Career Changers Should Consider Non-Profits

Judit Price
MS, IJCTC, CCM, CPRW, CDFI
Berke & Price Associates
www.careercampaign.com
MA , US
(978) 256-0482


We have long observed the workplace is going through significant changes. While jobs may be available, these positions are frequently packaged in ways that are quite new, requiring great flexibility by both employer and the employee. Clearly, job search help is limited and the onus for finding employment is largely, but not completely, left up to the job seekers themselves. The older notion of moving within a narrow band of job opportunities among companies is largely gone. Too frequently the companies are gone, even the industries are gone, a situation in which many communities are most familiar.

We have long counseled that people unwilling or unable to adapt to the new realities of the world-of-work may find themselves competing for a dwindling number of jobs in which the approaches of the last decade and earlier, made sense at that time, but no longer.

While we can lament the loss of these companies, and the loss of the security these firms offered, we must also recognize an important upside. That upside is reflected in the flexibility we now have, the opportunities we can explore, the broadened horizons to find work that is both fulfilling and challenging, often in areas that we would never previously consider. It is clear job seekers who master new job search strategies and developed a facility in marketing themselves will have more options. They will be of more value to employers and better positioned for employment opportunities.

We have focused on companies as employment targets, but there other places to look. One area is in non-profits.

Unfortunately, non-profits generally have lower pay scales, although at the top many non-profit executives do very well. As with any profession, the work has its own set of challenges and frustrations. However, work satisfaction can also be huge, and many people have found very fruitful careers, doing well by doing good. It is not uncommon for people to find their work passion initially as a volunteer, never recognizing this work can also offer career prospects. As an employee these positions offer opportunities to influence and contribute in ways that are impossible as a volunteer.

Since non-profits are private, with focus on their mission, determining the practical elements important to a job search is more difficult, but still essential. It is important to understand the mission, to ensure compatibility with your interests. You should explore its fiscal strength to determine the sources of its revenue. Are these funding sources broad or narrow? Many foundations are supported by only one person or one family. Others derive funds from fund raising, membership dues, publications, funded research or combinations of other sources. So annual revenue, revenue sources and how the money is spent can be important factors.

Is the staff small and totally dependent upon volunteers for fundraising, or is there a larger professional staff working with public and private firms to raise funds and pursue their mission? Either may be appropriate, but you have to determine that based on your own interests and values. Examine carefully whether the staff and membership are growing or declining. Try to determine what elements are contributing to growth or shrinkage. Smaller could be better, or perhaps not. You have to decide.

To what extent would you be responsible for fundraising? This is extremely important because fundraising represents the lifeblood of most non-profits, and the responsibilities are huge. Strong and aggressive organizational and planning skills are very transferable into a non-profit environment. If you are the type of dynamic person that likes objective measurements for job performance, fundraising may be very attractive. Also, fundraisers are highly prized.

Examine the programming and services to determine what new and creative ideas have been introduced. Is this an organization that seeks and values new ideas, new concepts, new programs? Is it looking to expand into new areas, or better ways to deliver services to their current recipients? In the first instance creativity and innovative thinking is important, while in the second example strong administrative skills may be more important.

Take a look at how the public views the organization. Non-profits like to do a lot of public outreach. Communications, media affairs, public speaking opportunities and related activities are often crucial elements of success. For someone who has experience in communications, either as a practitioner or a public speaker, these skills and experience can be extremely valuable. Skills in developing marketing communications material, advertising campaigns and promotional activities offer significant opportunities, particularly with non-profit groups that compete for funding from public solicitations.

If you have any type of computer background, look for the organizations involvement in technology. There have been dramatic successes by non-profits in reaching out to prospective donors through the Internet. Compiling lists, building databases and managing the process enables those who have these skills an opportunity to apply them in a totally different environment.

Finally, examine the organization carefully to ensure a match between your interests, skills, and values. Re-structure your marketing tools, create new messages and look for opportunities to gain exposure to the group. Remember, these organizations are also part of the hidden job market.