Create a Profile or Login NextGen Application & Other Forms (requires login)     Initiative for Nonprofit Sector Careerssm Research and Resources Initiative for Nonprofit Sector Careers > Research One of the central goals of the Initiative for Nonprofit Sector Careers is to share and promote nonprofit sector workforce research as well as identify gaps in the research.  Below are links to relevant workforce research.  This list is not exhaustive and will continue to grow.  If you would like to suggest a body of work to be linked below, please email us. Featured and Recent Resources Employee Engagement in Times of Recession  Chronicle of Philanthropy - December 2009 Coalition member Michael Watson comments on what nonprofits need to know about employee engagement in tough times. Connecticut Association of Nonprofits September 2009 The Connecticut Association of Nonprofits, due to the tireless work of Melissa Harris, has created a very robust database of resources.It is a completely electronic resource library. Impact of the Economy on the Nonprofit Workforce Research  March 2009 - Opportunity Knocks Opportunity Knocks conducted its own survey for this research to provide the nonprofit community with an understanding of how these results are impacting nonprofits and their workforce. Respondents represented all sizes of organizations ranging from under half million to 10 million plus across sub sectors including education, human services, arts, youth development, environment, healthcare and advocacy. 2009 Employment Trends Survey – Nonprofit HR Solutions March 2009 In 2009, nonprofit organizations will have fewer employees and almost no disciplined function to manage them, according to the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Employment Trends Survey. The Nonprofit HR Solutions 2009 survey reveals that 41.6 percent of nonprofits intend to create new full-time positions, down from 61.9 percent in 2008. In addition, 26.1 percen indicate that they intend to downsize or lay off staff in 2009 vs. 7.6 percent of nonprofits that planned reductions in 2008. The Forward Together Declaration: Empowering America’s Citizen Sector for the Change We Need The Johns Hopkins University Listing Post Project As concerned leaders in the nonproft, or citizen, sector, we have come together in this time of national crisis to renew our commitment to serve as partners in public service in addressing the challenges our nation faces. We invite our colleagues in the nonproft sector, in organized philanthropy, in government, in the business world, and in academia, to join us in this effort so that together we can use the present crisis as an occasion to rededicate our nation to the principles of joint responsibility and concerted action that have long been the source of our strength. Weathering the Perfect Economic Storm – National Human Services Assembly  February 2009 The National Human Services Assembly recently gathered key leaders (COO's, HR Directors, and CIO's) to discuss ways that nonprofits can withstand the economic turmoil. Special Reports on Economic Stimulus and Recovery - National Council of Nonprofits February 2009 The National Council of Nonprofits is proud to openly share this evolving series of Special Reports about our nations's economic recovery, including analysis of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (commonly referred to as the economic stimulus bill) that President Obama signed into law on February 17, 2009. Click here to read our collection of recent scholarly research, resources, articles.      Research on Workforce Diversity      Articles on Workforce Diversity      Research on Student Debt      Articles on Student Debt      Research on Nonprofit Frontline Workers      Articles on Nonprofit Frontline Workers      Research on Leadership Transition and Pipeline Issues      Articles on Leadership Transition and Pipeline Issues Scholarly Research and Resources Research on Workforce Diversity Nonprofit Governance in the United States: Findings on Performance and Accountability - June 25, 2007 Francie Ostrower, Urban Institute Nonprofit boards are increasingly a focus of those interested in greater accountability and transparency, including policymakers, media, and the public. To help inform current policy debates and initiatives to strengthen nonprofit governance, in 2005 the Urban Institute conducted the first ever national representative survey of nonprofit governance, with over 5,100 participants. This report presents survey findings, discussing: relationships between public policy and governance, factors that promote or impede boards' performance of basic stewardship responsibilities, board composition and factors associated with board diversity, and recruitment processes, including the difficulty experienced by many nonprofits in finding members. Girl Scouts of the USA: Architecture of Inclusion Diversity Brochure - May 2007 By consistently measuring diversity efforts at all levels and actively working to recruit and retain people from all segments of the population, Girl Scouts continues to secure a diverse pool of candidates who possess the talent and skills needed to achieve our mission and serve as a pipeline for future leaders. The impact Girl Scouting has on the lives of girls in this country is positively reinforced by the influx of employees whose individually diverse characteristics add strength and durability to our organization. It is our belief that a multicultural workforce, supported by an inclusive environment, drives us toward the successful fulfillment of our mission. Diversity is critical to our success because our broad-based initiatives cut across all racial, ethnic, ability, religious, socioeconomic, and geographic lines. Nonprofits Have a Spotty Record on Diversity-- February 26, 2007 Eugene Tempel & Larry Smith, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University Published in the Nonprofit Times, this poignant article addresses the dissapointing history of nonprofit organizations in promoting diversity within their workforces.  Well thought out, and increasingly relevant, their article highlights this sad history, explains the causes of the dilemma, and highlights a number of possible solutions. How Charities Can Recruit Diverse Employees - January 11, 2007 Michael Watson, Senior Vice President HR, Girl Scouts of the USA - Chronicle of Philanthropy As nonprofit organizations deal with a massive wave of turnover - prompted in large part by the retirement of baby boomers and the explosion in the number of nonprofit groups in the United States - it is critical that they widen their lenses and seek out the most talented people available to lead their organizations. Cultural Competency Resources Pages-- 2006, ongoing updates Alliance for Nonprofit Management As part of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management's Cultural Competency Initiative, we invite you to tap into a reservoir of resources here.  These resources are relevant to nonprofit leadership and management, capacity building for nonprofit effectiveness, and the work of transforming the sector to generate large-scale change.  (from website) The Expanding Nonprofit Inclusiveness Initiative -- 2006 "The Expanding Nonprofit Inclusiveness Initiative (ENII) is a project of The Denver Foundation, led by a steering committee of community leaders from throughout the seven-county Metro Denver area.  The mission of ENII is to enhance the effectiveness of Metro Denver nonprofit organizations by helping them become more inclusive of people of color. While the steering committee and The Denver Foundation recognize that all forms of inclusiveness are essential, the focus of his initiative is on issues of race and ethnicity. "Race Matters Toolbox -- 2006 The Annie E. Casey Foundation has published a series of document that are "designed to help decision-makers, advocates, and elected officials get better results in their work by providing equitable opportunities for all. The approach described in the toolkit deals specifically with policies and practices that contribute to inequitable outcomes for children, families, and communities. The toolkit presents a specific point of view on addressing unequal opportunities by race and simple, results-oriented steps to help you achieve your goals." Diversity Issues and Challenges Facing Youth-Related Nonprofit Agencies-- Fall 2001 Dr. Maria T. Allison, Arizona State University This in depth and well researched academic research project highlights the growing crisis facing nonprofit agencies that predominantly serve youth.  Some of the challenge that Dr. Allison highlights are: rapid demographic changes, diverse constituents, hiring and retaining a pluralistic staff, linguistic barriers, discomfort with differences, stereotypes and discrimination, and ensuring legal and fair organizational practices. To combat these challenges, Dr. Allison then offers a number of though provoking policy recommendations. Return to Top of Page: Articles on Workforce Diversity Wanted: More Black Leaders-January 2008 Bill Alexander, YouthToday * Posted with permission of Youth Today, www.youthtoday.org. This article discusses the current leadership deficit in the nonprofit sector, primarily focusing on the shortage of African-American leaders. The article highlights two Coalition members, Michael Watson of Girl Scouts USA and Phyllis Wallace of American Humanics.   Achieving Diversity at Nonprofit Organizations - October 26, 2007 Dialogue, Chronicle of Philanthropy From the abstract: While many nonprofit leaders say diversity is important, members of minority groups remain scarce on the boards and staffs of the nation's charitable organizations. And this state of affairs can prevent some charities and grant makers from attaining full success in carrying out their missions. To discuss what the nonprofit world is doing -- and should be doing -- to make itself more reflective of the people it serves, three experts will be available online. Share your thoughts about whether nonprofit organizations are paying enough attention to diversity in recruiting executives, staff members, and trustees, and offer your suggestions about how charities and foundations can improve their efforts to be inclusive.   Achieving Diversity at Nonprofit Organizations  Diversity Guide - October 18, 2007 In this recent issue of the Chronicle on Philanthropy, a majority of the issue was dedicated to the issue of diversity.  Both the Nonprofit Sector Workforce Coalition and Paul Schmitz the newly elected Chair of the Coalition's Board are mentioned.   Boards Lack Diversity, Engagement   - July 17, 2007 Philanthropy Journal This recent article focuses on the lack of diversity on most Nonprofit boards and recommends possible approaches to promote greater diversity. California Foundations React Negatively to Proposal That They Collect Diversity Data - May 2007 Foundations in California have reacted negatively to the latest push to improve giving to minority communities: proposed legislation requiring them to disclose their diversity data. The Greenlining Institute held two meetings in the past two months with foundations and others to discuss the purportedly first–of–its–kind "sunshine" bill, which was introduced in the California General Assembly in February. The bill would require foundations with assets greater than $250 million to collect specified race and gender data pertaining to their governance and grantmaking. The bill is an initial legislative response to the institute's recent research reporting a lack of diversity in foundation grantmaking. Legislation requiring similar transparency from corporations has improved their investments and practices affecting minorities and others, according to the institute. But according to a draft summary of the first meeting, in March, foundation representatives were in agreement that legislation pertaining to them was not necessary and that its implementation could be costly, even damaging to the sector. In the meeting summary, which has not been publicly released, the institute chastised the foundations, warning that they can try "to run from the problem, but it will be hard for them to hide," with growing media attention to the issue as well as the institute's continued advocacy. Also, this legislative proposal is the first of its kind in the nation, and the institute says officials in other states and at the federal level are watching closely what happens in California and may put forward similar legislation elsewhere. The institute said that it and the bill's sponsor, Assembly member Joe Coto, D–San Jose, are looking to compromise with foundations to strengthen the legislation.   Change Needed In Philanthropy – March 19, 2007 Steve Gunderson, CEO of the Council on Foundations From the Philanthropy Journal Online In this short article, Steve Gunderson addresses the continued need for diversity within the nonprofit sector. Diverse Backgrounds and Personalities Can Strengthen Groups-- August 2006 Elizabeth Mannix, Professor of Management, Cornell University / Margaret Neale, Professor of Organization and Dispute Resolution, Stanford Graduate School of Business "In a recent article disentangling what researchers have learned over the past 50 years, Margaret A. Neale finds that diversity across dimensions, such as functional expertise, education, or personality, can increase performance by enhancing creativity or group problem-solving. In contrast, more visible diversity, such as race, gender, or age, can have negative effects on a group—at least initially." (from article" United Way Begins Leadership Programs-- July 27, 2006 From topics.com This brief article highlights the steps that a regional affiliate of an American Humanics National Nonprofit Partner is already taking to promote diversity within the nonprofit sector workforce. Rochester Diversity Organization Expands to Become the Workforce Diversity Network-- October 13, 2005 Mike Streeter, Nixon Peabody LLP This article announces the formation of a national coalition of for-profit companies to promote diversity within their organizations. Return to Top of Page: Research on Student Debt Green Lights & Red Tape: Improving Access to Financial Aid at California's Community Colleges Project on Student Debt Our report exposes wide variations in financial aid policies and practices at the state’s community colleges, which can have a major impact on students’ access to available aid. Student Debt and the Class of 2006 Project on Student Debt Our student debt report for the class of 2006 finds that the average student loan debt for graduating seniors climbed by eight percent in one year, while starting salaries rose by only four percent. Paying Back, Not Giving Back: Student Debt's Negative Impact on Public Service Career Opportunities --2006 Luke Swarthout, Higher Education Associate for the State PIRGs. Summary:  This report focus on the ways in which increasing student debt is often serving as an inhibitor to recent college graduates from entering the nonprofit sector. Addressing Student Loan Repayment Burdens: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Current System -- 2006 Robert Shireman, Lauren J. Asher, Ajita Talwalker, Shu-Ahn Li, Edie Irons, and Rowan Cota:  Project on Student Debt Team. Executive Summary:  Following a 2005 symposium jointly sponsored by American Enterprise and the Institute and the Project on Student Debt, leading researchers and policy makers explored the implications of rising student debt and drafted several proposals to address the issue.  In response to the interest generated by the symposium, the Project on Student Debt conducted a review of U.S. student loan repayment policies and analyzed the extent to which borrowers are subjected to excessive repayment burdens.  The review and analysis found that existing safeguards are well intentioned but flawed, leaving many borrowers without adequate protection.  This white paper describes the current system, assesses its strengths and weaknesses, and identifies practical ways to achieve a more rational and effective balance of borrower obligations and protections. Return to Top of Page: Articles on Student Debt Push for Student Debt Relief Greets Small Victory-- August 16, 2006 Shreema Mehta, The New Standard This article found in The New Standard details many of the current difficulties facing student originating from the current student debt policies as well as a number of potential solutions being discussed.  Additionally, Lauren Asher of the Project on Student Debt, a member of the Nonprofit Sector Workforce Coalition, is quoted in the article Survey: Hispanics Not as Well Informed About College Financial Aid-- July 25, 2006 Stephanie Matlock, Reporter This article illustrates the lack of knowledge regarding college financial aid within the Hispanic community, and how this adversely affects the community. Tuition 101: Higher Rates Don't Add Up-- June 27, 2006 Myra Batchelder & Jennifer Wheary, Newsday Inc. This provocative article illustrates the challenge that continually rising college tuition costs pose to students, and how increasing numbers of students are being forces to rely on student loans at a time when interest rates are beginning to climb.  While the article addresses the New York system of higher education in particular, the opinions and observations of the author's has practical implications at the national level. Studying the Numbers-- June 16, 2006 Shelly K Schwartz, The Star-Ledger This article highlights the challenge that many college students will begin to face due to the interest rate increase on July 1, 2006.  Further, Ms. Schwartz offers a number of suggestions to students in order to help them avoid high additional costs from the rising interest rates. Forgive Us Our Student Debts-- June 11, 2006 Jon Gertner, New York Times Mr. Gertner explores the increasing difficulties many industries are facing in trying to attract college graduates to their sector.  In particular, he focuses on the medical community and the danger posed by ever increasing levels of student debt.  His expose` discusses many facets of the debate, including the importance of a college education, the difficulties facing recent graduates in trying to pay their skyrocketing debt, and the challenges to the medical community in paying entry-level staff a salary that will enable them to both make their loan payments and still receive a liveable income. Return to Top of Page: Research on Nonprofit Frontline Workers Workforce Planning Portal Cornerstones for Kids The Workforce Planning Portal provides hands-on tools and resources for human services agencies looking for solutions to workforce challenges.  We introduce Workforce Plan (WFP) as a comprehensive model agencies can use to address these challenges. Child Welfare Workforce: Implications for the Private Nonprofit Sector--June 2006 Susan N. Dreyfus, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Alliance for Children and Families "The following recommendations represent actions that private, public, and academic organizations can undertake individually and collaboratively to create state and national solutions for child welfare workforce issues in the private sector." (from article's abstract) Child Welfare Workforce: Implications for the Private Nonprofit Sector -- 2006 Susan Dreyfus, COO of the Alliance for Children and Families "The private sector workforce faces challenges that are at least as difficult as those in the public sphere and are in some cases unique to the private system. At the same time, private agencies are, together with their public partners, held accountable for better outcomes for children and families. In this paper, the Alliance for Children and Families reports on a conference session and focus group on private sector workforce issues held with the Alliance’s membership organizations. The paper identifies some of the major challenges identified at this meeting and provides concrete recommendations for addressing them." (taken from the paper's abstract) Capturing Promising Practices in Recruitment and Retention of Frontline Youth Workers-- 2006 Joyce (Letner) Hartje, Researcher-University of Nevada, Reno "Capturing Promising Practices provides strategies used at local organizations to recruit and retain staff who work directly with youth.   The National Collaboration for Youth surveyed, identified and then interviewed local organizations to provide these concrete examples of promising practices." (from website) Working for Change: Making a Career in International Public Service-- 2005 Derick W. Brinkerhoff, Research Triangle Institute; Jennifer M. Brinkerhoff, George Washington University Executive Summary: In Working for Change, Derick and Jennifer Brinkerhoff explore career paths in international public service, focusing on development management positions. They offer practical and inspiring guidance on finding the right mix of public service objectives, degree programs, job opportunities, and personal lifestyle choices. The Brinkerhoffs’ concept of career evolution is encapsulated in a framework they call the service-choice spiral. This model rejects standard set-the-goal, plot-the-steps planning and pulls one’s personal values, skills, professional goals, and sense of altruism into a solid career choice. Through profiles of six public service professionals, the Brinkerhoffs illustrate how real people have faced the choices that confronted them in the course of their careers.Working for Change will assuredly become the ideal guide and resource for anyone considering work in public service and mid-career professionals looking for a change in direction. It will also serve as a powerful resource for university career development officers and faculty advisors. The Health of the Human Services Workforce-- 2003 Paul C. Light,  The Brookings Institution Summary: Recognizing the importance of the Human Services Workforce in addressing many social issues, such as providing childcare for low-income families, running after-school programs, protecting children from neglect, providing alternatives to troubled youth, and guiding low-income families from the cycle of welfare to work, this report addresses the vitality of the sector's workforce and its future possibilities. Return to Top of Page: Articles on Frontline Workers   National Youth Development Information Center Newsletter-- Monthly Pam Garza, Director-National Youth Development Learning Network Summary: The above link leads to the National Youth Development Information Center, where interested parties can register to receive their monthly newsletter which emphasizes some of the most important and current research and news that addresses Frontline Youth Workers. Return to Top of Page: Research on Leadership Transition and Pipeline Issues  Premise of Encore!Connecticut--August 5, 2008 Connecticut’s workforce is aging. A majority of this mature workforce is looking for income and purposeful employment in their second half of life. At the same time, Connecticut’s nonprofit sector is projected to lose close to 75% of its current senior managers by 2016, resulting in the potential loss of collaboration capacity and effectiveness of private and governmental social services. Part of a solution is to employ older Connecticut citizens, with organizational management experience and skill-sets, in the Connecticut nonprofit sector. In order to do this, these mature (40-70 yr old) recareering sector-switchers say they need education and employment guidance to succeed. In this report new national research, Encore Career Survey: Americans Seek Meaningful Work in the Second Half of Life, and Connecticut research, Encore Careers: A Connecticut Forum, are summarized; key Connecticut and national research that has historically framed the issue are reviewed; current perspectives on the structure of Encore! Connecticut and recommendations for next steps are presented. Nonprofit Retention and Vacancy Report--2008 OpportunityKnocks.org The Opportunity Knocks 2008 Nonprofit Retention and Vacancy Report provides nonprofit employers a benchmark to compare themselves to. Idealist Guide of Nonprofit Careers-- 2008 The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers is a free online resource and is now available in two new versions: one specifically for first-time job seekers and one written for sector switchers. In both versions you'll find indispensable advice, relevant strategies, and nonprofit-specific resources to strengthen your job search and help you create a meaningful, nonprofit career. These free books are available in PDF format to download, print, or email. NP2020 Report -- 2008 NP2020 is an initiative to give emerging leaders a voice in the nonprofit sector.According to emerging leaders at the NP2020 Conference, in 2007, the leadership deficit is here now. Emerging leaders are ready to be mentored, they believe there are structural challenges to their nonprofit careers, and feel the sector needs more diversity. NP2020 participants believe funders need to support more operating costs to address these issues in the sector. Overall, the consensus was conversations about these issues need to continue.NP2020.org is a site to continue the conversations started at the conference, and to move from discussing the issues to developing solutions. The Voice of Nonprofit Talent in 2008 Commongood Careers recently developed and distributed a 25-question survey to the 15,000 members of its candidate pool. The survey asked jobseekers to share their attitudes, motivations and challenges in pursuing careers in the social sector. The following report is intended to provide employers with a deeper understanding of what employees prefer and expect from them. This information can help organizations be more effective at recruiting, hiring, developing and retaining talented individuals. GEO Action Guide: Supporting Next-Generation Leadership Published by GEO, March 2008 As founders move on, nonprofits, their funders and their stakeholders have become increasingly concerned about who will take the reins. This action guide explores the role grantmakers can take in attracting, developing and retaining the next generation of nonprofit leadership. The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers-Fall 2007 The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers (www.idealist.org/careerguide) is a FREE comprehensive nonprofit career guide written for people considering a nonprofit career, as well as the career service professionals who support them. The content, structure, and format of The Idealist Guide was created using feedback from focus groups with career service professionals and nonprofit HR professionals JustPhilanthropy.org Effective Communities LLC has launched a website to help philanthropic organizations address the disparities widely seen in society’s systems and markets, and to achieve greater racial equity and social justice.  The site, www.JustPhilanthropy.org, synthesizes conversations held over a three-year period with nearly 100 philanthropic organizations, many Black-led or-advised, about how to achieve greater racial equity and social justice through philanthropy. The site is the result of fieldwork undertaken by Effective Communities and funded by the Ford Foundation. Next Shift: Beyond the Nonprofit Leadership Crisis - 2007 Frances Kunreuther, Building Movement Project & Patrick Corvington, Annie E. Casey Foundation This paper will argue that the commonly held “crisis” frame unnecessarily constrains how we think about the generational shift in nonprofit leadership, and like all frames, shapes what we view as appropriate solutions and strategies. Specifically, this current frame drives our attention too quickly to issues related to the leadership pipeline and leader replacement. We believe a broader view of the issue is appropriate and needed.   Stepping Up or Stepping Out - September 25, 2007 Josh Solomon & Yarrow Sandahl, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network During the last several years, there has been a steady drumbeat of studies and related news about the large number of older executive directors (EDs) planning to leave the nonprofit sector. Few of these reports, however, have given much attention to younger nonprofit managers and staff—ostensibly the women and men most likely to take up nonprofit leadership roles in large numbers. Earlier this year, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) carried out a study among our 10,000 members to learn more about their career aspirations and the barriers that might be standing in their way.  Nonprofit Sector in Brief   - Summer, 2007 Nonprofit Almanac This brief highlights key findings from the Nonprofit Almanac 2007, prepared by the National Center for Charitable Statistics at the Urban Institute (Urban Institute Press, forthcoming). The Almanac is the latest in the Urban Institute’s series of statistical profiles of the nonprofit sector, most recently produced in conjunction with Independent Sector in 2002. Nonprofits Face Challenges and Opportunities With Baby-Boomer Retirements - May 31, 2007 A new report from The Conference Board explores the challenges and opportunities in managing an aging workforce in nonprofit organizations, and examines major research conducted over the past five years on key trends and issues concerning the mature workforce in nonprofits. Passing the Torch: The Report from the Third Annual Philanthropy Summit  - May 9, 2007 A vital need exists to identify and foster emerging leaders in the nonprofit sector. If we do this well, those men and women will possess the experience necessary to move their vital missions forward in the 21st century. Convened by the Center and sponsored by the McCormick Tribune Foundation, the 2006 Philanthropy Summit brought current and emerging leaders together in Indianapolis to discuss challenges and suggest strategies for transitioning to the next generation of leadership.  A new report, Passing the Torch, summarizes the key themes and discussions that emerged from the 2006 summit. Please review it and use it to continue this important dialogue in your own organization and community. Patrick Corvington, Annie E. Casey Foundation William Enright, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University Brian Gallagher, United Way of America Kim Gattle, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University Ken Gladish, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University Frances Hesselbein, Leader to Leader Institute Irv Katz, National Human Services Assembly Marcia Kropf, Girls, Inc. Kathleen Loehr, American Red Cross Jimmie Paschall, Volunteers of America Patrick Rooney, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University Ashima Saigal, Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University Timothy Seiler, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana State University Larry Smith, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana State University Rusty Stahl, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy Kala M. Stroup, American Humanics Dr. Stroup also gave the keynote address. Eugene Tempel, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana State University Michael Watson, Girl Scouts of the USA Nonprofits Challenged by Recruiting-- Feb. 16, 2007 Results of the first annual WorkforNonprofits.org 2007 Survey on Nonprofit Employment Practices released today showed recruitment in the non-profit sector continues to challenge organizations nationwide. Staffing projections for 2007 indicate 68 percent of nonprofits will create new full-time positions; however only 20 percent are increasing formal recruitment budgets. Executive Transition in the San Diego Nonprofit Sector - 2006 These studies found that nonprofits have done very little to prepare for a leadership exodus of this magnitude. Because of these findings, it is important for San Diego nonprofits to understand where they are situated in terms of this trend. Can San Diego nonprofits expect such a high rate of transition over the next five years? If so, to what extent has the sector that provides the majority of the county’s most important social services prepared itself to handle such a precarious time of organizational change? This study examines these questions and provides an analysis of the variables that may, or may not, have an effect on executive transition in San Diego’s nonprofit sector. Professionals for Nonprofits-2006 Salary Survey--End-of-year 2006 PNP's annual surveys of nonprofit salaries provides valuable information on salary ranges for many different positions within the nonprofit sectors of New York City and Washington, DC. The surveys are available for free. What Business Execs Don't Know-but should-About Nonprofits - Summer, 2006 Les Silverman & Lynn Taliento, Stanford Social Innovation Review Business leaders play vital roles in the nonprofit sector – as board members, donors, partners, and even executives. Yet all too often they underestimate the unique challenges of managing nonprofit organizations. In this article, 11 executives who have played leadership roles in both for-profits and nonprofits reveal the critical differences between the two, and suggest ways that business and nonprofit leaders can use this information to create a more effective social sector. The Leadership Deficit-- June 1, 2006 Thomas Tierney, Chairman and Co-founder, The Bridgespan Group "One of the biggest challenges facing nonprofits today is their dearth of strong leaders – a problem that’s only going to get worse as the sector expands and baby boom executives retire. Over the next decade nonprofits will need to find some 640,000 new executives, nearly two and a half times the number currently employed. To meet the growing demand for talent, the author offers creative ways of finding and recruiting new leaders from a wide range of groups, including business, the military, and the growing pool of retirees."  (from website's abstract) Workforce Issues in the Nonprofit Sector: Generational Leadership Change and Diversity -- 2006 Patrick Halpern, Graduate Research Student      Summary: American Humanics has released a bibliography and literature review titled, "Workforce issues in the nonprofit sector: generational leadership change and diversity."  It was researched and written by R. Patrick Halpern, a consultant to American Humanics.  The topically-organized bibliography refers readers to the most current research available on nonprofit sector workforce issues, and addresses such topics as workforce diversity and inclusiveness; workforce pipeline; leadership development; volunteer management and fundraising professionals; sub-sector workforce trends and needs; nonprofit sector careers; and general trends in the United States workforce.  The Nonprofit Sector's Leadership Deficit -- 2006 Tomas Tierney, Chairman and Co-Founder, Bridgespan Group Summary:    This research looks at the growing demand and shrinking supply of qualified and talented nonprofit executive leadership that the sector is facing in the years to come. Investing in Leadership, Volume 2: Inspiration and Ideas from Philanthropy's Latest Frontier -- 2006 Kathleen Enright, Executive Director, Grantmakers for Effective Change Summary: This research is a compilation of case studies dealing with leadership development and the challenges of translating research and theory into practice. Daring to Lead 2006 -- 2006 Jeanne Bell, CompassPoint Nonprofit Services; Richard Moyers, The Meyer Foundation;  Timothy Wolfred, CompassPoint Nonprofit Services Summary: Three surprising findings from CompassPoint's new national study on executive directors: a) 30% of executives leave their jobs involuntarily (either fired or forced out); b) Executive directors plan to leave their jobs but will stay active in the nonprofit sector; and c) A key driver of executive burnout is frustration with funders. Experiential Education Survey: A survey on internship and co-op hiring practices -- 2005 National Association of Campuses and Employers Summary: This research surveyed over 240 organizations (from all sectors) on their internship practices. Up Next: Generation Change and the Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations -- 2005 Frances Kunreuther, Building Movement Project: The Annie E. Casey Foundation. Summay: This study, conducted by the Building Movement Project, part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, focuses on many of the similarities and differences in how the Baby Boomer Generation and Generation X leaders view leadership, transitions, and their work.  Further, this study offers a number of recommendations on how various stakeholders can better facilitate the transfer of leadership from the current generation to the next. Recruiting and Retaining the Next Generation of Nonprofit Sector Leadership -- 2004 Shelly Cryer, American Humanics Consultant Summary: This study looks at the missed connections among nonprofit organizations, college seniors, and offices of career services Nonprofit Executive Leadership and Transitions Survey-- 2004 Paige Hull Teegarden, Vice-President for Research and Client Services at Managance Consulting. Summary:  Effective leaders and leadership are critical to the health and wellbeing of nonprofit organization and the sector as a whole. This report of a recent survey of 2,200 executive directors of nonprofit organizations from across the country highlights the potentially distributive implications that the growing number of leadership transitions may have for the nonprofit sector and creates a strong set of baseline numbers with which to measure trends in leadership transitions over the coming decades. The United States Nonprofit Sector-- 2003 Audrey Alvarado, Executive Director, National Council of Nonprofit Associations "This report summarizes the most current data available on the nonprofit sector and highlights the amazing breadth and scope of the sector. Through this report we aim to build awareness of the vital role that nonprofits play in society and to educate policymakers, journalists, and the public about the charitable sector." (From Article) Return to Top of Page: Articles on Leadership Transition and Pipeline Issues Ask Not What Graduates Can Do For the Nation--June 9, 2008 Paul Light, NYU Wagner School of Public Service Christian Science Monitor This recent article from an expert in the field discusses how community leaders can be proactive in integrating the emerging workforce intothe broader Nonprofit Sector Workforce. Young Workers Seek Ways to Improve Nonprofit Work Force Candie Jones The Chronicle of Philanthropy April 2008 This recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy continues to highlight the growing need for the nonprofit sector to be responsive to the needs and requests of the emerging labor force in order to successfully recruit and retain this vital source of talent. Nonprofits Bursting Into Growth Industry Matthew Jendian Fresno Bee April, 11, 2008 This recent editorial by Matthew Jendian, AH campus director at CSU, Fresno and AH Board member, details the increasing size and scope of the nonprofit sector. Crunch Predicted in Nonprofit Sector Philip Rucker, Washington Post March 3, 2008 The nonprofit sector is facing what experts call an unprecedented crisis in leadership, with organizations in the Washington region and across the country struggling to recruit and retain talented staff. The Young and the Restless Sam Kean & Suzanne Perry, The Chronicle of Philanthropy March 6, 2008 Concern about a leadership void at nonprofit organizations has been mount in recent years—especially as the baby boomers who run many charities approach traditional retirement age. Longtime Nonprofit Leaders Cite Financial Security Worries Sam Kean & Suzanne Perry, The Chronicle of Philanthropy March 6, 2008 Money—in particular, the lack of it—keeps many veteran nonprofit leaders on the job year after year. Nonprofits Get a Matchmaker for Top Talent-January 14, 2008 Sacha Pfeiffer, Boston Globe This article discusses the increased awareness of the looming leadership deficit in the nonprofit sector, and highlights Coalition Board member James Weinberg of Commongood Careers.   Help Wanted: 640,000 Open Positions - October 15, 2007 Don McNamara, The Nonprofit Times This recent article highlights the growing need for increased entrance of applicants into the nonprofit sector. Wanted: Nonprofit Leaders - August 13, 2007 Jane Lampman, Christian Science Monitor This recent article in one of the nation's leading current events periodicals focuses heavily on the needs and concerns facing the Nonprofit Sector workforce in the upcoming years.  Of particular interest, Stephen Bauer, Director of the Initiative for Nonprofit Sector Careers, was interview for the article and highlighted the Nonprofit Sector Workforce Coalition's efforts in this regard.  Also featured in this article was Beth Millas, a recent American Humanics graduate from William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. Charities Face More Empty Chairs - July 9, 2007 Chris O'Malley, Indianapolis Business Journal This recent article highlights the looming threat of leadership retirements in the nonprofit sector, as reflects the increasing media awareness around the issue. Making a Living Making a Difference - May 19, 2007 This article, by Kyle Pendergast at The Good Fight Online, highlights the growing number of nonprofit majors at prominent colleges and universities across the United States. What's Driving Young Professionals from the Nonprofit Sector?  - Apr. 26, 2007 Jessica Stannard-Friel, On Philanthropy Stephen Bauer, Director of the Initiative for Nonprofit Sector Careers and the work of the coalition are mentioned. Troubling Questions on Future Leadership for Nonprofits  - Apr. 18, 2007 Jessica Stannard-Friel, On Philanthropy This article discusses the recent conference of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, and the coalition's presence this event. Nonprofit Sector Struggles With Leadership Shortage -- April 13, 2007 Shannon Buggs, The Houston Chronicle From the perspective of a case-study from a local nonprofit facing the potential difficulties of leadership transition, this article is an insightful look at the broader difficulties facing the sector at a national level. Retiring Boomers Worrying Nonprofits -- March 27, 2007 Jane M. Von Bergen, The Philadelphia Inquirer This article explores the increasing threat posed to nonprofit organizations from the imminent retirement of the baby-boomer generation. Long Hours, Low Pay Turn Off Young Nonprofit Workers, Study Finds -- March 13, 2007 Caroline Preston, From The Chronicle of Philanthropy A new survey of young nonprofit workers shows that long hours and low pay are a key reason that few of them expect to stay in the charity world throughout their professional careers — and even fewer desire to become top leaders of nonprofit organizations. Building Tomorrow's Nonprofit Workforce  - December 2006 Kala Stroup, President of American Humanics Published in the Dec. 2006 edition of the American Association of Community Colleges' Community College Journal The nonprofit sector comprises more than 1.1 million registered organizations, employs more than 11 million people (and the equivalent of 5.7 million full-time volunteers), and generates annual revenues exceeding $1 trillion dollars. Nonprofit organizations are essential tools for addressing community needs, advocating for community and social change, and engaging citizens in democratic problem solving. A vital and growing part of our national economy, they supply the infrastructure for civil society and, at their best, are the conscience of our society. Yet as large and critical as the sector is, little infrastructure exists for recruiting, retaining, and developing the skilled, committed, and diverse workforce and leadership the sector needs to succeed in the decades ahead. Shortage Decade: Where Will the Next Generation of Nonprofit Leaders Come From?-- May, 2006 Paige Hull Teegarden, Managance Consulting Summary: Emphasizing the severe disparity between the numbers of baby-boomers entering retirement and Generation-X'ers entering the workforce, this article explains how the "impending shortages of leaders and managers" is most likely to affect the nonprofit sector.  Further, the article goes on to explain the challenges the sector faces, and what actions we should take to address the risks. The Changing of the Guard: What Generational Differences Tell us about Social-Change Organizations -- Sept. 2003 Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly Frances Kunreuther, Harvard University Accounts by executive directors and staff working in progressive social change organizations allude to generation-gap problems in the nonprofit sector that threaten the future work of these groups as they attempt to change “the system”. T o see how generational issues might be affecting social-change nonprofits, we conducted a series of in-depth interviews with executive directors (falling into two age groups) and with young staff (under 40 years old).The findings of the study refute the notion of large generational differences. Both older and younger people involved in these organizations have many of the same qualities: commitment, concern, energy, interest, and a strong belief in justice. However, differences are evident between those born in the Baby Boom generation and those who identify with Generation X in respect to their motivations to enter social change work, their concerns about the work/personal life divide, and their views of the future. Understanding these differences can help build strong leadership for the future. Return to Top of Page:    Publications Literature Review and Bibliography This topically organized report highlights much of the research regarding the nonprofit sector workforce.