As a Talent Solutions leader, I first worked in the for-profit recruiting field for over 20 years as manager of a highly successful agency. My clients ranged from smaller companies to the Fortune 500. Back then, we didn't discuss "mission fit" the same way alignment is addressed in the nonprofit sector. We called it "culturally aligned," but the importance of aligning talent with your mission cannot be overstated. Fast-forward to finding talent in the nonprofit sector, where I serve now where in recruiting it is more profoundly critical that we get the mission fit right! Therefore, as I explain to all my clients, we always start any search with mission fit as a priority, one.
Why is Mission Fit Priority #1 in Nonprofit Hiring?
Impact on Mission Advancement
A new hire must be authentically committed and motivated to advance the mission. Whether this person is a nonprofit executive, an IT professional, admin support, or a major gifts officer, no matter the role, even if it's behind the scenes, their passion will still impact fulfilling your organization's goals.
Turnover
With so much turnover these days, hiring someone who is a strong mission fit will increase the chances that they will remain in the role longer. If they are personally connected with the organization's work, they will remain highly engaged and feel valuable to the organization and team. This will then positively impact the team's stability and continuity.
Morale
Higher turnover due to poorly aligned hires will affect the rest of the team. Having one misaligned impacts their productivity because they often need to take on more tasks to fill in the gaps; thus, they will become burned out and may leave as well. Now, not only have you lost one person, but some of your key staff, too.
Higher Costs
A poor fit is costly. Hire a poorly aligned individual, and they are likely to resign sooner rather than later. You're losing not just the compensation but also any training expenses, opportunity cost, and the inevitable disruptions this causes.
Nonprofit Hiring Mission Fit Example
A new hire must be passionate about the cause and aligned in values. During the interview, a candidate must easily articulate why they care about the mission and how it means something to them—personally, not just professionally.
Recently, I recruited and placed an individual with a policy organization. She had never previously worked for any policy mission. Still, during our conversations, I learned about her ideals, the books she has read, who she followed in the movement, etc. She may not have looked like a fit on paper, but once we spoke at length, her values and principles were well-aligned with the client's organization. This alignment and contributing skills led to her being hired as a glorious addition to the organization's team.
Start with mission fit. Skill fit should follow closely because even candidates who check off all the skill boxes will only succeed if their hearts are truly invested in the cause—your cause.
Passion is the fire, enthusiasm and courage that an individual feels when she is doing something she loves while accomplishing worthy end, something that satisfies her deepest needs.” - Stephen Covey
About the Author:
Carmen Sapara has made a career of helping organizations leverage talented employees and leads the Talent Solutions Division at AmPhil. Carmen is responsible for helping AmPhil's nonprofit clients recruit and secure culturally aligned leading candidates for long-term roles. Carmen takes great joy in helping nonprofits refine their onboarding and recruiting processes to ensure candidates and organizations succeed in the long term.
When Carmen is not matchmaking candidates with mission-driven organizations and nonprofits, she spends her time in beautiful Bucks County, PA, with her wonderful husband. In their spare time, they renovate their 1863 Victorian farmhouse. Learn more about Carmen here, connect with her on LinkedIn here, or contact her anytime at csapara@amphil.com.
