top of page
Search

Nonprofit Leaders Grow Your Career While Growing Capacity

Writer's picture: Kimberly B. LewisKimberly B. Lewis


Nonprofit leaders face a unique challenge of growing their careers while simultaneously building the capacity of their organizations. These two goals are intertwined, and success in one often fuels success in the other. Here's a breakdown of strategies for achieving both:

The first and perhaps most obvious way to grown one's career and the capacity of their organization is to acquire a degree or additional training. Nonprofit leaders can definitely grow their careers by pursuing advanced degrees such as an Master's of Business Degree or Master's of Public Administration, or specialized certifications in fundraising or life coaching. Increased education and knowledge coupled with experience is always a winner.

 

Education and knowledge gaining an also be done outside of the classroom. Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in the nonprofit sector is key to building knowledge and one's professional network.


The second key to upward mobility is mentorship. Mentorship is often overlooked, but is a valuable way to seek out expertise from those who are where you want to be within and outside the nonprofit world to gain valuable insights and guidance.

   

The third factor that can greatly build a nonprofit leader's career and their organization is to become knowledgeable and adept at strategic thinking and development. This includes mastering fundraising techniques necessary for securing resources, as well as developing strong skills in strategic planning, budgeting, and program evaluation.


The fourth point that I cannot stress enough is how important it is to cultivate strong leadership skills, including effective communication, team building, and conflict resolution. Lacking in this skill can mean the difference between a growing organization and career, and one that is stagnant.


Next, it also goes without saying that every leader today become proficient in using data to inform decision-making and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency.


Leaders looking to ramp up their careers and their organizations should seek new challenges and opportunities for increase responsibilities within the organization or the community at large, by serving on a board or volunteering to help with an event.

Finally, nonprofit leaders can and should apply the same best practices in their organization to their careers. For example, a few months ago, my Board and leadership team developed the Strategic Plan for the next three years for our organization, Goodwill Industries of East Texas. This important step aligns the activities of every department towards our ultimate goals for the organization.


Likewise, leaders should develop a strategic plan for their careers. The first step is to develop a clear mission and vision for oneself.


For leadership development, coaching, and consulting, visit Motivational Muse today!


Next, set measurable goals and objectives and track your progress to keep yourself encouraged and motivated. I also advise those I coach to conduct a Personal SWOT Analysis. This exercise helps you to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in your career and personal endeavors.


Another key is to build a strong team of supporters, the same as you do at your organization. Nonprofits thrive when they have a group of committed board members, donors, staff and volunteers. The same is true for leaders building their careers. So develop a personal board of directors by aligning with people you trust. schedule a call or coffee regularly with them to seek advice and guidance on how you're progressing with your goals. Also, don't forget about your support team of family and friends. Seek our a few to run ideas by or just keep you encouraged when you run out of steam.

The strategies above are interconnected and if used consistently can help nonprofit leaders grown their careers and the capacity of their organizations. For example, developing strong fundraising skills equals career growth and directly contributes to increased organizational capacity by securing more resources. Similarly, effective leadership also equals career growth and fosters a strong team, which increases organizational capacity.


By focusing on both personal and organizational development, nonprofit leaders can create a cycle of growth and impact. Most importantly, remember to prioritize your well-being throughout this process; burnout is a real risk in the demanding nonprofit sector.


9 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


image.png
image.png

Subscribe Form

  • iTunes
  • Spotify
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
bottom of page