It may sound basic, obvious even, but if your nonprofit organization is hiring any employee or independent contractor, you NEED to have job descriptions for each role. And, not just basic job descriptions, but comprehensive overviews of the open position. Be it a position for chief executive officer, marketing manager, or programs director, the advice remains the same.
Job descriptions are in part a legal protection, and in part a primary means for announcing the open position to both internal and external stakeholders which is going to help you find or recruit the best candidates for the organization. If that’s not enough to convince you, consider these four major reasons:
- Job descriptions can be used as a basis for objective performance management. It provides both management and employees a shared understanding of the duties of the position.
- Job descriptions assist in making sure staff duties align with your organization’s overall mission and vision.
- When conducting interviews, job descriptions can, and should, inform the development of interview questions.
- Job descriptions can be the foundation of a compensation system that accurately reflects employees’ qualifications and responsibilities in the organization.
I’m here to assist you and your organization on the legal aspects of nonprofit employment ranging from new hires, to employee handbook, to employment contracts. Don’t hesitate to contact me via email or phone (515-371-6077). We’ll schedule your free one-hour consultation and make a plan to set your organization up for success!
