Improving Your Career Trajectory as a Not-for-Profit and Charity CEO in Australia
The average Not-for-Profit (NFP) and charity CEO possesses unique qualities that distinguish them from their corporate and government executive counterparts. While the 5% of extra-large charities may resemble large bureaucracies, the majority of NFPs in Australia have fewer than 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff and revenues near or below $5 million per annum.
In these settings, NFP and charity CEOs contend with amplified challenges. They often have intimate relationships with boards, volunteers, and clients, must navigate complex political networks and are sometimes required to roll up their sleeves and get directly involved in the work. Due to the scarcity of Subject Matter Experts (SME), CEOs frequently wear multiple hats, and are expected to undertake complex tasks with equal dexterity. These tasks would otherwise be delegated to SME’s, and include finances, human resources, contract management, project management, board secretariat functions, strategy, fundraising etc.
Given their limited resources, proximity to the work and lower power distance between them the board and everyone else, their decisions must be thoughtful, as they can quickly be held accountable by manifold stakeholders with multidimensional interests. Despite these challenges and nuances, NFP CEOs must, like any aspiring executive, focus on their personal career trajectories to ensure they remain marketable and attractive leaders for their next perspective appointment.
Here’s how CEOs in Australia operating in the preponderant cohort of NFPs we have described can improve their career prospects, what they should focus on when applying for new roles, and how to highlight their career successes effectively.
Understanding the Landscape
The NFP sector in Australia is vast and varied, encompassing a multitude of causes, industries and sub-sectors from environmental conservation to social services. To navigate this landscape, CEOs must have a deep understanding of their current and prospective sector's nuances. Staying informed about the latest trends, funding opportunities, and policy changes is crucial. This knowledge not only helps in managing their current organisations but also positions them as thought leaders when seeking new roles. Keep in mind, that they don’t have to be an SME in a cause, industry, or sub-sector to apply for roles in it, but they must demonstrate transferability of skills.
Continuous Learning and Development
The sector is constantly evolving, and leaders must adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Engaging in professional development programs, attending industry conferences, and participating in workshops can provide valuable insights and skills. Furthermore, pursuing formal education, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on NFP management, can be a significant advantage. MBA’s were once highly prized differentiators, but they have now become tickets to play for NFP CEOs, even at the small scale.
Building a Strong Network
Networking is a cornerstone of career advancement. For NFP CEOs, building relationships with peers, funders, government officials, and other stakeholders can open doors to new opportunities. Joining professional associations, can provide access to a wealth of resources and connections.
Enhancing Leadership Skills
CEOs should continually work on rounding out their leadership skills, focusing on areas such as strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Leadership coaching and mentoring can provide personalised guidance and support, helping CEOs to identify and address their unique challenges.
Emphasising Impact in Job Applications
When applying for new roles, one must clearly articulate the impact they have made in their previous positions. This goes beyond listing job responsibilities; it involves showcasing tangible results and success stories. For example, rather than stating "led a fundraising campaign," a CEO should highlight "increased fundraising revenue by 30% through a targeted campaign, enabling the organisation to expand its services to an additional 500 beneficiaries."
Crafting a Compelling Narrative
A well-crafted narrative can set a CEO apart from other candidates. This narrative should weave together their professional journey, key achievements, and personal commitment to the NFP sector (and their target sub-sector, industry or cause). It should demonstrate their passion for making a difference and their ability to lead with vision and integrity. Including anecdotes and specific examples can add depth and authenticity to their story. The narrative must be supported by fact. For example, if you espouse caring about saving turtles, where have you demonstrated this? In a job role, volunteering on a board, study, conference speaking, article writing, advocacy all or none of the above.
Preparing for Interviews
Beyond the standard interview questions, they should be ready to discuss their strategic vision for the organisation, their approach to leadership, and their track record of success. Practising with a mentor or coach can help them refine their responses and build confidence. They should also study the organisation they are applying for, not for the purpose of spouting out facts, but rather so the conversation in the interview integrates well in terms of language, culture and history.
Showcasing Adaptability
CEOs benefit from highlighting instances where they successfully navigated organisational challenges, such as shifts in funding, changes in government policy, or crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Demonstrating adaptability and resilience can reassure potential employers of their capability to lead through uncertainty.
Focusing on Governance and Compliance
CEOs must emphasise their experience in ensuring their organisations adhere to legal and ethical standards. This includes managing risk, overseeing financial audits, and maintaining transparency with stakeholders. A reputation for strong governance can significantly enhance a CEO's career prospects. They should also be prepared to discuss examples of how they worked with (dealt with) boards in the past. Be honest but keep it confidential and anonymised.
Leveraging Digital Presence
In today’s digital age, having a robust online presence is beneficial and arguably essential. NFP CEOs should ensure their social media profiles are up-to-date and reflect their professional achievements. Writing articles, participating in webinars, and engaging in online discussions can further establish them as thought leaders in the sector. Additionally, having a personal website or blog can serve as a platform to showcase their expertise and insights.
Balancing Passion with Professionalism
While passion for the cause is a driving force for many NFP CEOs, it’s important to balance this with professionalism. Demonstrating a clear understanding of business principles and a strategic approach to leadership can enhance their credibility. Potential employers look for leaders who are not only passionate but also pragmatic and results-oriented.
Seeking Feedback and Mentorship
Constructive feedback and mentorship are invaluable for career growth. NFP CEOs should actively seek feedback from their boards, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Engaging with a mentor, preferably someone with extensive experience in the sector, can provide new perspectives and guidance. Regularly reflecting on feedback and taking steps to improve can lead to significant personal and professional development. It is surprising to see how many CEOs don’t have mentors! Think about it, how many great athletes or great anyone’s don’t have coaches or at the very least advisors.
Highlighting Soft Skills
In addition to technical expertise, soft skills such as communication, empathy, and collaboration are crucial. These skills enable them to build strong relationships, motivate their teams, and effectively engage with stakeholders. When applying for new roles, CEOs should provide examples of how their soft skills have contributed to their success.
For NFP CEOs in Australia, improving career prospects involves a multifaceted approach. By staying informed, continuously developing skills, building a strong network, and effectively showcasing their impact and leadership abilities, they can navigate the competitive landscape and advance their careers. Balancing passion with professionalism and maintaining a commitment to personal and organisational growth will position them as standout leaders in the sector.
