Nonprofits Seek to Fill 24,000 Leadership Roles in Downturn

BOSTON, MA, April 20, 2009 — A newly released Bridgespan Group survey of U.S. nonprofit executive directors shows that a leadership deficit forecast in 2006 may have widened last year. Meanwhile, in 2009, despite tightening budgets, nonprofits already foresee a need to fill 24,000 vacant or new roles in areas like finance and fundraising, amid increasing management complexity and baby boomer retirements. Developing leaders within the sector remains critical. In addition, three quarters of respondents saw value in “bridging” talent in from outside the sector to fill the gap, but underscored the need for cultural adaptation. Study findings will be presented at the American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy taking place from April 27th-May 1st in New York.