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You’re not alone—and you’re not behind.
Even in the best of times, nonprofits face challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining great talent. The good news? You’re not alone—your sister organizations are facing the same headwinds.
Here are just a few things we hear across the sector, time and again, from leaders and teams who think their situation is uniquely messy (spoiler: it rarely is):
1. “We’re probably a mess you haven’t seen before.” Actually… you’re not. In fact, 99.9999% of the time, your situation is more common than you think. Most challenges are solvable—it’s just about finding the right approach.
2. “We’re not using AI. I keep hearing about cybersecurity. And our systems… I’m not sure they’re even right.” You’re in good company. Technology is evolving fast, and nearly everyone is grappling with what to use, how to use it, and how to stay secure. Yes—most teams are still using Excel, relying on workarounds, and questioning their systems. You’re not behind; you’re just navigating the same wave as everyone else.
3. “A long-tenured staffer left—and now I’m not sure anyone knows what to do.” This happens a lot. Departures often reveal the need for updated systems and documented processes. That’s not failure—it’s transition. The silver lining? Your team probably already knows what’s not working. Invite them into the solution.
4. “Our internal structure feels outdated. But I don’t even have time to fix it. Everyone else seems to have it figured out.” They don’t. Almost no one has it all buttoned up. That’s why external perspectives—consultants, peers, advisors—can be so helpful. You don’t even need to hire someone. Just talk to people outside your echo chamber. Odds are, your challenge isn’t unique—and solutions are more accessible than they seem.
5. “Where are people landing on remote vs. in-office?” Flexibility matters. Whether or not it aligns with your personal preferences, the market expects some degree of flexibility. Hybrid is emerging as the most sustainable model: people want to know they can be in-office if needed, but also that their lives won’t be boxed in by rigid schedules. Organizations that embrace this balance tend to recruit and retain more effectively.
Final Thought: What may feel like a complex, isolated issue is often a common challenge shared across the sector. And that’s a good thing—it means there are practical, tested solutions waiting to be tailored to your organization.
If you ever need someone to say it more directly: You’re not alone. We’ve heard it before. And yes, there’s a way forward.