Well, you’ve made it. This is the sixth and final week in Taproot University’s “Six Weeks to Become a Pro Bono Manager” course. Over these six weeks we have walked you through the keys to the success of a pro bono manager. This guide is based on Taproot’s experience managing over 1,500 pro bono projects and developing many of the leading pro bono programs for our corporate partners from the Gap Inc. to Deloitte to Capital One. Now, you have the basics down and will be able to proactively manage projects to get the right results.
So far you have learned how to get a project done that is sustainable , meets expectations , is satisfying for all parties involved and drives impact for the nonprofit . Now that your toolkit is full, you are ready to fill the role of pro bono manager. In this session, we will share our insights on how to craft your pro bono manager job description by sharing one that has been informed by leading pro bono managers at companies nationwide.
PRO BONO MANAGER
The pro bono manager leads the growing pro bono efforts at ACME, Inc. They work across the community as well as ACME, Inc.’s leadership and employees to optimize the company’s philanthropic and talent outcomes. In addition to overseeing individual projects and work with specific community-based partners, the pro bono program manager will build and own the strategy of the program at large, ensuring all pro bono work is aligned for maximum impact on the community and our employees.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify, screen and engage with nonprofit organizations to create strategic partnerships that enable the community to access the full resources of ACME, Inc. Build and maintain the core infrastructure to support all pro bono engagements- including participant trainings, application and screening process, evaluations, impact reporting, etc.Equip and empower functional leaders (e.g. Chief Marketing Officer) to engage their teams in pro bono projectsPartner with human resources to integrate the employee experience and benefits into ACME, Inc.’s talent platformBuild the ongoing business case for pro bono and support it by reporting on community and business results and stories of impactCoordinate with volunteerism and philanthropy to create continuum of resources for nonprofit partners and investment opportunities for employees
REQUIREMENTS
Master networker and influencerDeep understanding of the corporate structure, business model(s) and decision making process(es)Demonstrated penchant for working across sectors (nonprofit, corporate and government) Experience managing diverse teams across functional groupsSharp managerial instincts and the ability to motivate individuals and cultivate effective teamsPassion and enthusiasm for strengthening nonprofit organizations through capacity building workDesire to drive and own the strategy and direction of the program while also possessing a willingness to dive in and own the execution of the details when neededCore project management and consulting skillsBasic understanding of all common business functions (marketing, finance, IT, etc.). Graduate degree preferredProven ability to use data and storytelling to generate support and drive change management
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Questions to consider this week:
What are your strengths and weakness as they relate to the job description above? How have you or your organization most effectively utilized these competencies in the past? How have your expectations of pro bono service or the nonprofit sector changed as you traversed through the last six lessons?
Congratulations, you’ve graduated from Taproot University! You are now ready to be an effective pro bono manager, completing sustainable projects that meet expectations, are satisfying for staff and consultants alike and drive social impact. Share your feedback on the course by leaving a comment below.
If you’re looking for more advice on how to manage a pro bono project check our blog, 5 Tips for managing great pro bono.
