Staffing at nonprofits can be a challenge

August 29, 2013

While volunteers, donors and board members can make big contributions to a nonprofit, it is the day-to-day staff that is the real reason why many organizations are able to support their mission. Having poor hiring processes can make it difficult for nonprofits to recruit the most skilled workers and grow their operations. One issue that can be a deciding factor in whether top talent decides to work is salary, and nonprofit decision-makers have to be ready to put in a solid offer.

According to recent research from CareerBuilder, more than half of job seekers will negotiate salaries when they receive an initial job offer, while workers older than 35 years old are most likely to present a counteroffer when discussing employment within an organization.

Nonprofits should have competitive compensation
Some employees will be willing to give nonprofits a slight break on salary because they support the cause of the organization. But, nonetheless, it's important for nonprofits to offer salaries that are in line with other organizations. One-third of employers are currently basing pay off the insights collected by looking at postings from other entities, while 48 percent will simply discuss salaries with potential employees during the first job interview.

"Forty-nine percent of hiring managers surveyed said job candidates have refused offers due to salary," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. "It's critical that recruiters and hiring managers are armed with up-to-date compensation data. If you offer premium talent below market rates, it can be very difficult to fill vacant positions."

Create a streamlined hiring process
Salaries are just one aspect of recruitment that can be difficult for hiring managers at nonprofits. Before any hiring takes place, organizations should have a set process. Here are some tips from The Bridgespan Group on how nonprofits can create a plan for hiring employees:

Decide on the interview process: Nonprofits that are adding top-level staff members may want to have candidates meet with the board of directors before offering them the position. However, entry-level team members may only have to meet with their managers before getting hired.
Make sure new hires can support the mission: Working at a nonprofit is slightly different than seeking employment at a regular business. Hiring managers must ensure candidates understand the unique cause of the organization.
Always remember to stay flexible: Nonprofits are usually thinly staffed, and employees are often moved around to supplement others. Keeping this in mind can make it easier to decide on the right staff members.

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WI Council of Religious & Independent Schools (WCRIS), Madison, WI

First Nonprofit has been a great partner. They have helped us saved hundreds of thousands of dollars! They have awesome resources for our nonprofit organization. Thanks for the partnership.

Community Care Inc., Milwaukee, WI

Life is certainly busy these days but having business partners like First Nonprofit has made some of the process hassle free. We have worked with this team for years. When we changed payroll systems, they outlined every step. I think this team is terrific and I know they get the job done! Thank you, Cruz, to all the team at FNP.

Gulfside Healthcare Services, New Port Richey, FL

FNP has helped our agency to save thousands of dollars every year on our unemployment coverage. The service is phenomenal, and we are thankful to their team as our partner. My experience working with Marshall on the advocacy around UE for nonprofits was also a highlight as someone who teaches advocacy and lobbying for nonprofits. Really, your whole team is top shelf, so thank YOU!

Advancing Academics, Turtle Creek, PA

Chicago Children’s Theatre has greatly benefited from our partnership with First Nonprofit, and I have always enjoyed working with the staff on our filings and any complicated questions. I would not hesitate to recommend First Nonprofit to fellow nonprofits. We’re very happy customers.

Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago, IL

FNP is a great resource for Daniel Kids. To have a TPA that we can count on to take point on not only managing our unemployment claims, but to support and guide any protest hearing, is invaluable. All the professional support staff we have worked with have been excellent, very knowledgeable and responsive. We are grateful for the help and support, thank you.

Daniel Kids, Jacksonville, FL

When I first began in my position at my organization, I hadn’t had experience working with a company like FNP. The staff was so patient and helpful in helping to explain the benefits of First Nonprofit. Anytime I reach out with a question I receive a quick, clear, and thorough response. I’m so thankful that we decided to partner with FNP. Their excellence in customer service, coupled with their variety of packages frees us up to truly serve our staff and community with a peace of mind knowing that our organization is protected against unanticipated unemployment insurance expenses.

Homes of Hope, Chicago, IL

First Nonprofit gets an A+ in my book. You are so easy to work with & very knowledgeable! Whether it is my quarterly correspondence with Kim or my random interactions with Dawn about a bond … I am so pleased that I get to work with such a helpful company. Thank you!

Staffing at nonprofits can be a challenge