Whether a business is in the for-profit or nonprofit space, certain roles are needed in every kind of organization to ensure it starts and continues to operate smoothly. However, business efficiency can be impacted if leaders don’t conduct regular internal audits to ensure that they have the right staff with needed skills onboard.
As organizations that depend on staff members to achieve the set vision and mission, nonprofits especially need adaptable leaders in positions that align better with their specific organization’s needs. Below, nine Forbes Nonprofit Council members share unique leadership positions every nonprofit organization should have, and why these roles are essential in today's environment.
Forbes Nonprofit Council members share unique leadership roles organizations should consider adding to their staffs.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.1. A Human Resources Leader
Nonprofits should invest in human resources leadership positions to support the development of not only the company culture, but also the people. It’s important to focus on the professional and personal development of nonprofit staff and to provide comprehensive and unique benefits while also developing a strong pipeline. - Neha Gill, Apna Ghar, Inc. (Our Home)
2. A Leader Focused On Strategic Growth Planning
A nonprofit needs a leadership position that is focused on the strategic growth of the organization and its future. Without this, the organization runs the risk of becoming stagnant and missing opportunities for program growth because it is so easy to become caught up in the day-to-day work or allow passion to become a roadblock to future success. - Andrea Schwartz, Dear Jack Foundation
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3. A Senior DEI Leader
Nonprofits have an opportunity to lead on diversity, equity and inclusion, but most organizations do not have a dedicated leadership role within their organizations today. As nonprofits continue their own journeys, investing in a senior position dedicated to building and sustaining focus and momentum on diversity, equity and inclusion will increasingly become commonplace. - Devin Jopp, Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology
4. A Leader Skilled In Performance And Productivity
The nonprofit sector is often behind on applied theory of high performance. Highly effective nonprofit organizations carefully nurture the well-being of all employees. It is not unique to have a president or executive director, but it would be unique for the leader to be skilled in high performance and the productivity sciences to advance an environment that is safe, fair and that nurtures freedom of expression. - Jesse Bethke Gomez, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
5. A Connection Coordinator
In theory, this may not be a "new" position, but rather a leadership role focused on the culture of the organization. Find relational and strategic connections that empower employees, affirm the support of donors and connect to community and professional networks for great opportunities. A focus on connection creates an active growth mindset. - Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation
6. A Chief Innovation Officer
The nonprofit and business sectors can easily become stuck in their own ways, relying on the ways and funding sources of the past. Hiring a chief innovation officer can create a space for a leader with a focus on innovation in operations, programming, what's happening outside the industry, in the world, etc. This is critical as innovation inspires and pushes us forward. The organizations investing in this know the benefits. - Jennifer Thompson, National Association of Social Workers New Jersey/Delaware
7. A Chief Culture Officer
Too little emphasis is placed on the roles that culture-building and sustainability have in the nonprofit space. Really treating a top-notch culture both at the board and staff levels can surpass the best of strategies, leading to longer-lasting engagement and impact within a nonprofit. - Jono Anzalone, The Climate Initiative
8. A Subject Matter Expert
One position that makes a difference is a subject matter expert leader. Hire the person who keeps you both current and forward looking on the industry you are in so that you can remain the cutting-edge thinker and leader in the industry. It is this kind of thought leadership that separates organizations from the pack. - Bill High, The Signatry
9. A Donor Engagement Manager
We should eliminate database managers and move to donor engagement managers. How we enter the data and report it should not be our primary focus as it relates to information. Consider what you can do to personalize your communications. How can you celebrate key moments in life? The donor engagement manager moves the organization from gathering data to using information to engage donors, families and the community. - Patrick Coleman, GiveCentral
