3 Questions we are always asked
From all the networking and forums Gembridge attends in the for-purpose sector, there are three questions common questions I have been asked recently.
To start with, my answer usually starts with the same word… “depends”. So, on to the questions…
1. What is the market like?
Depends on what you are looking for!
If you are recruiting for, or searching for your next CEO, Fundraising Leadership, Marketing, Finance, or any role at any level, the supply and demand of roles and candidates will change due to many factors.
For example, most organisations will have only 1 CEO (some 2 co-CEO's), and when that role becomes available, there will be applicants who are established in their CEO career, plus others on the journey and ready to secure their first CEO role.
For other positions, there can be several roles available within the area of expertise (including fundraising) and the competition externally to your organisation can be fierce to secure the best talent. This is where there are more opportunities, but fewer candidates. We find the market differs per role, and goes in various cycles. For example, a few months ago we completed multiple Marketing & Communications leadership assignments, and in the last month, zero.
2. Can you find fundraisers?
Depends on what you are looking for and what your expectations are – including skills, experience, salary range, etc.
Fundraisers are not all the same. There are various streams such as digital, major gifts, bequests, trusts, and foundations, etc, along with different programs from greenfield to very established and systematic. Perhaps you need a niche skillset in capital programs or large community engagement campaigns or a generalist?
Yes, we find them.
Sometimes the search is straightforward, but more often it is challenging. The Gembridge team identifies the right candidate(s) through various search avenues, or the right person applies through targeted advertising at the right time, and our hard work yields a shortlist, ideally of both quality and quantity. For many roles, we need to proactively search, think out-of-the-box, and search far and wide (including interstate and overseas), plus consider new talent with transitional skills into the fundraising space, and it takes a little longer.
Gembridge has deep networks and reputation as the “go to” recruiter in the fundraising space, so we hear from the passive candidates who are contemplating a move, the ones relocating to a new city, and the ones actively exploring, and usually before anyone else. Some we place into roles immediately, and for others, it takes a few months to find the right fit.
3. Is it a good time to move roles?
Depends. It's always a good time to apply for the right roles when they come up. But sometimes the timing doesn’t line up, and sometimes it’s the right role but the wrong time because of other commitments to juggle.
As recruiters, YES is usually the answer, as our role is to find the right person who aligns with our client's brief. This means we have a lot of conversations with potential candidates to encourage them to explore opportunities, but we also need to balance expectations and limit risks to ensure long-term fit. Sometimes we play devil's advocate and ask questions of candidates to ascertain motivation and career goals – Have you finished what you intended to at XYZ? Are you just looking for the same role elsewhere in search of greener pastures or a complete change? Are there potential promotional opportunities or secondments internally where you currently are? Moving is not always the answer.
Although a job may tick all the professional boxes, it could still be a ‘no’ due to personal commitments – some that could be accommodated via negotiation with a new employer (like relocation, extended holiday planned, later start date, etc.), and others that are simply not feasible and the stars just won't align.
The time of year can also be a factor. Like anything, there is a cycle. But even November and December present excellent opportunities. Plus, when you factor in your required notice period, you may start 2024 with a brand-new position, instead of searching for a role amongst and being in competition with exponentially more candidates in January or February – those who have added ‘career change’ to their long list of resolutions.
Gembridge’s objective is always… The right person at the right time for the right role!
Gembridge can help
Recruiting is nuanced and there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all approach. This helps to explain why the answers to my three most asked questions begin with “depends…” If you’d like Gembridge to help navigate recruitment or your career journey, reach out!
Call: 03 8375 9661 or Contact Us