Transition from Manufacturing (HR Mgr) to Non-Profit Sector (Head is HR).

Anonymous

July 16,2023 at 11:42AM UTC

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Transition from Manufacturing (HR Mgr) to Non-Profit Sector (Head is HR).

I am hoping to gain some help suggestion as I start my new position.

After several rounds of interview with various VP level leaders and with the CEO, I was offered and accepted a position with a non-profit organization to be their Head of HR (reporting directly to the CEO who was appointed a year ago). The current HR professional is retiring and has generously agreed to train me to be successful in my role. The role will be the CEOs right hand (WO)man.

I’ve progressed very well in my HR career but never had to report to the CEO nor work in a non-profit, so while I’m very excited, I am naturally & equally a little nervous. (New Level)

From my conversation with the CEO, I really liked his approach as it pertains to his views on fair treatment with pay and DEI, and overall just being fair & right to the employees. He laid out his expectations he has for his Right Hand HR Partner (even being transparent to say he never had HR report to him so he will need a lot of guidance and someone not afraid to give him push back). He mentioned he has to implement a new bonus plan required by the Board of Directors and I will be vital to that initiative.

Any feedback, guidance, coaching referrals or help on how I can best support my CEO, working with a non-profit, and creating a new bonus plan would be greatly appreciated.

Any must-do 1st tasks in a non-profit world ?

Thank you in advance.

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AnonymousJuly 16,2023 at 1:21PM UTC
I would study the laws that pertain to non-profits vs. corporate laws. For HR they'd mainly be the same, but there could be some differences you'd need to know.
TLJuly 17,2023 at 12:10AM UTC
That is soo true. I was told they have less than 50 ppl so some laws don’t apply; BUT they are looking to grow with means I would be very busy and a great contributor with implementing new policies since I’ve only worked for larger companies. Thank you so much for sharing your time and feedback.
AnonymousJuly 16,2023 at 1:29PM UTC
Congrats on your new role! Very exciting :)
I work in HR but have never worked for a non-profit so my first action item would be to learn everything I could about that particular non-profit, non-profits in general, what other non-profits operate in your space, do the laws operate differently when it’s a non-profit compared to private sector? Etc.
Then I would also get familiar with creating a new bonus plan so that I could answer any questions the CEO might have, and be able to make recommendations, etc.
hope that helps, and good luck with everything!
TLJuly 17,2023 at 12:07AM UTC
Thank you so much. It did. And yes, I’ve doing getting myself very familiar with the non-profit sector. I have my work cut out for me, but excited to learn in the process.
Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterJuly 16,2023 at 1:56PM UTC
I think one of the biggest things that "surprised" me when I went from corporate to non-profit (not in HR - in fact we didn't have an HR dept) was the heavy input of the BOD - they essentially are the bosses - so instead of reporting to one person - the CEO - you are actually reporting to CEO and the entire board.
BC of your background I presume you are already skilled at reading a room, looking for the outliers and finding a middle ground - this will be imperative.
And I also think you may be underselling yourself ! This is an incredibly tough job market - especially for high level HR roles - and you did it - they have confidence in you and so do I! You got this.
TLJuly 17,2023 at 12:05AM UTC
Thank you so much for that feedback. I am very excited for this new journey in my career and your insight will be of much help as I transition.
AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 1:18PM UTC
Really get familiar with ethics and appropriate involvement of the Board. Yes they are the “boss” of the CEO but do have a tendency to overstep in my opinion, particularly because so many people who work in nonprofits are “yes” people.
Also be prepared to really look at equity at an organization wide level as your orient, yes NPOs can spin a good story but many are often overworked , underpaid and have been subject to toxic martyr culture for years.
AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 11:04PM UTC
I believe this depends on the organization. I was on the board of an NPO that runs the organization, so it depends on the size, sector, and mission. Remember that the board is all volunteers by law, as no board member can be paid. Bonuses for fundraising (as another commented) can be problematic, so work with your CEO to develop a structure that rewards position and tenure. Also, remember that the purpose of the NPO is to serve the mission, not stockholders, so that might be a model you are not used to.
AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 12:57PM UTC
I’ve seen several 990s that note compensation for Board members , I’m curious how that works. Do you have any insight?
AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 2:37PM UTC
If you look at the category and title, those are probably salaried employees that work as board advisors and are usually required to attend board meetings. They may also be considered part of the "Executive Committee," authorized to make emergency decisions between board meetings for matters usually requiring board approval. Generally, they will be Executive Director(s) or other senior managers. If the company is a 501 (c) 3, most of that list will show no or $0 as compensation.
AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 1:47PM UTC
I spent just over a year in non-profit as a HRD, not I'm a HRM in manufacturing (corporate office). Given my experience, I would never go back to nonprofit. I thought I was making a great move, change of pace, I could do some good, etc. Didn't turn out that way and regretted my decision in less than 6 months of starting there. I wish you the best and hope your experience is so much better than mine.
AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 5:03PM UTC
why rain on her parade...instead you should support her making a move to something she is excited about. Just because your decision was a bad one doesn't mean hers will be.
AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 5:07PM UTC
And I hope hers is a better experience, I really do...but I remember going into this job so optimistic and it turned into such a negative experience. I wish someone had tried to talk me out of it.
AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 5:02PM UTC
In the non-profit sector being humble and conservative is the way to go in all things. Be mindful of the fact that revenue does not drive decisionmaking the mission does. As long as you keep that in mind you should do fine. Don't expect big budgets and everything must be transparent.
As for reporting to a CEO they eat, sleep and cry just like you and I. Don't let the title scare you be yourself, get to know them and all will be good.
Congrats and good luck.
AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 6:08PM UTC
There’s more nuance to a bonus structure within a NPO, I’d network with other comparable organizations HR and see what’s common practice in that sector. For example bonuses that tie to fundraising are ethically complicated and quite honestly frowned upon.
AnonymousJuly 22,2023 at 12:30PM UTC
Congratulations on your role. I would love to connect with you. I am Org Development Consultant and Coach and I focus on NPOs. I'll be happy to brainstorm and share some ideas with you. A resource I like is Society for Nonprofits | National Nonprofit Membership Association (snpo.org). If you would like to connect here is my booking link : https://calendly.com/kemiakindutire/personal-tag-up-with-kemi
AnonymousJuly 22,2023 at 2:07PM UTC
Right now I would tell you it sounds like you have a good board that wants to take care of the staff. You said the CEO had only been there a year--what happened to the previous CEO? Also keep in mind board terms change and you might have a great board and Executive Committee for one term that wants to make sure staff is taken care of and another one who has different priorities. Keep your eyes wide open. NPO world is VASTLY different than corporate.
AnonymousJuly 24,2023 at 7:48PM UTC
Congrats! I would recommend looking at SHRM (local chapters too) and also if your area has an Employer's Association that would be helpful too. Personally I am both HR and Finance for a small Christian school and it was a HUGE adjustment. Just know that you aren't the first one to pivot in the career area and certainly not the last. Feel free to reach out to your network (see above).