Q: I am a CFO, and a well-respected, local nonprofit is looking for an operations person with a strong finance background. This is a really exciting opportunity as the organization is in growth mode, and I could see myself leading it one day.

The crunch is about the money. They are offering 40% of my current salary. Although I could scrape by on this sum, it feels like an awful lot to sacrifice. What do I do now?

A: Your dilemma is real and many accomplished leaders find themselves asking similar questions.  For example, see, “Economic Security vs. Career Satisfaction: What is the ‘Right’ Path?” (Orbe-Austin, Richard. Reported at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/laurashin/2014/02/03/cant-leave-a-miserable-job-because-of-the-money-take-these-7-steps/.)  In this article, Orbe-Austin discusses the “dilemma of leaving a well compensated job in order to pursue career satisfaction.”  It is sometimes difficult to tell which way to go, what your “right” path might be and to identify “barriers to true career bliss.”

Cuts like the one on the table for you are sometimes difficult to justify, so be very cautious about accepting a role that significantly reduces your earning power. It might be possible to consult with an organization on a part-time basis earning that same amount, and, at least in theory, retaining your current earning status. Also, if there is no plan over time to restore you to your current earning power, you could wind up the loser particularly if you leave before the bonuses or other incentives materialize.

My advice is to proceed with caution.  Be level headed and practical minded.  There is no need to burn bridges even if you wind up turning the offer down.  You can keep the relationship at the “dream job” organization live so that when the organization comes into appropriate funding, you can step on board, slip into place and continue earning at the level your credentials and background warrant.

The dollars in these kinds of negotiations mean something significant.  They measure how the organization values your background and experience.  There is no reason for you to come up short.  Retain the ability to negotiate your next leadership role from a position of strength.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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Last updated on June 5th, 2017 at 06:02 pm