I agree with the idea that nonprofits typically offer very good benefits for individuals and hence that is one reason why salaries differ.
My big issue is that a technology person within an organization is not viewed the same as a development or marketing director. I view someone who is able to effectively understand the complexities of technology usage in the non-profit sector as an extremely important asset. To many non-profits don't recognize this value and the importance of it. I think the best way to encourage individuals to stay in the IT nonprofit sector is to treat IT professionals the same as fundraising professionals. IT people are not geeks who sit in the back of the room pulling apart computers, they are strategic thinkers. I am a development person, understand fundraising concepts etc.. but I also happen to be able to use a computer and understand technology and I honestly want to be paid on par with other professionals in the office. Nothing wrong with that. Also, if more non-profits would collaborate more then the could afford to pay staff, I am a big believer that your staff is important and
that they deserve to be paid what they are truly worth even if it means the dreaded cutting of a program.
Tory
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>> First, as other folks have noted, nonprofits often do better - and sometimes significantly better - than for-profits when it comes to benefits. For example, my paycheck may be lower, but I have 5 weeks paid vacation, paid holidays, and a solid organizational commitment to fully pay health insurance premiums for everyone on staff. I feel great about my job not only when I'm planning time away, but also when I'm talking with highly-paid friends in the for-profit tech sector trying to negotiate with superiors for additional vacation time under the table, so they can take off more than 10 days a year. In fact, time off is one of the biggest reasons I can't imagine working in the private sector right now. This dovetails with the fundamental reason why I work where I work: I love what I do, I feel good about my work when I leave at the end of the day, I love telling people about the work of my organization, and I'm part of a social network - a family, even - at work that I
'd have a hard time trading away.In other words, the higher comparative salaries at for-profits (and even at some larger nonprofits) aren't without their tradeoffs.>>
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