I too love love my job and all that the museum stands for. However, after 8 years, and being paid approximately 25K under market, with 2 kids in college, I just wish that 1. they realized the importance/value of all the various work I do and not just a cost factor 2. that I was paid closer to what other directors are [I am a director also]. The discrepancy of the later is was is hard. And yes I too have heard well do we reduce a program to raise salaries and for the first time in decades I am saying, yes please! Which in and of itself is sad, very sad but the reality of the economics has hit hard. And no, I have done my 25+ years in corporate world and don't want to go back!>>
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>>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 t
hat. 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.>>
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