The importance of supporting your team
In these challenging, nonstop times, many fundraisers burn out, seek new positions, or leave the industry entirely after only a brief tenure. Hiring experienced fundraisers is also difficult, made more so by the fact that more professionals are needed as the number of nonprofits grows.
Just as retaining donors is your most efficient and effective way to build a strong revenue program, retaining your best staff is paramount to the stability and success of your program.
Here are three proven, effective ways to support your team and reduce turnover:
Create regular opportunities to review and discuss compensation and career goals.
Develop specialized interventions and supports for younger and less experienced staffers.
Provide opportunities for more staff to hold varying levels of management responsibility.
These support structures not only help current employees in their day-to-day work and along their career paths, but they also help build a wider range of skills within the organization.
It’s important to also recognize that gender bias, harassment, and assault are still common. 75% of women in fundraising report having experienced gender bias, harassment, or assault from either a coworker or donor. 42% report having experienced it in the last two years. This is a key reason women leave their jobs. The problem of sexual harassment is felt even more keenly by BIPOC women and women who identify as LGBTQIA.
Taking care of our teams and each other through strong organizational leadership creates a strong path towards healthier professional experiences and stronger programs.