In episode 135 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with organizational design consultant Julian Chender about how nonprofits can move beyond simple restructuring to intentional organizational design that aligns strategy, structure, and process. 

They discuss:

• how organizational design is not the same as restructuring

• how design choices impact effectiveness, collaboration, and long-term sustainability. 

• the pitfalls of designing around personalities, 

• the importance of strategic clarity when facing downsizing or merger decisions. 

The conversation offers nonprofit leaders practical insights into building organizations that are resilient, adaptable, and positioned for impact.

 

Episode highlights:

The Why Behind the Work -  [00:08:08 ] 

Defining Organizational Design - [00:13:53 ] 

Structure, Silos, and Collaboration - [00:14:41 ] 

Common Mistakes in Nonprofit Design -  [00:18:23 ] 

Balancing Human-Centered Values and Strategy -  [00:20:40 ] 

Downsizing by Design - [00:24:36 ] 

Participation and Ownership - [00:23:32 ] 

Benchmarking vs. Mass Customization -  [00:30:01 ] 

Strategic Plans Require Organizational Design - [00:37:40 ]

Mergers and Strategic Alliances -  [00:41:21 ] 

Examples of Successful Mergers -  [00:44:16 ] 

The Key Question for Leaders - [00:47:57 ] 

 

Guest Bio:

Julian Chender is the founder of 11A Collaborative, an organization design firm focused on creating healthy society through healthy organizations. In his early years, Julian was an internal consultant at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) under Tony Fauci during the agency's response to the global Ebola and Zika crises. From there, he moved to external consulting, eventually joining Accenture's Operating Model & Organization Design practice shortly after its acquisition of Kates Kesler. Through 11A Collaborative, Julian has consulted to purpose-driven organizations across sectors. He is a Certified Organization Design Practitioner and an ICF-Certified Coach who holds a master's degree in Organization Development from American University and a B.A. in History from Swarthmore College.

Important Links and Resources:

Julian Chender

11A Collaborative

Organization Design Forum

Downsizing by Design: A Guide for Nonprofits

Candid Social Impact Staff Retention survey

Board Source Purpose Driven Leadership

 

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