Nonprofits Seek to Fill 24,000 Leadership Roles in Downturn

In response to a question about why networking nonetheless remained a top recruitment strategy, and underscoring the weight put on cultural fit, one respondent, said:

“Networking and word-of-mouth are generally more effective at making a [cultural] match because potential candidates really need to know more about the organizations they are interested in or who are interested in them. There are so many varieties of nonprofit cultures, that the most appropriate information cannot just be acquired from a website or a job posting.”

Summarizing the survey findings Simms said, “The strong perception of the challenges associated with meeting the leadership need stands out across the board. Although the compensation issue surfaced as expected, the perception that there is a dearth of qualified candidates, especially given the current economic climate, is most notable. This is compounded by lack of resources, in many instances, to invest in leadership development within organizations.

“Function-specific experience is and ought to be the key qualification. However, we found indications of an insular approach to recruiting in some quarters of the nonprofit sector that may throw up unnecessary hurdles. That said, ‘bridging’ is occurring across most nonprofit domains, and the opportunity to educate and facilitate in the midst of this transitional period for nonprofits is considerable.”

To arrange an interview with David Simms or Wayne Luke, or to receive a copy of the Bridgespan 2009 study Finding Leaders for America’s Nonprofits, please contact Jennifer Sauvé, Jennifer.Sauve@bridgespan.org, 617-572-2833.

To arrange an interview with Tim McClimon or learn more about the American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy, please contact Leslie Berland, leslie.a.berland@aexp.com, 212-640-5142.

About The Bridgespan Group
Founded in 2000 and incubated at Bain & Company, the Bridgespan Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to make strategic decisions and to build organizations that inspire and accelerate social change. At the heart of our mission is the belief that a strong and effective nonprofit sector can be a powerful force for change as well as a source of human inspiration.