Gon Erez is an completed guide in nonprofit administration, at present residing in Cleveland, Ohio.
With foundational experience in psychology and economics, his profession trajectory has been considerably formed by his early experiences in Israel as a Human-Rights Officer within the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. In search of to broaden his horizons, Gon relocated to the U.S. on the age of 30, the place he furthered his schooling with a Bachelor’s diploma from Ben-Gurion College of the Negev and a Grasp’s in Nonprofit Administration from Gratz School. He’s now enhancing his expertise with a Grasp of Social Work (MSW) at Japanese College.
In his skilled life, Gon has been instrumental in revolutionizing the operations of varied nonprofits via strategic planning and the appliance of enterprise ideas. His roles have ranged from Program Director on the Youngstown JCC to Chief Program Officer on the JCC of Larger Buffalo. Presently, as a contract guide, he dedicates his experience to serving to nonprofits streamline their processes and amplify their societal impression.
Outdoors of labor, Gon Erez is passionate in regards to the outside, partaking in actions equivalent to snowboarding, mountaineering, and crusing. These pursuits not solely fulfill his adventurous spirit but additionally enable him to stay a well-rounded life, harmonizing his skilled endeavors together with his private dedication to wellness and neighborhood involvement.
What first bought you interested by the intersection of psychology and nonprofit administration?
My fascination started throughout my service within the IDF. I noticed how psychological ideas may very well be utilized to enhance soldier morale and general unit effectiveness. This expertise made me notice the potential of psychology in shaping organizational tradition and enhancing the impression of nonprofits, which rely closely on human-centered approaches to resolve societal points.
How has your strategy to nonprofit administration developed because you started your profession?
Initially, my focus was totally on direct service and program supply. Over time, I’ve shifted in direction of a broader strategic strategy, emphasizing organizational sustainability and impression measurement. This evolution was influenced by my research and the conclusion that long-term planning and effectivity are important to attaining lasting change.
What’s a standard false impression about nonprofit organizations that you simply ceaselessly encounter?
A typical false impression is that nonprofits mustn’t spend cash on advertising and overhead. Many consider these organizations should function with minimal administrative prices. Nonetheless, investing in areas like advertising and know-how is essential for scaling impression and guaranteeing operational effectiveness.
May you describe a very rewarding mission you’ve labored on?
One of the crucial rewarding tasks was growing a digital literacy program for aged neighborhood members whereas on the JCC in Buffalo. The enjoyment and independence it delivered to individuals have been profound, and it highlighted the important position of nonprofits in addressing numerous neighborhood wants via revolutionary options.
What are some methods you utilize to make sure mission success within the nonprofits you’re employed with?
I all the time begin with clear goal-setting and stakeholder engagement. It’s essential that everybody concerned understands the targets and feels invested within the outcomes. I additionally implement rigorous monitoring and analysis practices to trace progress and make changes as wanted, guaranteeing the mission stays aligned with its targets.
How do you measure the impression of your consulting work?
Impression measurement varies by mission however usually contains each qualitative and quantitative metrics. I have a look at direct outcomes, equivalent to service supply enhancements or will increase in funding, and broader indicators of organizational well being, equivalent to employees satisfaction and neighborhood engagement ranges.
What recommendation do you’ve for nonprofits struggling to steadiness mission and business-oriented methods?
It’s essential to view enterprise methods as instruments that may amplify your mission, not detract from it. I counsel nonprofits to outline their core values clearly and be certain that all enterprise methods align with these values. This alignment helps keep the mission’s integrity whereas embracing efficient enterprise practices.
In what methods do you assume nonprofit administration will change within the subsequent decade?
I consider there can be a major shift in direction of data-driven decision-making and elevated reliance on know-how to handle operations and interact with donors and beneficiaries. Nonprofits will probably undertake extra agile administration kinds to shortly reply to altering donor pursuits and international challenges.
Are you able to share an instance of a troublesome resolution you needed to make in your profession and the end result?
Early in my profession, I needed to resolve whether or not to proceed in a safe however unfulfilling position or take a danger with a startup nonprofit. Selecting the startup was dangerous, but it surely paid off by vastly increasing my expertise and community. This expertise taught me the worth of following my skilled instincts and passions.
What’s subsequent for you in your skilled journey?
I’m at present targeted on finishing my MSW, which I consider will deepen my understanding of social points and improve my capacity to impact change. Professionally, I plan to broaden my consultancy to incorporate extra worldwide nonprofit shoppers, utilizing my multilingual expertise and cross-cultural expertise to bridge gaps in international nonprofit initiatives.
