Are you thinking of working at a non-profit? Here are some key leadership skills that will help your career.
There are several key non-profit leadership skills that people should seek to build throughout their careers in this sector, whether as a professional or as a volunteer board member. The following are some of the core competencies required for successful non-profit leadership:
Financial Management
Narrow profit margins are typical of non-profit organizations. Since they are often entrusted with public funds and money from private philanthropy, it is essential to demonstrate to this diverse group of stakeholders that the non-profit is in good hands. This role is well-suited for individuals who have a solid understanding of balancing financial realities with social needs.
Fundraising
A successful leader may not like the thought of fundraising for their organization, but they know that their demonstrated competency will attract givers and sustain those donations over time.
Non-profit fundraising is heavily regulated by state law. This holds organizations accountable for how they approach and treat donors, and it ensures donors are giving money to the proper parties. A good working knowledge of these regulations is essential for management personnel.
“Choosing a career in the non-profit sets you up for a life-long learning opportunity.”
Human Resources
The non-profit leader must know how to assign people to tasks, manage those tasks, and treat workers with a sense of fair accountability. The leader also stays attuned to the diversity of the community and demonstrates a cultural competency that brings out the best in people to work together to do great things. Non-profit organizations are constantly having to change their designs, teams, and ways of doing business with limited resources. It is key to have a sense of working with people and understanding accountable people structures, as non-profits are the only sector in the economy that includes volunteered human resources as part of their human resource equation.
Program Knowledge
When dealing with a task like helping feed the hungry, you need some knowledge about certain social aspects of the community. Like – the extent of hunger in a community, how hunger impacts a community, and successful programs that have had significant impact. All non-profits aim to create positive change within a certain realm. As a non-profit leader, you must have a working knowledge of that area.
Governance
All non-profit organizations must, according to the Internal Revenue Service, have a board of directors. Many problems could be alleviated in non-profits if more of their leaders had received formal training on the roles and responsibilities of non-profit boards.
Planning
Most contributors to a non-profit want to know the plan for helping people in efficient and effective ways. An organization strives to evolve with the community it serves and be aware of the political, economic, and social factors that could affect its future. Social problems will not go away on their own. Community involvement and participation is key to sustainable arts programs being able to reach everyone who can benefit. People’s health needs will require a combination of health care institutions, the community, and the government. Despite the complex array of social factors, a skilled non-profit leader will be able to craft a realistic plan.
Community Relations
The most effective non-profit is one that understands the needs of the community it serves. If non-profit leaders want their organization to be successful, they can’t be afraid to make speeches, meet and greet people, network, and be visible in the community they serve.
The bottom line is – many people choose the non-profit sector as a career because they know a life-long learning opportunity is in store. Individuals gain great satisfaction from pursuing a career in a sector that has been designed to make the world a better place.
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