Nonprofits - The Need for New Leaders

Posted by Fundraising Pro on May 18, 2009

 Here’s some good news. Despite the waves of layoffs washing over the world, a new study to be released this week predicts that at least 24,000 senior-level nonprofit organization jobs will be available this year. 

 About 28% of nonprofit organizations said they intended to make these types of hires in 2009. But 60 % of nonprofit leaders predict that they will have a hard time finding qualified candidates to fill those jobs.

 Even with diminished budgets, nonprofit organizations need to get done what they need to get done if they are to continue to exist. And as monies are poured into charities from the federal economic stimulus package, growing organizations will need to add top managers.

 Compensation tends to be a sticking point in the nonprofit world. But that may be changing. Nonprofits are becoming more sophisticated in the total package they offer candidates. Many realize that it does not pay to pinch pennies in this area. Turnover ends up costing organizations more if they don’t have competitive salaries.

 To fill the many senior-level jobs that will open up in this and subsequent years, nonprofit recruiters need to cast their nets wide. They will need to tap into a diverse talent pool. But it is important to make sure that potential hires are committed to your charitable cause, not just seeking shelter in a rocky job market.

 Remember to introduce new staff at your nonprofit to the wonderful potential offered by selling the Samaritan Card. It’s a wallet-sized card that gives your donors discounts on products they really use.