Restless or Reality? Up or Out? A Reality Check: Investigating Issues of Turnover and Retention of Development Staff in New York's Nonprofit Performing Arts Presenting Organizations

In America today, nonprofit organizations offer services, benefits and programs to the population often at a reduced cost supported by a variety of contributions. This contributed revenue is actively raised by development professionals, without whom these organizations cannot reach a reasonable level of financial stability. Yet the turnover rate of development professionals is a matter of great concern, especially among managers and academics. The reality of development staff turnover in performing arts presenting organizations imposes unnecessary costs, loss of institutional knowledge and impedes the completion of proposed initiatives. If as a result of turnover the development team is weak, discouraged, or not functioning efficiently, the vital revenue needed to run programs and services may be affected. This essay examines how turnover of development staff affects nonprofit performing arts organizations and what actions or strategies can be put in to place to control turnover. It then proposes that the first step to a successful talent management strategy is securing the 'right' people, and the second is to encourage retention by enforcing factors that improve job satisfaction, organizational commitment and organizational embeddedness. These factors are identified as key non-financial leverage points and include: access to resources (capital, tools, information); skill development; increased responsibility; additional management responsibility; opportunities for promotion; support from co-workers; organizational socialization; and displays of gratitude and respect. As challenges are presented in the philanthropic, funding, and employment landscape, an organization must draw on its ability to implement initiatives and capitalize on its available strengths to maintain a flexible and talented workforce, in order to stay ahead of competitors.