During a recent conversation with a colleague who leads a nonprofit organization, she shared that hiring often feels like a never-ending challenge, much like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. This prompted me to reflect on an important question: how can nonprofit leaders determine whether their hiring efforts are truly effective? Is it simply a matter of intuition, or are there measurable indicators of success?
With that in mind, I’ve gathered a series of insights, not as a formal checklist but as thoughtful reflections that might guide a peer-to-peer conversation among nonprofit professionals.
Here’s how you can tell if your hiring process is not only working, but thriving:
You’re Attracting the Right People Even When You’re Not Actively Hiring
In the nonprofit world, recruiting doesn’t just happen when there’s a job opening. It’s an ongoing process. Are you building relationships? Are you meeting people at community events, conferences, volunteer programs, and saving their names for the future?
Great hiring happens when you’re always on the lookout, not just when you’re trying to fill a gap quickly. You wouldn’t wait until the storm hits to start building a roof. Likewise, you shouldn’t wait to start thinking about who might step into a role until a team member leaves.
You’re Ready When Opportunity Knocks
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen organizations miss out on amazing people because they weren’t prepared. Do you have a few thoughtful interview questions ready to go? Can you have a casual yet meaningful conversation when someone expresses interest in your mission?
Even if you don’t have a job open right now, asking someone why they love your cause, what they’re passionate about, or what skills they bring to the table helps you build a talent pipeline. Think of it like scouting, you’re paying attention now so you’re ready to act when the moment is right.
People Want to Work for You (and Stay)
This one might sound obvious, but ask yourself: Is your nonprofit a place people talk about fondly? Do team members feel proud to work there?
If you create a culture where people feel valued, supported, and connected to the mission, word spreads. Think of places that are known for their great work environments, like those fun-loving fishmongers at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. When people love where they work, everyone notices. That kind of reputation draws in talent all by itself.
You Train, Invest, and Grow Your Team
A strong hiring function doesn’t end once the contract is signed. Do you offer training? Do people have room to grow? Do you cross-train so folks can step in and help when needed?
The best nonprofits I know treat their people like they treat their donors: with care, respect, and intention. When you invest in your team, they stick around—and they bring others with them.
You Give People a Reason to Stay (Beyond the Mission)
Yes, people work in nonprofits because they care. However, they also need to pay rent, buy groceries, and have a little fun. Are you offering fair wages? Are you providing enough hours or responsibilities, so people feel secure?
The reality is, if someone has to piece together three part-time jobs to make ends meet, they won’t stay long. When you take care of your people, they take care of your mission.
You Pay People What They’re Worth
I saved this one for last since it’s often the hardest. Nonprofits sometimes fall into the trap of asking people to sacrifice too much for the cause. The truth is that good hiring is an investment. The more you value your people (financially, emotionally, and professionally) the better your organization performs.
Pay people fairly. Appreciate them openly. And remember: when people feel valued, they bring their best selves to the work.
The Bottom Line
A great nonprofit starts with great people. And great people start with smart, thoughtful hiring. If you’re attracting mission-aligned candidates, filling roles efficiently, creating a culture people love, investing in your team, and paying them fairly—you’re doing it right.
As one hiring article I read recently put it: “The ability to attract and hire top-notch employees who bring enthusiasm and energy can be a huge advantage over your competition.”
At the heart of any successful nonprofit is a team of committed, capable people. When you build intentionally—from your hiring practices to your workplace culture—you’re setting the foundation for lasting impact.
Benjamin Freedman is the CEO of Weiser Innovations. Weiser is an innovative talent acquisition firm with deep roots in the nonprofit sector and partners with 501 to help build a talent acquisition program at an affordable price for its 3,000 nonprofit clients. Contact us today for talent acquisition assistance.
(Images by: Tete Escape and Tehcheesiong)
