Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Budget Allocation • Mission Statement • Donor Retention

Strategic Planning

Term from Nonprofit Organizations industry explained for recruiters

Strategic Planning is a structured way of defining where a nonprofit organization wants to go and creating a detailed roadmap to get there. It's like creating a business plan, but specifically for nonprofits. This process typically involves setting long-term goals (usually 3-5 years), deciding what actions to take, and figuring out how to measure success. Similar terms you might see include "organizational planning," "long-range planning," or "strategic development." It's a critical skill because it helps nonprofits make the best use of limited resources and show donors how their money will create lasting change.

Examples in Resumes

Led Strategic Planning process resulting in new 5-year organizational roadmap

Facilitated Strategic Planning sessions with board members and key stakeholders

Implemented Strategic Plan initiatives that increased donor engagement by 45%

Typical job title: "Strategic Planning Directors"

Also try searching for:

Strategic Planning Manager Director of Strategy Strategic Initiatives Director Planning and Development Director Chief Strategy Officer Strategic Planning Consultant Development Director

Where to Find Strategic Planning Directors

Professional Associations

Online Resources

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: Can you describe a strategic planning process you led that had significant organizational impact?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate experience leading full planning cycles, including stakeholder engagement, goal setting, implementation, and measuring results. They should mention specific outcomes and how they handled challenges.

Q: How do you ensure strategic plans remain relevant and adaptable over time?

Expected Answer: Strong answers should discuss regular review processes, building in flexibility, monitoring external factors, and methods for adjusting plans while maintaining core objectives.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you involve different stakeholders in the strategic planning process?

Expected Answer: Should describe experience gathering input from board members, staff, donors, and community members through surveys, meetings, or workshops, and how to balance different perspectives.

Q: What methods do you use to track progress on strategic goals?

Expected Answer: Should mention specific tools and approaches for measuring success, such as key performance indicators, regular progress reports, and evaluation methods.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What do you think are the key elements of a successful strategic plan?

Expected Answer: Should identify basic components like mission/vision statements, goals, action steps, and success metrics, showing understanding of how these pieces work together.

Q: How would you go about gathering data to inform strategic planning?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic research methods, including surveys, interviews, and analyzing program data to support planning decisions.