We continuously review all policies and practices with the aim of capitalizing on efficiencies, leveraging staff talents and sustainably allocating our resources.
Initiative Highlights
- Created new mission and vision statements which shifted NEFE’s focus from individual decision-making to systemic level leadership and advocacy.
- Launched a new visual brand and developed persona identities with core messaging alignment.
- Relocated to a new office in 2020, which integrated core values into our thoughtfully designed space.
- Supported employees with remote work efficiency, enhanced cybersecurity and significant in-office technology upgrades.
- Streamlined budget planning and ideation with enhanced focus on organizational priorities.
- Developed impact measurement to make the case for NEFE’s work through data, with regular reporting through key performance indicators.
- Completed an Intercultural Development Inventory for all staff and the Board of Trustees.
- Implemented professional development plans for all employees to provide training to enhance skillsets.
- Regularly collected staff feedback as part of an employee satisfaction and engagement plan.
- Enhanced leadership governance, including updated board bylaws and a revised nominating process for trustees.
Operational Efficiency
Operational and financial efficiency has been critical to NEFE’s success during this strategic plan. Significant technological enhancements, streamlining process planning with resource allocation, and modernizing policies and procedures created capacity for staff to focus on intentional design, high-quality delivery and accountability across all facets of NEFE’s work. These efforts also ensured that NEFE operations were uninterrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Intercultural Development
Intercultural development creates opportunities to celebrate, learn and grow from differences in lived experience, background, perspective and skill. As a research, policy and engagement organization, NEFE remains committed to curiosity and accountability in being an influential and inclusive organization in service of the financial education field.
Employee Engagement
Enhancing employee engagement through an investment in talent management and strengthening culture remains a priority at NEFE. We foster collaborative professional development and dedicate resources for individual, team and organization-wide learning opportunities. Employee engagement and satisfaction are regularly tracked and remain high, with annual participation between 95%-100%.
Moving Forward
We are committed to purposeful and continuous improvement through current and ongoing initiatives:
- Establishing the new position of Vice President, Organizational Effectiveness and Operations, will help NEFE drive improvements focused on people and positive, culture-centric approaches. This role will work collaboratively across the oranization to design policies and best practices to support NEFE’s dedicated staff and its growing national impact and influence in financial education.
- Advancing the next stage of Intercultural Development Inventory staff training.
