Job crunch in the non-profits

I especially enjoyed reading Harvey’s posted article from the Washington post about the struggle of recruiting and mantaining quality employees in the non-profit sector. The long hours and strenuous work along with low salaries can steer them away after a few years of work. I know for me personally, I am a little hesistant while searching for non-profit jobs after graduation. Why take a lower paid job, with less benefits when a for-profit business will compensate me more for my qualifications? Also, with the social entreprenuership movement on a rise, you CAN work for a company and still fulfill your needs of philanthropy without having to work for non-profit these days.
I would suggest that non-profits may need to up their standards to be more competitive with the for-profit sector. This would help eliminate the high turnover rate amongst entry level employees and secure a stronger, more long-term staff.

A Few Relevant Links about Nonprofit Work

I try to check my Google Alerts every day, so they do not pile up in my e-mail in box. Today’s “nonprofit” alert threw a few things at me that I think would be relevant for you as students of the nonprofit sector to read.

First, Washington Post writer Philip Rucker discusses an impending job crunch in the nonprofit sector. More specifically, his focus is on the leadership within the nonprofit sector. I think this is quite relevant seeing our recent discussions about nonprofit salaries.

Second, Lindsey McDougle writes a blog called Leadership as a Field of Study: Advancing Philanthropy, Leadership and Social Change. She is a Ph.D. student in leadership studies with a philanthropy focus, and provides quite a bit of information about the field in general. Might be worth a read.