Type of nonprofit matters
A nonprofit ’ s stated mission may affect career outcomes . Jodi Hicks , CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California , says she knows working for feminist , social-minded organizations has made a fundamental difference in her career . Case in point : Nationally , 90 percent of Planned Parenthood ’ s CEO positions are filled by women , Hicks says .
Hicks , whose resume includes positions as vice president of government relations of the California Medical Association and legislative director at the California chapter of the National Organization for Women , says how a nonprofit organization envisions and fills its positions , including leadership roles and board seats , has a tangible impact on its culture , which in turn strengthens its mission . “ Depending on the type of nonprofit , the board makeup probably leans more toward women than in the private sector ,” she says . “( And ) having a more diverse makeup in terms of gender probably lends to more success .”
But progress can still be maddeningly gradual , she cautions . A board ’ s long-standing membership structure , for example , may hinder forward motion . “ That makeup can certainly slow … ( how fast ) a culture changes ,” she says .
Still , Hicks believes there ’ s a central reason more women are in executive positions at nonprofits compared to for-profit organizations . “ Women are traditionally more community focused ,” she says . And this is especially true at nonprofits . “ There tend to be more women that sit on those boards who are willing to do communal work , so when there ’ s a search for candidates for leadership positions , there ’ s already more women ,” Hicks says .
Beth Hassett , the CEO of WEAVE , agrees . During her time in the nonprofit sector , she ’ s observed more women rise to the top at organizations with a social service mission because , traditionally , it ’ s often women in those so-called service jobs .
Hassett ’ s background includes fundraising as the director for Mercy San Juan Community Council and director of marketing at Capital Public Radio . She ’ s worked at WEAVE , which provides crisis intervention services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims and has a $ 10 million annual budget , since 2006 .
Hassett says her fundraising experience makes her something of an anomaly in the leadership realm at nonprofits with a focus on domestic violence and sexual assault issues . In these organizations , she says , executives often climb the ladder via direct service positions , such as therapist or social worker . She says nonprofits need to do better when it comes to promoting women in executive positions . Most don ’ t offer employees a clear path toward moving up the ladder ,
We proudly support New Beginnings Ministry & Buckeye School because leadership is about helping those around us soar to new heights .
Residennal Sales | Property Management | Commercial Sales & Leasing
March 2021 | comstocksmag . com 73