oversees the entire project and ensures everyone is on the same page. This also helps avoid conflicts and delays from decision-makers.

A Leader Can Synthesize Board Members’ Input

While having a leader is crucial, it doesn’t mean that decision-making is exclusive or top-down. Board members can still provide valuable input and insights. Some board members may have a strong understanding of the target audience. Involving board members ensures that the website redesign reflects the organization’s mission. The key is that the leader takes this input and synthesizes it into a coherent vision.

Transparency and Communication are Key

To ensure that board members feel heard, it’s essential to have transparent communication. The leader should provide updates and involve board members and stakeholders in decision-making. This helps build trust and reduces the chances of disagreements later on. We recommend implementing a regular communication cadence. For example, providing monthly, or weekly, updates keeps everyone in the loop.

One Leader Increases Efficiency and Effectiveness

When there’s one leader, there’s less debate and more delegation. This allows the production team to save time and stay within budget and timeline constraints.

Collaboration is Key to Success

While having a leader is critical, redesigns involve stakeholders, too. The leader should foster a culture of collaboration where everyone can contribute.

Now, how do you select the right person? 

Qualities to consider when choosing a leader

Organizational Knowledge

It’s important that the leader selected knows the nonprofit and can answer questions such as: who is the audience? Why do they exist? What’s their primary purpose?

Digital Marketing and Web Design Experience

If possible, the chosen individual should have a marketing or web design background. They should understand the principles of effective website design, and user experience. Bonus- if the person has been through a website redesign before.

Knowledge of the Nonprofit Sector

Familiarity with the nonprofit sector is valuable. They should understand the unique challenges, goals, and audiences that nonprofits often face.

Leadership and Project Management Skills

Effective leadership and project management skills are essential. This person will need to coordinate the team and ensure that the project stays on track.

Good Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are vital for liaising with a digital agency. They should be able to translate technical concepts into understandable terms for stakeholders.

Budget Management Experience

Managing budgets and allocating resources efficiently is essential, as website redesign projects often involve financial considerations.

A Collaborative Mindset

Collaboration is critical in nonprofit organizations. The leader should be able to work with team members, including designers, developers, and stakeholders.

Good Strategic Thinking

The leader should have a strategic mindset, understanding how the redesign fits the mission. They should be able to align the project with the organization’s priorities.

Technical Proficiency

While they don’t need to be a technical expert, some technical proficiency can be beneficial. This knowledge can help them understand the capabilities and limitations of web technologies and communicate effectively with the digital agency.

Vendor Management Skills

Vendor management skills are essential if the organization works with a digital agency. This includes selecting an agency, negotiating contracts, and ensuring it delivers on its promises.

We realize that it can be hard to find a leader with all these attributes. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Ultimately, the leader should be a strategic thinker who can balance the technical aspects with the organization’s mission. They should be capable of managing the project from start to finish, ensuring that it aligns with the nonprofit’s objectives.