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[Frustrated]

I was hired to work for mid-sized nonprofit organization in March of this year. My position was the first of three "permanent" hires for the organization. The first month or so was wonderful. However, half way into the second month I began to sense some red flags. The organization, although it does great work, lacks structure, consistency, and direction.  The board has one vision, the executive director another, the staff its own vision, and never the three seem to connect.  The staff, including the executive director, seem to be wonderful people, but lack a cohesive organizational strategy that ties in all of the various issue areas of the organization.  

Although I was told I was hired to work in a specific issue area. At almost every staff meeting there is always discussion about whether this particular issue area is an item of real interest for the organization. About a month ago, it was announced that the organization's structure would be changing and that some people may work themselves out of a job.

After the meeting, I approached my supervisor asking him if I that included me. He assured me that my position was stable and that I needed not to worry. However, I have consistently asked for business cards and my requests, although politely, go ignored. Also, I'm pretty much left to figuring out program procedures and policies. This doesn't bother me so much because I am a go-getter and will do what needs to be done to get the job done. What is bothersome is that when I do make the decisions, my supervisors seems annoyed and are quick to tell me what should have been done after the fact.  I've tried on numerous occassions to be proactive in my dealings with my supervisor and my actions in completing my job; however, my actions are looked upon as going against the grain and I'm told that I don't understanding the organization's culture and the politics for which its operates.

I could write volumes on my growing frustrations, but would appreciate some input and/or recommendations. I'm thinking that it might be time for me to start looking for another job, but I really feel torn because I hate the whole process of job hunting; its such a tedious monster. I would love to get some feedback. Thanks.

[Gordon T. Johnson]

You've received several very clear messages that your time there may be short, and that you are not viewed as a good fit. It is very clear that you need to go into your career full-press search mode right away before you find that you are no longer employed. The messages have been given, you have heard them, you need to take action now. Find a place to work where you are valued, where innovation, effectiveness, and productivity are important and rewarded. Look for a job until you find a new job at your current level or above before you have to take anything that you can get.

[SHH]

I was in exactly your situation three years ago. Two and a half years ago I was let go by the incoming board president.

My advice if you want to stay with this particular organization is to start offering your services in all other areas and to be upfront about that with your immediate supervisor. ("I just want you to know that I have made myself available to others who need help right now. I will continue doing the job for which I was hired, but since I sense that job might not be long for this organization, and I really want to stay here should that particular area be let go.") It may help. Just stay honest, clear, and upfront about your intentions and avoid the games.

My second piece of advice is, while following the above tactic, start looking for another job. It's always much more pleasant going through a job search while you're gainfully employed than to answer the horrid "why did you leave that job" question.

[Karen]

Dear Frustrated:

What was your background -- jobs, degrees, experience -- before hiring on with this nonprofit organization?

[Goldie]

I can tell within the first couple of weeks if a job is going to work for me. You're doing all the right things -- and I suggest adding a discreet job hunt to your activities. The best time to look for a job is when you have one. You leave on your terms, not theirs. I believe in "cutting the losses" and moving on.  For your fund-development resume, you need to think of the accomplishments you're able to make in such a hands-tied environment. In my opinion, status quo does not count as success. Good luck.

[Suzanne]

There is definitely a consensus on the replies and I will add my agreement to them.  Start looking for another job.  It's frustrating when you find a job with an organization that is consistent with your principles, but the sad truth is that a lot of nonprofit groups are plagued with the same problems you described and it's not the mission that is the problem, but the management team and lack of leadership.  

I just left an organization after five years because of fundamental differences with the president. I believed in the work I did, but because of this problem was not able to be effective and reach my potential anymore. It's not always easy to find an organization where the team is truly collaborative and creates an enviroment where people do reach their potential, but I do believe they are out there. In any job search, I believe its critical you go beyond their published mission and goals and try to discern the true staff dynamics if you can.  

Good luck!