How Smart Hiring Can Strengthen Your Nonprofit’s Resilience

Nearly 10% of employed Americans work at nonprofits, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For those millions of workers and thousands of organizations, many have long relied on government and foundation grants to get the job done. However, as the financial landscape of philanthropy shifts, the sector needs a new strategy to build resilient organizations: a nonprofit hiring strategy that strengthens long-term sustainability.

Historically, government grants have provided a large portion of nonprofit funding in the U.S. In 2021 alone, more than 100,000 public charities received $267 billion in government grants. As a result, it’s estimated that at least 30% of nonprofits relied on those grants.

By strategically hiring the right people — and creating an environment where they can succeed — nonprofits can move beyond the grant-to-grant cycle and build a financial model that is both resilient and sustainable. It’s an investment in people that ultimately secures the future of the organization's mission.

To move beyond grants and tap into new revenue streams, nonprofits must invest in the people who can make that happen. Hiring professionals who can build a multifaceted financial model — and diversifying staff to match — can help diversify funding sources. 

Whether an organization needs a corporate development officer or a fundraising strategist, hiring the right mix of these professionals is crucial. The key is determining which type of fundraising makes the most sense for your nonprofit’s mission, size and donor base, and then finding the right talent to get it done.

Map Out Your Hiring Strategy

Hiring is a significant investment for any business — especially nonprofits. To get it right, leaders must adopt a strategic and realistic approach. This process starts long before a job posting goes live.

Before you hire, know what you need, what you want and what you absolutely do not. Create both an ideal and a realistic candidate profile. Remember: It’s hard to find a unicorn because unicorns don’t exist. Stay flexible when hiring for a new role, but stick to your roadmap to ensure you’re meeting your true needs.

Here are seven steps to follow.

1. Define the process. Before interviews begin, determine what your hiring process will look like — from how many people must approve a new hire to the pace of onboarding. 
2. Craft your pitch. Top talent wants to work for a compelling cause. Your organization should have a clear, passionate pitch that explains your mission, demonstrates your impact and shows why donors’ dollars make a real difference
3. Get curious. Ask questions about a candidate’s fundraising success that help you assess their potential to advance your goals — and give you the clarity to make a confident decision on your new hire.
4. Know your target donor. The right hire should have a proven track record of raising money from your organization’s specific target audience.
5. Set realistic expectations. Be transparent about what you can offer in terms of salary and benefits. Underpaying a key hire is a surefire way to lose them — whether to a for-profit company or another nonprofit.
6. Get on board with onboarding. Have your onboarding plan ready before making the hire to help determine if they’re capable in the role. Will they fly solo or engage regularly with a team?
7. Define the work environment. Decide whether the role needs to be in-person, hybrid or remote. These answers can significantly expand or limit your talent pool.

Retain Top Talent

Once you've identified the right candidate, the work is far from over. Because hiring is an investment, retention is essential to building a financially resilient team. Just as employers need a clear roadmap to hire successfully, employees need a roadmap to work successfully.

Purpose motivates top talent, especially in the nonprofit sector, so your mission is your most powerful recruiting and retention tool. Ensure your values and impact story shine through your recruitment efforts. People want to work for organizations making tangible differences in the world, but they also need the tools and support to do so. Invest in your investment by providing the resources, rewards and recognition that help employees thrive — and by keeping your mission front and center in the process. 

As the philanthropic world changes, nonprofits must evolve their strategies too. By investing in the right people and developing a clear nonprofit hiring strategy, organizations can build financial models that are both resilient and sustainable. Investing in your team can be a solid way to secure your mission for years to come.

The preceding content was provided by a contributor unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of NonProfit PRO.