State Policy Network has devoted time and resources to equip SPN affiliate staff with the training and tools needed to build successful and sustainable development programs only to lose so much ground to high turnover. The average turnover for millennials is approximately 3.6 years, but less than 1.5 years in development roles. Combine the high turnover with the fact that development roles are in the highest demand, and there is a lack of experienced talent to fill the existing roles. More than 40% of all active searches on Talent Market at any given time are for development positions at both the state and national level. Many of those who enter development do so by accident rather than as a deliberate career choice.
SPN is uniquely positioned to address the issue of talent development and retention due to a comparative advantage in leadership and professional development training as well as a greater understanding of the landscape of both opportunities and constraints across the network.
Through the Development Apprentice Program, SPN seeks to recruit and train apprentices for careers in development and provide organizations with the tools and support they need to be effective leaders and managers to ultimately create a field team of high-quality, leveraged talent for the network long term. The 10-week Development Apprentice Program will place 12 students or recent graduates at SPN affiliate organizations across the country that will combine intensive training and on-the-job experience in fundraising for nonprofit organizations.