Australia's Not-for-Profit Recruitment Specialists

With Gab Patterson's extensive experience across not-for-profit, aged care, and health sectors, we deeply understand the sector's distinct challenges. We know that NFPs compete with corporate salaries while operating within funding constraints, require mission-aligned talent who value purpose over purely financial benefits, and need candidates who can navigate complex stakeholder relationships and regulatory frameworks. Our approach emphasises values alignment and cultural fit, helping you find candidates who are genuinely passionate about your cause and committed to long-term impact.

Not-for-profit recruitment in Australia requires a fundamentally different approach than corporate hiring. Candidates are primarily motivated by purpose, social impact, and meaningful work rather than salary maximisation. NFPs often need people who can work resourcefully within budget constraints, manage diverse stakeholder relationships, and maintain resilience in emotionally demanding environments. At Patterson Recruitment, we focus on finding candidates who not only have the technical skills but also demonstrate genuine alignment with your organisation's mission and values.

We help NFPs present the full value proposition of their roles beyond salary. This includes highlighting salary packaging benefits, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and the intrinsic satisfaction of meaningful work. We educate candidates early in the process about these advantages and help them understand the total compensation package. We also emphasise the unique career development opportunities in NFPs, such as broad skill development, leadership opportunities, and the chance to make a tangible difference.

Understanding that NFPs operate with tight budgets, we work with you to develop a fee structure that aligns with your financial capacity. Our fees are calculated as a percentage of the successful candidate's annual salary and are only charged once your chosen candidate starts in the role. We're transparent about all costs upfront and can discuss flexible arrangements for ongoing partnerships. Given our commitment to the NFP sector, we also consider the total relationship value and can provide competitive rates for multiple placements.

Cultural fit is absolutely critical in NFP recruitment. We begin by thoroughly understanding your organisation's mission, values, and working culture through in-depth consultations. We use behavioural interviewing techniques to assess candidates' values alignment and motivation for working in the NFP sector. Our process includes exploring candidates' understanding of your cause, their personal drivers for NFP work, and examples of how they've demonstrated similar values in previous roles.

While timelines vary depending on the role's seniority and specialisation, we typically present shortlisted candidates within 2-3 weeks for most NFP positions. For senior executive roles, the process may extend to 4-6 weeks to ensure thorough assessment and cultural alignment. We work efficiently while maintaining quality, understanding that NFPs often have urgent staffing needs. We keep you informed throughout and can expedite processes when necessary while maintaining our rigorous standards.

Yes, we provide comprehensive staffing solutions including permanent placements, fixed-term contracts, and temporary assignments. This is particularly valuable for NFPs managing project-based work, covering parental leave, or managing seasonal fluctuations in workload. We understand that NFPs often need flexibility in their staffing arrangements and can provide quick temporary solutions when urgent needs arise.

Absolutely. All our services are completely free for job seekers – you will never be charged for our recruitment services. Our fees are paid by the employing organisation once you successfully start in your new role. We're here to support your career journey in the NFP sector without any financial commitment from you.

We provide comprehensive guidance for professionals moving into NFP work from other sectors. This includes helping you understand sector-specific terminology, funding models, and stakeholder dynamics. We offer insights into what NFP employers value, help articulate your transferable skills, and provide interview preparation tailored to mission-driven organisations. We also share market intelligence about salary packaging, career progression paths, and the unique benefits of NFP employment.

We recruit across all levels of NFP organisations, from support roles to C-suite positions. Our specialties include fundraising and development, program management, policy and advocacy, communications and engagement, human resources, finance and accounting, project management, governance roles, and board positions. We work with organisations of all sizes, from grassroots community groups to large national charities.

We're completely transparent about salary ranges and total compensation packages from the outset. We help candidates understand the full value of NFP employment, including salary packaging benefits that can significantly increase take-home pay, professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and additional leave entitlements. We ensure you have realistic expectations while advocating for fair compensation that reflects your skills and experience.

Yes, we provide comprehensive feedback after every interview stage. We believe constructive feedback is essential for professional development, whether you're successful or not. This feedback helps you understand what went well and areas for improvement for future opportunities. We maintain open communication throughout the entire process and are available to discuss any concerns or questions you might have.

Values alignment is at the heart of our NFP recruitment process. We take time to understand your personal motivations, the causes you're passionate about, and the type of organisational culture where you'll thrive. We only put you forward for roles where there's genuine alignment between your values and the organisation's mission. Our deep knowledge of the NFP sector means we can guide you toward organisations where you'll find meaningful work and long-term satisfaction.

Yes, we provide comprehensive staffing solutions including permanent placements, fixed-term contracts, and temporary assignments. This is particularly valuable for NFPs managing project-based work, covering parental leave, or managing seasonal fluctuations in workload. We understand that NFPs often need flexibility in their staffing arrangements and can provide quick temporary solutions when urgent needs arise.

Yes, we provide comprehensive staffing solutions including permanent placements, fixed-term contracts, and temporary assignments. This is particularly valuable for NFPs managing project-based work, covering parental leave, or managing seasonal fluctuations in workload. We understand that NFPs often need flexibility in their staffing arrangements and can provide quick temporary solutions when urgent needs arise.

The Australian NFP sector is experiencing significant evolution in 2025. There's increased demand for digital and technology skills as organisations modernise their operations. Skills-based hiring is becoming more prevalent than degree-based recruitment, with 94% of organisations reporting better outcomes. Mental health and wellbeing support for staff has become crucial for retention, and flexible work arrangements are now essential offerings rather than perks. There's also a growing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in NFP hiring practices.

Key challenges include competing with corporate sector salaries, skills shortages in specialized areas like fundraising and digital marketing, high turnover rates in some roles, and the need to find candidates who combine technical skills with genuine passion for the cause. Many NFPs also struggle with limited recruitment budgets and lack formal recruitment strategies. Additionally, there's increased competition for talent as the sector grows and more professionals seek purpose-driven careers.

Successful NFP employer branding focuses on showcasing impact and values rather than just job functions. This includes sharing success stories and beneficiary testimonials, highlighting professional development opportunities, demonstrating commitment to staff wellbeing, showcasing diversity and inclusion efforts, and being transparent about challenges while emphasising meaningful work. Social media and employee advocacy are powerful tools for building authentic employer brands in the NFP sector.