John Erez is an accomplished nonprofit management consultant currently residing in Cleveland, Ohio.
With a background in psychology and economics, his career path was greatly influenced by his early experiences in Israel as a human rights officer in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. Seeking to broaden his horizons, Gon moved to the United States at the age of 30, where he continued his education by earning a bachelor’s degree from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Graz College. He is now working on enhancing his skills by obtaining a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Eastern University.
In his career, Gunn has been instrumental in revolutionizing the operations of numerous nonprofit organizations through strategic planning and application of business principles. His roles ranged from Program Director at the Youngstown JCC to Program Director at the JCC of Greater Buffalo. Currently, as an independent consultant, he devotes his expertise to helping nonprofit organizations streamline their operations and amplify their community impact.
out of work, Gun Erez An avid outdoorsman, he participates in activities such as snowboarding, hiking, and sailing. These endeavors not only satisfy his adventurous spirit, but also allow him to live a good life, aligning his professional pursuits with his personal commitment to wellness and community involvement.
What initially sparked your interest in the intersection of psychology and nonprofit management?
My fascination began while serving in the Israel Defense Forces. She observed how psychological principles could be applied to improve soldier morale and overall unit effectiveness. This experience made me realize the potential of psychology in shaping organizational culture and enhancing the impact of nonprofit organizations, which rely heavily on human-centered approaches to solving societal issues.
How has your approach to nonprofit management evolved since you began your career?
Initially, my focus was primarily on direct service and program delivery. Over time, it has shifted towards a broader strategic approach, focusing on organizational sustainability and measuring impact. This development was influenced by my studies and awareness of the importance of long-term planning and efficiency to achieve lasting change.
What is a common misconception about nonprofits that you encounter most often?
It is a common misconception that nonprofits should not spend money on marketing and overhead. Many believe that these organizations should operate with minimal administrative costs. However, investing in areas such as marketing and technology is critical to scaling impact and ensuring operational effectiveness.
Can you describe a particularly rewarding project you’ve worked on?
One of the most rewarding projects was developing a digital literacy program for elderly community members while at JCC in Buffalo. The joy and independence it brought to participants was profound, highlighting the critical role that nonprofits play in meeting diverse community needs through innovative solutions.
What are some strategies you use to ensure project success at the nonprofits you work with?
I always start by setting clear goals and engaging stakeholders. It is important that all participants understand the objectives and feel invested in the results. I also implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices to track progress and make adjustments as needed, ensuring the project remains aligned with its objectives.
How do you measure the impact of your consulting work?
Impact measurement varies depending on the project but generally includes qualitative and quantitative measures. I look at immediate outcomes, such as improved service delivery or increases in funding, and broader indicators of organizational health, such as staff satisfaction and levels of community engagement.
What advice do you have for nonprofits struggling to balance business-oriented missions and strategies?
It’s important to view business strategies as tools that can amplify your mission, not detract from it. I advise non-profit organizations to clearly define their core values and ensure that all business strategies are aligned with these values. This alignment helps maintain mission integrity while adopting effective business practices.
In what ways do you think nonprofit management will change in the next decade?
I believe there will be a major shift towards data-driven decision making and greater reliance on technology to manage operations and communicate with donors and beneficiaries. Nonprofits are more likely to adopt more flexible management styles to respond quickly to changing donor interests and global challenges.
Can you share an example of a difficult decision you had to make in your career and the outcome?
Early in my career, I had to decide whether to continue in a safe but unsatisfying job or take a risk with a nonprofit startup. Choosing a startup was risky, but it paid off by dramatically expanding my skills and network. This experience taught me the value of following my professional instincts and passions.
What’s next for you in your career journey?
I am currently focused on completing my MSW, which I believe will deepen my understanding of social issues and enhance my ability to create change. Professionally, I plan to expand my consulting to include more international nonprofit clients, using my multilingual skills and cross-cultural experience to bridge gaps in global nonprofit initiatives.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.