Government relations update: “Ready to Lead: Next Generation Leaders Speak Out,” report is released

According to a new report entitled, “Ready to Lead: Next Generation Leaders Speak Out,” the nonprofit sector faces particular challenges in finding their next generation of leaders. The report, prepared jointly by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Meyer Foundation, CompassPoint Nonprofit Services and Idealist.org, provides recommendations on how organizations can better prepare for the coming crunch.

The report notes that three out of every four nonprofit executive directors plan to leave their jobs within the next five years. Finding the next generation of leaders will be difficult: while a third of the nearly 6,000 respondents professed the desire to pursue top leadership positions, fewer than five percent said they were being groomed for such roles. 30% said they have no desire to serve as executive directors, citing long hours, low pay, and the difficulty of achieving work-life balance. In addition, 55% of respondents felt they needed to leave their current organizations in order to advance their careers, underscoring the lack of clear career pathways and training programs in nonprofit organizations.

To remain competitive, the nonprofit community must commit to developing a “leadership pipeline” to recruit and retain talented individuals seeking employment in the nonprofit sector. The report offers a number of recommendations for current leaders, including taking on mentorship roles and engaging in succession planning. Organizations are urged to update existing training programs, develop specific management skills, and help future leaders develop their external networks.

Click here to read the full report.