Recruiting Great Talent for Charities: Opportunities to Thrive
Nov 27, 2024
Here are some insights into areas where charities can refine their approach and stand out:
- Embracing Diverse Backgrounds While previous NFP experience is often highly valued, considering candidates with aligned values and transferable skills from other sectors can dramatically widen your talent pool. Many professionals are eager to bring their expertise to purpose-led organisations—an exciting opportunity to build fresh perspectives within your team!
- Getting Creative with Compensation Although budgets may not always match corporate / non-charity levels, salary packaging, a strong EVP (employee value proposition) and flexibility can go a long way in attracting top talent. Highlighting flexible work options, professional development, and mission-driven impact can make your roles highly appealing.
- Supporting Retention and Wellbeing The sector’s emotionally rewarding yet demanding nature should make your staff wellbeing a priority. Build a culture of support, celebrate achievements, and foster balance, this will help not only to retain great people but also to attract them.
- Clarifying Complex Roles As we often see many roles in the sector can require a blend of opposing skills. Gain clarity with your hiring managers on the essential skills vs. the ‘nice to haves’ or those that can be taught. Endless lists of experience and skills in adverts can be daunting to candidates. By clearly communicating expectations and offering on-the-job training, charities can inspire confidence in new hires and create pathways for growth.
- Adapting to Fast-Evolving Sector Needs Digital transformation, environmental challenges, and shifting donor behaviours can reshape the sector. Attracting talent with these cutting-edge skills is essential—but these professionals often look to other industries offering higher salaries or more advanced resources. Promoting the unique impact and innovation opportunities in the NFP space can help bridge this gap.
- Broadening Recruitment Strategies Traditional methods like relying on informal networks or a single job advert may limit your reach. By adopting multi-layered strategies, such as leveraging social media, tapping into diverse talent pools, and creating inclusive hiring processes, organisations can connect with the right candidates more effectively.
- Reaching Regional Talent Charities in regional or remote areas can face increased complexities as they have smaller local talent pools. Offering relocation support, remote work options, or building partnerships with local communities can help attract passionate professionals who want to contribute meaningfully.
Anything else you have seen in your organisation? How have you overcome these challenges? How else can charities thrive in a competitive talent market?
Share your ideas or reach out if these resonate with you and I can explore with you how we can overcome them together.
