The Role of Leadership in Nonprofit Technology

Previously, we shared the importance of having a Center of Excellence (CoE) to oversee your nonprofit’s technology. Including leadership in nonprofit technology through this “committee” is a key to the ROI on any technology investment.

It’s a common refrain: “I don’t do technology.” But the truth is everyone in your organization uses it in some way… from their inbox, to the time clock, to the donor database.

Here’s a little secret: You don’t have to be a tech expert to care about how technology is used in your organization. In fact, last month we advised admins; “The most important part of managing a database is understanding what information is needed to support the organization’s mission and goals.”

Who understands the organization’s mission and goals better than leadership? Your executive team and board have a crucial role to play in guiding technology use towards impactful results.

Even if you don’t have an official CoE, leadership has the responsibility to inform governance across the organization. Without governance of technology you have greater security risks and more siloed data. Identify two to three people who could get together each month or quarter to strategize technology policy and procedures, access, adoption, and other challenges. We highly recommend someone from the executive team or board be part of that group.

Remember, deep technical expertise is not required of these folks! Consider these other skills and qualities for leadership in nonprofit technology:

• Curiosity about data usage: How can data inform your mission? Are you collecting the information you need?
• Deep understanding of organizational goals: Technology should align with your strategic plan. Members of this team should see the big picture.
• Basic grasp of technology fundamentals: Expertise isn’t necessary, but fear of “tech stuff” will get in the way of progress.
• Openness to learning: Listen to the experts, and keep an open mind to new information.
• Collaboration skills: Together, you develop the best practices across your organization. Everyone on the team can contribute valuable insights.

See! No “Technologist” needed.

Setting up a CoE doesn’t have to be some sort of chore to find people with computer science degrees. Strategically minded leaders with deep organizational knowledge can work with system administrators (accidental or otherwise) to help the organization meet strategic goals and increase mission impact. You’ll get so much more from your tools when they are being used with leadership’s input.