So You Want To Be A Nonprofit Leader?

The ideal position for those looking for nonprofit jobs is in leadership. Whether it's a CEO or an executive director, experienced job seekers clamor for these types of jobs. They aren't the only ones.

Nonprofits are always trying to come up with ways to develop new leaders, whether for growth or to prepare for key departures. Yet, according to a recent study by the Bridgespan Group, many organizations admit that they fall short when it comes to undertaking a systematic approach to doing so.

The Bridgespan study's results, which will be highlighted in greater detail in an upcoming edition of our Weekly eNewsletter, offer some insight for job seekers who are interested in the current way that organizations look for new leaders. Some of the more noteworthy results include:

• Leadership vacancies are usually filled by external candidates. Only 25 percent of respondents said they used internal candidates.
• Leaders are engaged but struggle to act. Only 36 percent say leaders are held accountable for leadership development and only 38 percent engage their boards in the process.
• Future needs are not well understood. Fewer than 30 percent say they have plans to address leadership gaps and only 37 percent have successions plans.

Stay tuned for our upcoming newsletter for more results from this survey. You can sign up for free via our website.