Nonprofits Seek to Fill 24,000 Leadership Roles in Downturn

Respondents rated functional skills as their top criteria for qualifying job candidates, signaling opportunity for “bridgers” from corporate roles. Bridgespan Partner Wayne Luke, who directs the firm’s executive search service, points to a dramatic rise in CFO searches in past months.

At the same time, respondents put nearly as high a premium on cultural fit, a good opportunity for those in the nonprofit sector but not always a given for corporate transplants. “Functional skills will get you on the short list,” said Luke, “But only cultural fit can seal the deal.”