I agree with the idea that nonprofits typically offer very good benefits for
individuals and hence that is one reason why salaries differ.

My big issue is that a technology person within an organization is not viewed
the same as a development or marketing director. I view someone who is able to
effectively understand the complexities of technology usage in the non-profit
sector as an extremely important asset. To many non-profits don't recognize
this value and the importance of it. I think the best way to encourage
individuals to stay in the IT nonprofit sector is to treat IT professionals the
same as fundraising professionals. IT people are not geeks who sit in the back
of the room pulling apart computers, they are strategic thinkers. I am a
development person, understand fundraising concepts etc.. but I also happen to
be able to use a computer and understand technology and I honestly want to be
paid on par with other professionals in the office. Nothing wrong with that.
Also, if more non-profits would collaborate more then the could afford to pay
staff, I am a big believer that your staff is important and that they deserve to
be paid what they are truly worth even if it means the dreaded cutting of a
program.

Tory


-----original message-----
>> First, as other folks have noted, nonprofits often do better - and sometimes
significantly better - than for-profits when it comes to benefits. For example,
my paycheck may be lower, but I have 5 weeks paid vacation, paid holidays, and a
solid organizational commitment to fully pay health insurance premiums for
everyone on staff. I feel great about my job not only when I'm planning time
away, but also when I'm talking with highly-paid friends in the for-profit tech
sector trying to negotiate with superiors for additional vacation time under the
table, so they can take off more than 10 days a year. In fact, time off is one
of the biggest reasons I can't imagine working in the private sector right now.
This dovetails with the fundamental reason why I work where I work: I love what
I do, I feel good about my work when I leave at the end of the day, I love
telling people about the work of my organization, and I'm part of a social
network - a family, even - at work that I'd have a hard time trading away.In
other words, the higher comparative salaries at for-profits (and even at some
larger nonprofits) aren't without their tradeoffs.>>