Insights Into the Non-Profit Workforce

August 16, 2024 – Non-profits as a whole are the third largest employer in the U.S., and as a result its impact on recruiting and talent is significant. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that non-profits often struggle with a narrow talent pool and geographic limitations, making it difficult to find candidates with both the required skills and a strong commitment to the organization’s mission. Search consultants also say non-profits are appealing to work for because they offer the chance to make a meaningful impact on causes one is passionate about.

“We know that many people today are looking for roles with purpose – roles where they can have an impact and where they feel they can make a difference,” says Julio Suárez, managing director at DRiWaterstone. “There’s no better place to do that than in the non-profit and social impact or philanthropic sectors.”

“For DRiWaterstone, it’s about connecting experienced and talented candidates, who are inspired and motivated by an organization’s purpose and mission,” Mr. Suárez said. “Our clients all have objectives to meet, and they need talented people. Leaders who have the skills and the commitment to the mission – whether those were built in the for-profit or non-profit sectors – can find success in this sector. If you are a passionate, talented, purpose-driven person, there is a lot of potential and that’s attractive for leaders who want to have an impact, not just on a company, but on their community, their state, the country or even the world.”

Mr. Suárez notes that DRiWaterstone’s goal is to connect our clients with the best possible candidates for their role. “That’s going to be someone who has the experience and skills to do the job, as well as the passion and alignment to the organization’s mission,” he said. “Sometimes, that means presenting candidates who come from the non-profit sector – but we also look at candidates from the private sector. Regardless of the sector, we look for candidates who have the unique skills (both technical and personal) needed to help our clients meet and exceed their goals.”

“Our history in the fundraising and revenue generation space has provided us with an extraordinary network of development staff,” said Mr. Suárez. “Together, these networks and resources allow us find top talent from across the U.S. We use our candidate database, personal and professional networks that we’ve cultivated over that years, and cutting-edge search technologies to identify and connect with candidates that have the experience and skills that our clients need.”

Challenges Facing Non-Profits

Recruiting and retaining top talent is always on the radar for non-profit organizations, according to Mr. Suárez. “There are a lot of up-sides to working in the non-profit space, but the reality is that non-profit organizations often cannot offer the same resources and benefits as for-profit organizations,” he said. “That means that finding top talent who are both connected to an organization’s purpose and mission and excited about driving that mission forward is always a challenge.”

Mr. Suárez also notes that fluctuations in funding and giving trends is another challenge that is influencing decision making for 2024. “For a lot of organizations, especially those that rely on federal money, there might be some uncertainty with the upcoming election and the impact the outcome could have on their funding (which impacts their ability to hire and retain the talent needed to achieve their mission),” he says. “In addition, we’ve seen in the last few Giving USA reports that there are some changes in philanthropic giving trends and preferences. That means that non-profit organizations need to continue to adapt their messages and fundraising strategies.” 

Upcoming Webinar

Next Thursday, Mr. Suárez will moderate a panel of non-profit leaders to explore key issues impacting recruitment and retention in the non-profit sector, including career pathing, succession planning, inclusion, and burnout. Gain insights from non-profit leaders and engage in discussions on solutions and best practices to enhance your organization’s workforce.

Panelists will provide actionable strategies and firsthand experiences on fostering career development within your organization, ensuring effective succession planning to maintain leadership continuity, promoting an inclusive work culture, and addressing employee burnout to sustain a motivated and productive workforce. By attending, you’ll learn practical methods to implement these solutions, enhance your organizational effectiveness, and stay ahead in the competitive non-profit sector. There will be an opportunity for audience members to put their questions to panel members and join the conversation.

“The goal of the webinar is to share experiences, identify opportunities, and discuss key issues that are impacting non-profit leaders and their recruitment, retention and development plans – including career pathing, succession planning, inclusion, and burnout,” said Mr. Suárez. “These are key issues in our sector. Our panel of experts come from very different parts of the non-profit sector, and have very different backgrounds, and so we’re looking forward to a lively discussion around the recruitment, retention and development themes – not just tips and best practices around what organizations are doing today, but also what leaders should be looking at to set their organizations up for success moving forward.”

Free registration … Click here to sign up!

The Speakers

Julio Suárez is managing director at DRiWaterstone Human Capital, an executive search firm that works with purpose and mission-driven organizations, such as foundations, non-profits, associations, and social impact businesses. He has experience in matters involving foundations, corporate and nonprofit partnerships, and corporate citizenship programs. Prior to DRiWaterstone, Mr. Suárez led the Anheuser-Busch Foundation and oversaw the company’s community impact programs in the U.S. Before that, he served as director of community affairs and diversity outreach at Darden Restaurants and its Foundation.

A recognized leader in the non-profit/association community, Lou DiGioia currently serves as COO for the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) – the trade association for movie theatres. Hired in 2022, he oversees the association’s operations, including areas such as membership, finance, information technology, human resources and program implementation. Mr. DiGioia has a long history of leadership in national non-profit organizations. Prior to joining NATO, he served as COO at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the nation’s largest non-profit dedicated to ending colon and rectal cancers. Before that, he served as the executive director of educational non-profits such as the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and the MATHCOUNTS Foundation.

Catherine Townsend is president and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall. Since 2016, she has led the organization’s vision and strategy to accomplish its mission as the leading philanthropic partner of the National Park Service to restore, enrich, and preserve the National Mall and adjacent president’s Park and White House grounds. Under her leadership, the Trust has expanded its impact through marquee restoration and sustainability projects, the creation of new educational opportunities and expanded volunteer programming to help visitors connect with the National Mall’s history. For more than 30 years, Ms. Townsend has held leadership roles and demonstrated impact through strategic partnerships, innovative fundraising and marketing programs for national and local non-profit organizations, most notably Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry, Townsend Public Affairs, and the DC Public Education Fund. She also founded and directs HoopGirls-Capitol Hill, a youth girls’ basketball and leadership program.

Attendance is free. To learn more and register to attend, click here!

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media