Remote Work is Here to Stay
The pandemic may have accelerated the shift to remote work, but in 2025 it’s still part of everyday nonprofit leadership. Many executives now manage hybrid teams spread across cities, states, or even time zones.
At The Batten Group, we know from experience in nonprofit executive recruitment that leading from a distance requires more than Zoom calls — it demands clarity, trust, and purpose. Here are 8 practical tips for nonprofit executives to successfully lead remote teams.
1. Reconnect with Your Purpose
As a nonprofit leader, your mission is your anchor. When you’re not in the same room with your team, your clarity of purpose keeps everyone aligned.
2. Adjust Expectations
Remote work isn’t identical to in-person work. Progress may look different, and that’s okay. Define success by outcomes, not hours.
3. Practice Intentional Patience
Your team members are balancing professional and personal pressures. As a leader, patience shows empathy — and strengthens trust.
4. Focus on Three Priorities Daily
Clarity cuts through distractions. Write down three things that, if accomplished today, would make the day a success — and stick to them.
5. Prioritize Well-Being
Leadership is energy-intensive. Encourage exercise, movement, or mindfulness for yourself and your team. A healthy leader sets the tone for a healthy organization.
6. Care for Your People Proactively
Don’t wait for staff to ask for help. Check in regularly with genuine interest. Small questions like, “How are you holding up this week?” can make a big impact.
7. Seek Outside Perspective
Talk to peers in other nonprofits or industries. Fresh perspectives can spark innovation and help you avoid tunnel vision.
8. Bring Levity Into the Work
Crisis and change can feel heavy. Lighten the load by planning moments of joy — virtual celebrations, shared stories, or even simple humor.
Final Thoughts
Leading a remote or hybrid nonprofit team isn’t about replicating the office online. It’s about staying mission-driven, building trust, and keeping your team focused on impact.
At The Batten Group, we believe mission-driven leadership is what makes nonprofit organizations thrive — whether in person or online. If your organization is preparing for its next nonprofit leadership search, we can help you find transformational executives who know how to lead with resilience in every environment.
Contact The Batten Group today.
About The Batten Group
The Batten Group’s commitment to finding mission-driven leaders is not just a recruitment strategy—it’s a dedication to the long-term success of nonprofit organizations and their missions. The true art of executive search lies in identifying authentic passion, aligning it with the right expertise, and matching it to the unique purpose of each organization. By doing so, The Batten Group helps nonprofits thrive and drive meaningful, lasting change.
In the nonprofit world, values-driven leadership isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. And The Batten Group is at the forefront of making that essential leadership a reality.
We are a premier national executive search and consultancy firm with more than 75 years of collective experience in nonprofit, philanthropy, and executive recruitment. We specialize in placing transformational leaders in nonprofit, healthcare, higher education, and mission-based organizations across the country.
As experts in recruiting and talent acquisition, our mission is to connect exceptional individuals with purpose-driven organizations—helping our partners achieve their boldest strategic goals.
We believe the most impactful teams are built by welcoming varied perspectives, lived experiences, and leadership styles. That belief is at the core of every search we conduct. By fostering environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered, we help build stronger, more resilient leadership for the future.
We’d love to learn more about your organization’s goals and how we can support your search for the next transformational leader. Visit thebattengroup.com to learn more, or click here to explore our proven hiring methodology.
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