What does it mean to have a career in the social sector? It could mean everything – to you and to the people you serve. But we have a big problem. As in almost every other employment sector, the nonprofit industry has a workforce shortage.

National Council of Nonprofits describes the situation in "Nonprofit Workforce Shortages: A Crisis That Affects Everyone”:

"Charitable nonprofits around the country are reporting significant difficulties retaining staff and filling vacancies. What was initially considered a challenge has now become a workforce crisis in need of immediate remedy and commitment to overcome longstanding problems exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While job vacancies in the government and business sectors may cause disappointment and lost profits, the lack of adequate nonprofit staffing means the public suffers delayed or complete loss of needed services."

Independent Sector found that, "In the fourth quarter of 2022, the number of nonprofit sector jobs finally exceeded 2017 employment levels." As nonprofit positions rebounded post-pandemic, phenomena like the "great resignation" and the gig economy impair our ability to fully deliver missions and services. Lack of resources for competitive pay compounds the problem.