Developing the Skills Needed for Success in Nonprofit Management
Nonprofit management shares many of the same challenges as leading a for-profit business. Success in the field requires a unique blend of business skills and expertise in handling the unique challenges of running a nonprofit.
Preparing for that role takes work and dedication. One of the best paths to learning the job is through degree programs that address the challenges of nonprofit management.
The MBA concentration in nonprofit management from Touro University Worldwide is one such program. Students graduate with both a foundational knowledge in modern business strategy and practical application of theory, as well as skills in how to address the many specific challenges of facing nonprofit organizations.
Some of the skills needed for successful nonprofit management include the following.
Business Skills for Nonprofit Management
While they don’t compete for profits, leaderships of nonprofit agencies do compete for donations. The ability to effectively and efficiently run an organization is the foremost job for a nonprofit manager, otherwise all the effort is for nothing. This requires skills in finance, budgeting, strategic planning and allocation of resources. That’s why the Touro University Worldwide MBA with a concentration on nonprofit management combines a curriculum that addresses nonprofit management issues with the latest in problem-solving management skills and leadership theory.
Leadership
Nonprofit leaders face a variety of unique challenges. All the major aspects of leadership are needed to achieve success. This includes great communication skills to both motivate employees and clearly explain the organization’s goals. Leaders in nonprofit organizations must have great listening skills as well. Ethical decision-making and leading by example are also key components to the job.
Communication
As noted above, communication is key to success in nonprofit leadership. This involves clear and transparent communications with staff. As effective fundraisers, nonprofit leaders also must have the ability to speak with potential supporters of the organization’s cause. This involves some aspects of sales, but most importantly the ability to clearly show why a cause is important, how potential donations will be used and what positive affect a person’s donation will have on society.
Technology and Data Skills
Innovative technology has forever changed the world of business. It’s also worked its way into the nonprofit sector. The ability to analyze data can lead to better decisions on both how to fundraise for an organization and determining where dollars spent are having the most impact.
Vision
People don’t go into nonprofit management in pursuit of making big money and retiring early. They become nonprofit managers because they want to improve the lives of others and the world as a whole. It’s a calling as much as a career. The most successful nonprofit managers have a vision of how an organization can have a positive impact on society. More importantly, they can articulate that vision to others in a way that is both clear and compelling.
Nonprofit management is a challenging yet highly rewarding occupation. The most successful nonprofit managers take the time to hone the skills needed to most effectively run a nonprofit.
For those serious about becoming the best nonprofit manager possible, earning an MBA that focuses on nonprofit management can lead to developing the type of skills needed for success in this important field.