Nonprofit Management And Staffing
Discover the art of strategic management and effective staffing in our collection of training video courses–dedicated to the unique needs of nonprofits and NGO’s. Dive into crucial facets of successful executive leadership, exploring everything from team building and volunteer coordination to performance management and conflict resolution. These array of lessons, from Top Nonprofit Sector Experts, illuminate the complexities of managing a nonprofit, offering you actionable insights and practical tactics to elevate your organization. You’ll find ways to assemble a passionate team, who shares your mission, with in-depth guidance on cultivating a positive work culture, fostering employee engagement, and keeping your staff motivated, regardless of the challenges that arise.
Dana Scurlock, the Director of Recruitment from Staffing Boutique, discusses the 5 key questions to ask potential job candidates. She describes the need to go beyond surface-level questions and dive into more meaningful inquiries, asking these questions in a way that reflects the organization's culture and values, to find the right fit for your organization.
The first question discussed was about work-life balance. Dana highlights how this has become a critical topic in recent years, with candidates expecting employers to offer a balance between their personal and professional lives. She suggests organizations ask candidates how they define work-life balance and explore what it means to them personally, considering their unique circumstances and needs.
The second question centers on self-care and how candidates manage their own well-being. Dana emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for candidates to discuss their self-care needs and suggests that organizations should consider implementing self-care measures for their current employees.
The third question investigates the candidate's tenure at previous positions. Dana notes that while long tenure at one organization used to be preferred, the current job market has led to shorter job durations. She advises NPO’s to ask candidates about their reasons for leaving previous positions and look for patterns on their resumes.
The fourth question focuses on the support candidates need to excel at their jobs. Dana stresses the importance of candidates feeling that the organization is committed to providing them with the necessary tools and support for success. She suggests organizations tailor this question to fit their specific needs and position requirements.
The final question is about candidates' career goals for the next five years. Dana points out that this question can help organizations understand whether the candidate's goals align with the organization's mission and whether they are committed to the long-term success of the organization. She also suggested giving candidates time to think about their answers to provide more thoughtful responses.
From donor’s worries to board tech failures, Julia Patrick and guest host Muhi Khwaja CFRE from Fundraising Academy, tackle a range of questions that shed light on unusual issues nonprofits face:
Bridging the Technology Gap: The conversation began with a common dilemma – older board members struggling with meeting technology. Muhi Khwaja suggests a hands-on approach, emphasizing the importance of patiently guiding members through the tech landscape. The key takeaway: making the user experience easier is vital for technology adoption.
Navigating Donor’s Alarming Declaration: The pair offer guidance on handling concerns about donors whose values may not align with the nonprofit's mission. Their approach involves thanking concerned donors for their input, investigating the issues raised, and making decisions consistent with the organization's core principles. A very interesting situation. . . .
Expressing Board Service Requirements: The hosts addressed a question about enforcing board service requirements. Their advice emphasizes the need for clear agreements, proactive communication, and the role of board liaisons in tracking and managing these requirements effectively.
Building Confidence in Fundraising: Asked by a viewer about his confidence as a fundraiser, Muhi shares his personal journey. He credited mentors, role models, and a variety of experiences as contributing factors. His key message was the importance of continuous learning and seeking guidance throughout one's career.
The shortage of accountants in the nonprofit sector is discussed with Jerilyn Dressler, Director of Strategic Partnerships at YPTC.com (Your Part-Time Controller). Jerilyn highlighted the challenges nonprofits face in hiring and retaining accounting professionals, especially those with CPA (Certified Public Accountant) qualifications. She pointed out that many CPAs are nearing retirement age, and there's a shortage of students majoring in accounting.
The conversation covers the differences between accountants and CPAs, with Jerilyn explaining that while CPAs handle annual financial statements, audits, and regulatory filings, accountants work with organizations throughout the year. She stressed the importance of having professionals with nonprofit-specific expertise, as nonprofit accounting involves unique rules and regulations not found in for profit accounting.
Jerilyn also shared statistics from the American Institute of CPAs, indicating that 75% of CPAs reached retirement age in 2020, contributing to the shortage. Additionally, she discussed efforts to attract younger talent to the accounting profession by highlighting the potential for technological advancements and AI adoption in accounting roles.
The conversation emphasizes the critical role of finance and accounting teams in nonprofit organizations, as they are involved in every aspect and decision-making process. Jerilyn encourages NPO’s to bridge communication gaps between departments and leverage their tech to streamline processes and attract and retain accounting talent.
This quick episode ended with Jerilyn sharing her personal journey into accounting, highlighting the versatility of an accounting career, suggesting it’s an attractive option for those considering a career change or just entering college.
Angela D. Barnes, MBA, CFRE, the interim vice chancellor at Indiana University East, discusses cost-benefit analysis, highlighting the need for nonprofits to modernize their blueprints and adapt to the changing landscape by leveraging data and tech. This insightful episode offers a fresh perspective on time management and cost-benefit analysis within NPO’s, encouraging transparency and data-driven decision-making.
Angela emphasizes the importance of analyzing how individuals and teams spend their time. She suggests starting by listing tasks, categorizing them, and recording the hours spent on each. This exercise helps identify where time is being invested and whether it aligns with the organization's goals.
The lively conversation jumps into how data can reshape decision-making within nonprofits. Angela shares a powerful example of an employee who discovered they were dedicating an excessive amount of time to an event that contributed insignificantly to their fundraising goals. Armed with data, this employee was able to advocate for change within the organization.
Angela provides practical advice on creating a task assessment spreadsheet, including columns for tasks, categories, hours spent, and recommended hours, which can help individuals and teams evaluate their work and pinpoint areas for improvement.
The episode touches on the benefits of automation, simplification, and integration in streamlining tasks and achieving greater efficiency. Angela suggests that organizations should consider conducting these assessments regularly and even provide data insights to new team members to help them navigate their roles effectively.
This lively conversation provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of nonprofit accounting and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Andi Fanelli McGunnigle is the Vertical Specialization Director at YPTC.com, where they assemble specialized teams to support over 1,400 nonprofits in 30 sectors. This Nonprofit Power Week episode begins with an intro to remote accounting and its impact on safety and security. Andi highlights the advantages of remote accounting, such as reduced physical vulnerabilities and secure digital tools like bill.com.
The conversation moves on to innovations in accounting, with Andi dispelling the notion that accounting hasn't evolved. She emphasizes the role of technology in enhancing transactional work and providing transformational insights, and how nonprofits are increasingly embracing technology to improve their financial processes and data visualization, making information more accessible and user-friendly.
Next, they explore the costs associated with remote accounting and discuss different models, from fully remote to hybrid approaches. Andi explains that cost-effectiveness depends on the setup and level of personalization. They also touch on the importance of flexibility in staffing and how hybrid models allow for more client interaction, fostering better relationships.
This is an informative episode for nonprofits evaluating their accounting needs and wants. It concludes with a brief discussion on how remote accounting firms can effectively communicate with nonprofit boards. Andi suggests that having a knowledgeable representative from the accounting and finance department present at board meetings, either virtually or in person, can address detailed questions and ensure fiscal responsibility and highlight the importance to the board members understanding their fiduciary responsibility and ensuring they are aware of their role in financial oversight.
On this Nonprofit Power Week episode, we have Teresa Henderson, the Association Specialization Leader at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). Teresa discusses the unique challenges and innovations focusing on associations.
Associations play a crucial role in bringing people together and supporting various professional groups. They use technology, such as association management software, to manage membership, events, and other aspects of their operation efficiently.
Teresa emphasizes that associations are adapting to changing times by combining in-person and remote activities. They are also looking to engage younger members and expand their reach, considering the regional and cultural differences in their approach.
To find the right association for your nonprofit, Teresa suggests looking for associations that align with your needs and values, and most importantly, assess their value proposition before joining.
Don't forget to visit yptc.com for more resources !
Jarrett Ransom welcomes guest co-host LaShonda Williams CFRE, a trainer at Fundraising Academy, and they share insights in response to questions from viewers and listeners.
The first question involves the idea of department heads attending board meetings to foster relationships and communication between the staff and the board. LaShonda and Jarrett emphasize the importance of this practice, highlighting the benefits of building relationships and the need for direct connections between fundraising staff and board members.
Next, they address the question of organizing a community walk with multiple organizations involved. LaShonda recommends assessing the need and involving all stakeholders in the planning process while managing expectations regarding participation percentages.
The discussion then turns to email communication frequency, where they stress the importance of data analysis, segmenting the audience, and respecting individual preferences for communication frequency. They encourage the use of smart goals and segmentation to tailor communications effectively.
Finally, they discuss the idea of hosting monthly all-staff lunches on-site to build camaraderie, especially in organizations that offer remote work options. LaShonda advises considering the geographical locations of employees and budget constraints while aiming for quarterly in-person meetings to strengthen team cohesion.
Join us for an insightful interview with Chris Bavolack, Director of Finance and Operations at Chazin and Company, as he shares invaluable guidance for new nonprofit startups. We explore key issues, including wise resource utilization, informed decision-making, compliance, transparency, and more. Learn how to build a solid financial foundation for your nonprofit and understand essential aspects like tracking revenue, transactions, and the importance of tax returns (Form 990). This is a 'Don't miss' informative discussion for anyone embarking on a nonprofit journey or seeking to enhance their organization's financial management.
Nonprofit staffing expert and CEO, Katie Warnock, reveals six non-cash perks nonprofits can offer their teams to boost morale, confidence and commitment. Too often, salaries become the focus and measure of success for employees. There are other options leadership can use as alternates--which sometimes yield far more than what a salary boost will do. These involve transparency, understanding the value of time, the individuality of team members, plus a dose of creativity. Retaining a dynamic staff requires dynamic thinking. With these ideas from Katie of StaffingBoutique.org, you'll likely spark even more new and fresh ways to keep everyone at the winning level!
Superstar nonprofit trainer, Meredith Terrian, from Fundrasing Academy, helps answer questions from nonprofits about tracking fundraising team members, how to handle donors who wish to remain anonymous, tips on setting personal fundraising goals, and ways that professional fundraisers handle those lunches with donors! With co-host Julia Patrick, the two shine a light on these practical day-to-day issues that NGO's and nonprofit personnel sometimes struggle with. Enjoy their wisdom!
Enjoy this insightful discussion on the dynamic interplay between nonprofits and social enterprises. Our experts explore the potential of collaboration to drive positive change. Host Julia Patrick engages with Jessica Sato, a consultant focused on the realm of social impact and business integration. Discover the keys to successful partnerships, how nonprofits and social enterprises can leverage each other's strengths, and the art of balancing purpose and profit. You’ll gain practical insights on initiating conversations, finding the right fit, and fostering impactful collaborations that amplify your collective missions, helping you to create innovative partnerships that empower change-makers and transform communities.
It's exciting to have Geng Wang, the CEO of Civic Champs, join us to discuss the intersection of technology and volunteer management within the nonprofit sector. With a focus on making volunteer engagement more efficient and impactful, Geng sheds light on the diverse types of volunteers, ranging from board members to skilled contributors, and emphasizes the need to create emotionally impactful moments for volunteers. As the conversation shifts into the potential of technology, Geng explores the role of AI, the power of feedback loops, and the concept of volunteer portals. The conversation also uncovers the fascinating dynamics between different generations of volunteers and addresses the importance of leveraging technology to bridge these gaps. Watch and discover how nonprofits can effectively use technology to enhance volunteer engagement and create a more meaningful and cohesive volunteer community. For more insights visit CivicChamps.com.
Co-host Julia Patrick and Guest Host Muhi Khwaja, a trainer from the Fundraising Academy at National University, cover topics of anonymous resumes, candidate tenure, board giving policies, and employee fundraising campaigns. Muhi provides valuable insights and advice on these issues, emphasizing the importance of fairness, inclusivity, and effective communication in nonprofit practices.
Anonymized Resumes: The hosts discuss a situation where a job candidate submitted a resume without their last name to reduce potential bias. Muhi suggests that this practice reflects current political and social climates, then recommends focusing on a blind screening process based on skills, expertise, and experience, leaving personal details for later stages.
Candidate Tenure: The hosts address how many years a candidate should serve in their previous position before joining a nonprofit development team. Muhi emphasizes that while tenure is a factor, it's not the only indicator of success. Metrics like fundraising achievements, engagement, and retention matter more than just years served.
Board Give or Get Policy: The hosts discuss the implementation of a board give or get policy. They suggest that it should be a standard practice, encouraging board members to make meaningful gifts based on their capacity. The importance of personal and corporate contributions is highlighted, and the role of development leads and board committees in administrating this policy is discussed.
Employee Fundraising Campaigns: The hosts address concerns about implementing an employee fundraising campaign in a nonprofit with hourly employees. They discuss the potential for pay equity issues and suggest that the campaign's focus should be on 100% participation rather than specific amounts, which could make it more meaningful for everyone.
You'll love watching and learning from this inspiring and enlightening conversation on the power of social connections and discourse within the nonprofit sector. In this captivating interview, our co-hosts sit down with Jared Seide, the Executive Director of the Center for Council, a transformative organization dedicated to building communities through authentic communication and compassionate engagement.
Amidst the frenetic pace of the nonprofit world, Jared Seide shares his profound insights on the importance of finding common ground, fostering a sense of belonging, and addressing the pervasive epidemic of loneliness and isolation. He also offers a glimpse into the core of his organization's mission, which involves teaching individuals, organizations, and communities to establish structures of connection through the practice of Council.
Jared's perspective transcends borders, as he highlights how Center for Council's impact spans from Los Angeles to Rwanda and Bosnia Herzegovina, connecting diverse communities across the globe. He emphasizes the pivotal role that vulnerability and shared experience play in creating trust, empathy, and collaboration, both within teams and across generational divides.
As we navigate the challenges of an increasingly polarized world, Jared Seide offers a profound message of unity, highlighting the ways in which Council fosters a safe space for authentic conversation and the discovery of shared values. By exploring the deep-rooted impact of loneliness on mental and physical health, he reveals the urgency of reclaiming genuine connections to enhance well-being.
Throughout this interview, Jared Seide's insights resonate as a beacon of hope for nonprofit organizations seeking to transform their communities through meaningful dialogue, compassion, and the unifying force of shared purpose. Join us in this enlightening conversation that empowers nonprofit leaders and changemakers to embrace vulnerability, build bridges, and create a world where social connections flourish.
In this interview, our co-hosts welcome Lotus Kaplan, the Chief Development Officer of FamilyPromiseAZ.org, to discuss the concept of community-based program models in the context of addressing homelessness. Family Promise is a national organization with a mission to help families without shelter find sustainable housing and end the cycle of generational homelessness. Lotus shares her experience and insights about the community-based model, emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and flexibility. She explains that community-based programs involve active engagement and ownership from various partners, including organizations, volunteers, and churches. The model aims to create a sense of belonging and hope for families in need, focusing on finding intersections between different organizations' missions to work together towards a common goal. Lotus also discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to adapt and modify the model to better suit changing circumstances. The interview underscores the value of collaboration, the significance of celebrating both successes and failures, and the power of partnerships in addressing the complex issue of homelessness on a national scale. For more insights, visit the Family Promise website at familypromiseaz.org.
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