by Josh Jacobson
As I wrote in The Biscuit earlier this year, the once robust pipeline of professionals seeking roles in our area nonprofit organizations has slowed considerably.
When I arrived to Charlotte in 2008, there were few job openings – organizations were weathering the downturn and temporary hiring freezes were common. By 2011, a form of nonprofit musical chairs commenced as people looked for an organization in better shape than their own. But what they found was that the grass was not necessarily greener elsewhere. Those that did make the leap were sometimes let down to learn that they had joined an organization in an even more precarious position than the nonprofit they had just left.
Ever since, it feels like Charlotte’s strongest nonprofit talent is a bit gun shy, unwilling to leave their current role for an uncertain future with an organization that may only look good on paper. Tenures have tended to be longer for those who are waiting for the right opportunity.
Against the backdrop of these entrenched professionals, more emerging nonprofits have matured their business models, adding their first paid staff roles. So not only is there a slowing pipeline of talent, there are also more roles that need filled than ever before.
The result? Jobs boards alone just aren’t getting it done , folks. The hunt for nonprofit talent is all about relational marketing and to do it right requires an investment of time. There are no shortcuts.
This is one of the strategic advantages of using a search firm like Next Stage. Our relationships with the top organizational leaders at the CEO and CDO level means being able to cut through and connect with professionals who would add tremendous value to your organization. We are a trusted resource who cares as much about the professionals who fuel our sector as we do for the nonprofits that partner with us on search. Being an honest broker helps us allay concerns and build interest from those who are not necessarily in the market to make a change.
Want to learn more? Reach out and let’s talk: search@nextstage-consulting.com