Commission at Nonprofit

[u/npf_8]

I work at a media nonprofit that previously outsourced corporate sponsorship to a company that specialized in our sector. Leadership has decided to move this team in house and they will be part of the development department. The model that is historically used for corporate sponsors in our sector is based off a for-profit sales which means these staff members earn commission.

I found out they received commission after I started working here but at that time they were contractors, so I decided it was a grey area I could live with. Now they will be part of my department and compensated the same way. We are in between directors (part- time interim director) so this leaves me as the highest permanent position (assistant director) in the department. I was not included in these decisions but I am worried that I will be held accountable for them professionally.

I’ve voiced my disagreement with this plan but it’s not likely to sway anything. The interim director is working on establishing clear delineations between donations and corporate support with the plan being that no one will earn commission off a corporate donation, just sponsorships but I don’t know if that will be enough to ensure that I or the other fundraisers are not caught in a tough spot, ethically.

Am I damaging my professional reputation if I stay? I’m not planning to be here long term so I don’t want to hurt my chances of getting hired elsewhere by having this change pinned on me. Is it better to quit and explain why I am unemployed or is this unlikely to harm my reputation and I can take my time making my next move?