Nonprofit job-seekers identify obstacles

April 2, 2008

Most people looking for nonprofit jobs say urgent changes are needed in the sector's recruitment, employment and professional-development practices, a new report says.

Specifically, nonprofits need to rework their recruiting, employment and professional-development policies "immediately," say three-quarters of respondents to a survey by Commongood Careers, a nonprofit search firm.

For most, nonprofit work is an identity, not just a job, the survey says, with mission and cultural fit listed as the most important factor for more than eight in 10 jobseekers.

Most hope for a long-term career in the sector, with almost two in three respondents planning to work for nonprofits for at least 10 years, the report says, but many cite salary levels and work-life balance as concerns.

And while more than eight in 10 say they aim for executive-level positions, many also cite fears of stagnation due to a perceived lack of career ladders, mentors and professional-development opportunities.

"The Voice of Nonprofit Talent in 2008" is based on a survey of the career motivations and concerns of 1,750 nonprofit jobseekers.

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