Dive Brief:
- A recent poll of leaders in the non-profit sector reveals the biggest concerns for 2017 — including retention of skilled non-profit talent and implementing new technology. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) reports that chief in mind is the inability to plan too far into the future.
- Multiple organizations mentioned that they were worried about their ability to attract and retain non-profit talent. Factors contributing to this include the rapid rate of Baby Boomers retiring from agencies, combined with middle management shortcomings.
- Another big concern in the non-profit sector is the need for better technology and skilled employees to manage these problems. The AFP says it has been difficult for most non-profits to adjust to new ways of managing donors and other administrative tasks.
Dive Insight:
The challenges faced by non-profits are not unlike those faced by for-profit, private organizations. Nearly every industry is short on talent due to high attrition rates and baby boomer retirement.
Candidates who have the right skills and background to improve non-profit tech policy and processes will be mostly likely to succeed in what is generally a difficult career path. Organizations can and should offset their teams with sharp candidates who are able to prove their worth.
But use care — not all general business skills translate well to non-profits. Interventional training for new hires can verify whether learning is taking place according to current standards.
