Why Launch ProInspire

In early 2008, I heard Tom Tierney from the Bridgespan Group speak about the leadership deficit facing the nonprofit sector. He said: “The leadership deficit looms as the greatest challenge facing nonprofits over the next ten years.” In fact, his paper suggests that the nonprofit sector will need to attract and develop 640,000 new senior managers over the next 10 years–2.4 times the number currently employed, and current pools of talent will not be able to fill that demand.

At the same time, interest from business professionals to work for nonprofits is growing, but there are few clear entry paths into the sector. I knew from my own experience making the transition how difficult it can be to get a job in the nonprofit sector. Back in 2001, I was a consultant with Arthur Andersen and started thinking about how I could leverage my business experience to work for a nonprofit. I looked at Idealist, but none of the jobs posted on there targeted someone with my background. I cold contacted organizations to little response. After talking to lots and lots of people, I was able to find an opportunity with CARE in India. CARE was looking for someone with business experience to help them launch a market expansion program for micro-entrepreneurs making handicrafts. Working at CARE was a great experience because it enabled me to learn about economic development and nonprofit culture, while also leveraging my skill set. After I returned to the U.S., it was much easier to find nonprofit opportunities because organizations knew I had experience in the sector.

Now more than ever, business professionals are exploring ways to find meaning through work. This trend is expected to grow with the Millenials who are idealistic, want to make a difference and not satisfied with traditional jobs. Civic Ventures is focused on the huge impact that Boomers can make in their encore careers. The current economic downturn and political emphasis on service have also caused many business professionals to view this time as an opportunity to try something new.

I launched ProInspire to connect the supply of business professionals who want to work for nonprofits with organizations that want new pools of talent. Keep reading for some of the programs we will be piloting and advice for career changers.