Nonprofit Virtual Assistants: A Distinctively Different Option
The world is working more virtually than ever before. The gig economy is expanding rapidly, growing by 6 million people alone in the past 10 years.
Even before Covid-19 became a factor, businesses were looking to secure targeted assistance as needed, rather than adding full-time positions. Gartner predicts that by 2021, 25 percent of digital workers will be using virtual assistants. Nonprofits are beginning to experience the same shift. Primarily volunteer-driven teams see a high level of turnover, competition for time and focus, and a general lack of training and expertise. Paid executive directors are often overburdened with limited support, contributing to job frustration and burnout. Nonprofit Virtual Assistants (NPVAs) are experienced virtual assistants trained and certified in nonprofit best practices, rendering them prepared to support nonprofit organizations specifically by being focused on their needs and understanding the nuances of the industry.
We’ve interviewed one of our current Nonprofit Virtual Assistants who has been working with several nonprofits. Angela has answered some questions below that will provide insight into the important distinction between virtual assistants and a certified NPVA, and why she plays a critical role in the success of her nonprofit clients.
Why did you decide to become a Nonprofit Virtual Assistant specifically?
“It’s tremendously rewarding to work with organizations that are making a difference by providing a service or support to a specific cause. In most cases, there is a strong group of committed volunteers dedicated to their mission, and I provide the structure and continuity to help them succeed. I wanted to strengthen my professional credentials and as an NPVA, I was trained and certified in nonprofit best practices, a skill set, and background that is specific to this service. It is a true joy for me to work alongside these inspirational volunteers and to support them as they raise money, expand services, recruit board members and leadership, and much more.”
How does working for the More Than Giving Company differ from working as a traditional virtual assistant?
“The quality of work that the MTG team produces is at a much higher standard than what I have experienced in other organizations. The training allows us to provide not only the basics in administrative support, but also project management, planning, program development, and leadership support. NPVAs are encouraged to work as a peer group, sharing solutions to similar challenges, so I never feel like I am working alone. MTG also has an extensive resource library and a strong group of nonprofit professionals that we can access on behalf of our clients, allowing us to provide critical resources and expert advice. I feel like I am much more challenged as an NPVA than I ever was as simply a virtual assistant.”
What are the top 3 things you do for clients?
“I provide meeting management beginning with the generation of the agenda through the distribution of meeting notes and action items, and I assume responsibility to make sure these action items are completed. I manage all data, including basic constituent data, donor stewardship, scholarship records, event statistics, and income/expense statements, etc. I provide the necessary information needed for nonprofits to make more informed decisions, and I bring examples and outcomes from a variety of nonprofits into the discussion, which can be extremely helpful for nonprofits. We don’t always need to reinvent the wheel.”
How does being MTG certified help you when working with clients?
“The MTG certification and training helps me reset my expectations for the level of work required of an NPVA. Our knowledge of nonprofit best practices enhances our ability to help our clients. Our training in the most popular software platforms allows us to provide the technical support many nonprofits lack. The NPVA training continues through regularly scheduled webinars focused on building our knowledge of the current nonprofit management best practices and technical tools.”
As an NPVA, how have you helped your clients succeed?
“Our job is to provide a high level of client support to our clients so they can accomplish their goals in advancing the mission of the organization. I try to take care of the details and “back end” of things so that volunteers are using their time most effectively. Communication is key, and the better I understand the goals, the more I can help the group reach them.
There are many areas that seem to challenge most of my nonprofit clients: volunteer board engagement, raising funds, data collection and management, stewardship at all levels. I have enjoyed being able to come to the table and provide a quick solution based on my experience with other nonprofits who have struggled with the same tasks. It has been very fulfilling to know that I am saving an organization time and energy by resolving a challenge before it becomes a major obstacle.”
Let us help you find the resources you need. Contact us here or schedule a call to share.
Angela is a certified NPVA with the More Than Giving Company.