Comments on Advance Indiana™: Where's My Nonprofit Job?

Ogden: What salary should everyone make, comrade?...

2009-06-24T11:55:33.668-05:00

Ogden:

What salary should everyone make, comrade?

Ingrid Newkirk, president of PETA, makes $32,000 ...

2009-06-24T07:42:47.747-05:00

Ingrid Newkirk, president of PETA, makes $32,000 a year.

AI, "If you check out who sits on these NFP ...

2009-06-23T14:42:32.455-05:00

AI,

"If you check out who sits on these NFP boards, you will see the names of the same people resurface over and over again. There is a little clique of people who run in the same social circles and have financial/professional ties that dominate all of these nonprofit boards."

Bingo. That's the reason why the salaries are so high, not the reason Sarah suggests.

If you check out who sits on these NFP boards, you...

2009-06-23T08:57:14.418-05:00

If you check out who sits on these NFP boards, you will see the names of the same people resurface over and over again. There is a little clique of people who run in the same social circles and have financial/professional ties that dominate all of these nonprofit boards.

Its true that some non-profit CEO types are heavil...

2009-06-23T08:46:06.300-05:00

Its true that some non-profit CEO types are heavily compensated. But, there is a reality that the lines between non-profit and for profit are increasingly blurry. Its true that 3rd sector businesses do not generate a profit (per se - many of them do carry revenue from one FY to the next), but as their boards become packed with business people who are used to measuring worth in terms of profit, we (non-profits) have to find another measure. Usually that is donations, attendance, and people served. Note: this is NOT the same as mission met - you can serve millions, and still not hit your mission.

NP CEOs are in a situation where they have to move and shake with the leaders of major businesses. And while these Indiana leaders may seem overpaid, keep in mind that the director of the Metropolitan Opera in NYC makes 1.2 MM. The CEO of the Met museum made nearly $800,000 annually, plus got a $4 MM bonus on retirement.

We are quick to write off the hard work that goes into leading these institutions, simply because they are non-profit. Like any business, compensation helps attract the best. This keeps Indianapolis growing as a cultural destination, and keeps its 3rd sector strong.

That said, keep in mind that the vast majority of non-profits in Indiana do not receive direct government support, but rather grants - most of those federal. Also, for the most part, employee salaries are paid from raised money/operating costs/endowed funds.

Finally, for every highly paid CEO, there are hundreds of volunteers or employees making minimum wage who are working their tails off for their organization. Don't be so quick to want a non-profit job. We don't all cash in, trust me.

I'm sorry, IPOPA, the head of the children'...

2009-06-23T08:33:25.014-05:00

I'm sorry, IPOPA, the head of the children's choir in Indy makes $111,000 a year. They probably spend half their budget on salaries. There's something wrong with that any way you slice it.

It should be emphasized to that these organizations singled out are living high on taxpayer money.

I would hope Wright's counterparts in the priv...

2009-06-23T06:42:02.755-05:00

I would hope Wright's counterparts in the private sector make more. Their stations have to turn a profit or they are out of a job. Their viewership and revenues far outpace Wright's station.

It's easy to demonize people for lucrative sal...

2009-06-22T22:52:51.887-05:00

It's easy to demonize people for lucrative salaries in the "non-profit" field, but don't we have to know what the private sector would pay them to know if they're overcompensated. Take Lloyd Wright with WFYI. If he ran Channel 6, how much would he make? If he has been there for a while, isn't it possible he's a steal for his experience?

Great story! We recently launched Zoosa (www.zo...

2009-06-22T20:17:15.371-05:00

Great story!

We recently launched Zoosa (www.zoosa.org) as a single destination for all social enterprise resources, including high level / high paying nonprofit jobs. Thanks to our partners, we already have 900+ nonprofit jobs & professional skills-based volunteer opportunities!

I'd love to hear your and your readers' feedback if you get a chance to visit our site!

Mike