How to Make Fundraising Roles More Attractive Without Increasing the salary
Charities looking to hire top fundraising talent are facing tough competition in the current candidate-driven market. Many think the only way to attract the best of the best is to pay top dollar.
But this isn’t the case. Money is important, of course. But it’s not the only thing job seekers think about when looking at their next career move.
Here are seven ways to make your fundraising roles more attractive without increasing the salary.
1. Mental Health and Wellbeing
Research shows that one in six working Brits suffer from poor mental health. Therefore, focusing on the mental wellbeing of your employees is essential.
In our experience, candidates are noticing that charities talk the talk when it comes to wellbeing. But dig below the surface and there’s little substance to their claims.
Being an advocate for positive mental health and taking steps to support the wellbeing of your staff will set you apart in a crowded market.
We will be publishing a blog post on this topic in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, here are a few things you can do to show staff their mental health matters:
Make mental health training mandatory for managers to make them more aware of and invested in employees’ well-being.
Factor mental and emotional well-being into the on-boarding process so employees know it’s a priority from day one
Build as much flexibility into employees’ schedules as possible
Consider offering a meditation room, mindfulness training, and/or yoga classes at work
2. Childcare
Recent reports show the number of people not working due to caring commitments has risen to its highest level since 2020.
The cost of childcare combined with a lack of flexible working opportunities and proper parental leave has caused many parents and carers to leave their jobs.
Show you’re sympathetic to the needs of caregivers by offering them tangible incentives, such as compressed working hours, job shares or part time hours.
3. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Many charities talk about building a diverse team, but don’t walk the walk.
There are various things you can do to attract applications from a diverse range of candidates. For example:
Advertise jobs in diverse networking groups
Include a diverse interview panel
Offer alternative routes to employment (i.e., apprenticeships)
If you’re at the beginning of your diversity journey, set some objectives and share them with the team. For example, “we aim to increase the level of diversity in our team by 15% by 2025.”
Information like this (along with a concrete plan of action) will demonstrate that diversity is a important to your organisation.
4. Promote all your perks
A pension is a major perk, yet many charities don’t advertise the fact they offer one. Some of our candidates have only found out they get one once they’ve accepted the role.
It could be the difference between a top candidate applying for your role or discarding it.
The same goes for all the benefits. Is there an on-site child-care facility? Should about it! Do staff get free meals? Add it to the list of perks.
5. Flexibility
Flexible working comes in all shapes and sizes. From part-time and zero-hour contracts to remote working and career breaks.
Wherever you stand in terms of flexibility, make it clear in your job ads and reiterate it at interview stage.
6. Progression/Training
Candidates want to know there are opportunities for growth and progression when applying for jobs.
Does your charity have a staff training budget? If so, make it known.
For job seekers looking to build a long-term career in the fundraising sector, this will hold great appeal.
Finishing up
That’s six ways to make your roles more attractive without breaking the bank - done and dusted.
If you’re looking to recruit fundraising talent, give us a call on 0203 750 3111.