Did you know that nonprofits employ 10% of the national workforce? Nonprofits are doing good in a world of uncertainty. With a recent rise in people prioritizing work/life balance and feeling good about what they do for a living, the nonprofit sector has a unique opportunity to shine brighter than ever.
Hiring always has its standard challenges – a lack of quality candidates, a very competitive job market, time restraints – just to name a few. Hiring for a nonprofit involves all of these typical challenges as well.
One of nonprofit organizations’ biggest challenges in hiring can be appealing to candidates in creative ways other than salary. Not all nonprofits pay less, but if a nonprofit has a leaner budget and a lower salary range, they can appeal to ones’ mission driven values as a way to offset lower compensation. Highlighting the unique advantages of working for a nonprofit is the best way to attract top talent.
Talent attraction is largely influenced by the way a position is described, both in online job postings as well as in-person interviews. For that reason, leaders should be intentional about the way they craft job descriptions. Here are some of the top selling points for working at a nonprofit that you can use to promote your openings.
Making a Meaningful Impact
It goes without saying that the most compelling aspect of working for a nonprofit is the positive impact it allows you to have on the world. Few jobs give a stronger sense of purpose than mission-driven, nonprofit based roles. Since this passion for purpose is likely one of the leading traits driving applicants to your organization, be sure to keep your mission statement front and center. Demonstrate the tangible ways in which applicants’ contributions will further advance the impact of your organization, and show what kind of strides your team has made already. Be concrete in your examples and direct with your goals.
Wearing Many Hats
One of the perks of working for a nonprofit is the high-paced learning environment and the ample opportunities for growth that come with it. Your organization’s openings can provide a unique opportunity for candidates to develop new skills, become more resourceful, and advance their careers. Nonprofits are an exciting place to work for individuals who enjoy productive challenges and seek self-development. When describing the responsibilities of the job, be clear about the versatility of the role, but also be careful not to make it sound like candidates will be doing more than they signed up for.
Strong Culture & Community
It typically takes a certain sense of purpose to work at a nonprofit, so this entry filter helps curate a like-minded yet diverse group with a strong sense of community. Studies show that job seekers rank workplace culture as an important factor when considering opportunities. Furthermore, evidence suggests that having a friend at work is strongly linked to employee happiness, engagement, retention, and business profitability. Therefore, promoting your company culture and community is an effective way to appeal to candidates.
Here at P3Hired we have worked with many nonprofits to fill a diverse range of roles. We have been deeply involved with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) all over D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. These groups require expertise in urban planning and economic development to revitalize neighborhoods that have been hit very hard, especially post-covid. We’ve filled roles pertaining to Economic Development, Urban Planning, Events, Marketing, and Communications.
We’ve also worked with many social services nonprofits, addressing homelessness and providing necessities for families in need. For instance, we recently led a search with the Greater D.C. Diaper Bank that focused on Development and Fundraising.
Two other foundations we’re working with now are in the healthcare industry, driven by very specific missions. Some examples of the positions we’ve filled for these organizations include a Senior Director of Operations role as well as a Media Manager.
If you’re a nonprofit looking for recruiting support, please reach out to us. At P3Hired, we’re passionate about working with nonprofit organizations to make the world a better place. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.
P3Hired’s Non-Profit Clients Include
