Wanted: 24,000 New Nonprofit Leaders

by Rosetta Thurman · 2009-09-08 10:37:00 UTC
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Despite the gloom and doom nature of nonprofit work in the recession, there are still many bright spots for young nonprofit workers who wish to pursue a career in social change. The Bridgespan Group's recent report, Finding Leaders for America's Nonprofits shows that nonprofits are still hiring in this economic downturn.

According to the Bridgespan Group:

In the next 12 months, 28 percent of nonprofit organizations with revenues of $1 million and above plan to make one or more senior management hires, translating to 24,000 vacancies in 2009. Those projected vacancies are largely the result of retirement, since much of the existing leadership is comprised of boomers. Vacancies also stem from new roles being created due to an increase in organizational complexity based on growth in prior years.

Bridgespan also answers two important questions for first-time job seekers or those looking to move to the next level in their career.

What kinds of organizations will need the most workers?

According to Bridgespan, the need for new nonprofit leaders is especially strong in two areas: human services and arts organizations.

Which skills are the most sought-after in these positions?

Bridgespan's survey respondents reported that 50 to 75 percent of the roles they will need to fill in the near future look to require traditional business skills (finance, general management, marketing/communications, planning, evaluation, operations, technology, and human resources).

What this new report tells us is that no matter what the financial outlook may be, great organizations still need great people with talent and passion. Will YOU be one of them?

Photo credit: The Daily Voice

Rosetta Thurman
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