Trouble Finding a Job
I have a few nonprofit friends looking for new employment. Each has their own story as to why they are looking. And each is at a different stage of the employment process. But the consistency amongst all is they have decades of REAL fundraising experience… and they are struggling to lock down a job.
The job market is crazy right now. Salaries are an issue still, even 18 months after the Hallett Philanthropy study that predicted this issue (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f8c7bec9082672fe4a20d27/t/6148f8e29dea6e669ffd8860/1632172260662/Hallett+Philanthropy+Employment+Survey+White+Paper.pdf). Even with latent raising salaries, the cost of inflation (and interest rates) has stagnated many a job hunt because people don’t want to move from their 3.0% interest home loan---and that is if they can find a similar house to move to in a new community.
Back to my friends. They are frustrated. Each has significant and real experiences in fundraising leadership. Each has been in major or principal gift officer raising millions per year. Each is a good person that for the most part comes across well in interviewing. And each, like me, is reading about the tremendous lack of talent in the industry with jobs opening on a daily basis.
Something doesn't add up here. The reason I say that in part is that the number of colleagues that I'm referring to is over five people. And they're all having trouble getting a job? I've started paying more attention to who is getting these jobs. To be honest, I don't recognize some of them. And in certain sectors and within certain leadership groups, that's a little unusual. So, who are these people? And where are they coming from?
The overall situation is a reminder that getting a job is not easy. Presenting yourself in the best way, in the brightest light, it's not easy. It's also a reminder that what people are looking for may be different than what you offer, even if you know your own offerings are along the lines of best practice for high level performance. It's also a reminder that having a job should never be taken for granted. And that having a good job always available to us, no matter what, is not promised to anyone.
I am rooting for my friends. I'm helping them where I can. I feel badly that there's not more that I could do. I honestly believe each will find the right place---for themselves and for the organization that they'll eventually represent. But even with all the stories of all the open jobs and lack of talent, having a job that you like, one that you're good at, one that inspires you, is not guaranteed. We all should be more grateful for when those moments occur and do everything possible to try to enjoy them for as long as possible.
