Thinking Like a Nonprofit Professional

The most important, and often most difficult step, is changing how you think about work.

1. You’ll need to get used to a different culture.

When you first find a nonprofit job, it may be a bit of a culture shock to you.  Depending on the organization, you might find the people to be more “touchy feely,” “less corporate,” “down to earth,” “political,” “passionate,” and more.  You’ll also find that nonprofits view work through a different lens than for-profits.  Generally, work is not thought about in terms of the company’s bottom line.  Instead, many nonprofits focus on relationships, mission, and values.  Other organizations, especially start-ups or high-growth organizations, have an entrepreneurial spirit where achievement is measured (such as revenue generation).  Get to know the organization’s style by checking out its website and finding news articles about it.  If you can find their annual report, see what the organization has been up to and where it is positioning itself in the long-term.  Ask yourself if you like the way the organization does things and where it’s headed.

If you want to be successful in your new nonprofit career, you’ll have to prepare yourself  to get acclimated to the organization’s culture.   Start out by volunteering at organizations whose mission you support.  Get to know the people who work there, and observe how they do things, how they interact with others, and what their overall attitude is about the job and the organization.  Ask questions about how people are successful at that organization or in that field, and take note of what you hear.  You’ll likel find that people are overall happy with their careers, but they’ll have plenty of “lessons learned” to share with you if you’re open to them.

2.  You’ll need to collaborate a whole lot more and be prepared for things to move more slowly and deliberately.   

If you worked in the for-profit sector, you might be more used to a hierarchical structure, where feedback and instructions come from the top down.  You may also be used to a very fast-paced environment where decisions are made quickly, and things can change on the fly.  Many nonprofits take a much more collaborative approach.  You’ll be expected to run your ideas by others and be prepared for things to take a lot longer to get done.  Many new ideas are given a lot of thought and run by a lot of stakeholders, and you’ll be successful if you’re patient, receptive to feedback, adaptable, and persistent.  It will be important to adjust your expectations for how long things will take to get done, and you will be successful in implementing your ideas if you have the buy-in of key stakeholders.  (To be fair, much of this is true for the for-profit sector, but the pace and style of change often differs.)

Nonprofits value people who have a keen ability to influence their constituencies, whether it be other employees, donors, or board members. Successful nonprofit professionals manage these relationships well and establish trust and credibility with others.  You’ll need to learn quickly what motivates others in the organization, what makes them tick, and what they expect.  If you show that you are receptive to ideas and follow through with your promises, you will quickly establish the rapport you need to be successful.  Accept any challenge given to you with grace, and be a problem solver, not a complainer.  Show your appreciation for other staff members and volunteers that help you get things done, and they will remain very loyal to you.  

3.  You’ll need to be able to do more with less, and be comfortable wearing multiple “hats.”

No matter what culture the organization has, almost all nonprofits experience challenges due to lack of resources — whether it is limited funding or a lack of staff.  This often means that staff have to think more creatively and “do more with less.”  You might find yourself working longer hours, competing with other programs for funding, and take on responsibilities that are outside your job description.  Demonstrating your ability to manage across a broad range of responsibility is key to success in your nonprofit career. Of course, because there are only so many hours in a day, you’ll quickly need to learn how to prioritize your time and tasks effectively.  

4.  You need to show lots of passion for what you do.  

One thing that is consistent among virtually all nonprofits is that they expect staff to show a passionate interest in their work and mission. It’s not good enough to say you want to “make a difference.” You need to demonstrate a track record of interest and engagement in the organization’s work.  Having no experience in the nonprofit sector, you should consider joining an auxiliary board, volunteering for the organization, or finding other ways to get involved with similar nonprofits.  The good news is that many nonprofits, unlike many for-profits, view this volunteer experience favorably and will often weigh it when considering you for a job.

Working for a nonprofit is like running a marathon. It is a long-term commitment, even when there may be no “finish line” in sight.  You’ll find that the clients and communities you serve have endless needs, and you will have to do more for them with less, while still keeping your various stakeholders happy. Focus and determination will give you a track record of dedication to the cause or constituency, and you’ll soon become a leader.

5.  You need to be prepared for a lower salary for entry-level positions.

It is common knowledge that salaries at nonprofits are often lower than their for-profit counterparts.  (Of course, as you move up the ranks, your earning potential certainly increases.) Recognizing this, you’ll need to balance a lower salary with other perks the organization may offer.  Many nonprofits offer very generous paid time off plans and flexible work arrangements.  Most importantly, many offer high visibility and rewarding opportunities — which is likely a major reason you were looking to make a career change in the first place.   Whatever your salary, it is important to keep an open mind. There is simply no direct correlation between your salary and the value you deliver to society through your work.  What is important is that you  manage to pay your bills while working in a field you enjoy.

Finding the right nonprofit job for you

Granted, nonprofits all have their differences, and you’ll need to find an organization that is a good fit for your personality, your interests, and your career goals.  As you begin to search for the right opportunity for you, consider these questions.

1.  What issues do you care about?  What causes do you enjoy volunteering for?  What causes are you indifferent about?

2.  What did you enjoy about your past jobs?  What were you good at?  How does this relate to the nonprofit sector or the job you’re applying to?  Do you have any unpaid experience that’s relevant, too?

3.  What type of organization would you be happy working in?  What is the culture like?  Are there certain red flags or deal breakers?

4.  How are people successful in the organization? How does the organization get things done? 

5.  Is the organization or field rapidly changing?  Is it growing?

6.  What is your communication style?  Have you been effective at influencing others?  Have people mostly complained about or complimented your work in the past?

7.  What motivates you to do well?  How do the organizations you research recognize and reward employees?

8.  What is your action plan? How are you going to get your foot in the door at the organization? How are you networking with people in the field?

9.  What does your resume demonstrate about your relevant skills? Is it clear how you would fit in at the organization? 

The bottom line is that those who are generally most successful at making the transition to a nonprofit career recognize that nonprofits have their distinct differences from for-profit companies.  Successful nonprofit professionals are kind, considerate, passionate, and accountable.   They rare adaptable, flexible, and open in their management and communications styles. They can manage a broad range of responsibility with limited resources. Finally, and often most importantly, they have a distinct passion for the work of the organization. As you begin to transition into the nonprofit sector, consider your own personality and work on developing in the areas you’re lacking.  With determination and commitment, you can develop the nonprofit mindset and launch a very rewarding and successful career.

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Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Managing Director and senior leadership to develop communications strategies that will broaden programmatic reach and deepen impact
• Develop and refine organizations messaging to ensure organizational consistency
• Identify significant media and public policy issues that can be leveraged to support organization’s work, and create and implement plans 
• Oversee organizational response to inquiries about the organization from external parties, including media.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Marketing/Communications strongly preferred.  
• Requires a minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience
• Significant communications experience that includes a blend of advocacy and media relations
• A strong track record of positioning an organization to achieve tangible outcomes in a competitive communications environment
• Ability to coach and support senior leaders as spokespersons for media events and publications

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Description:

•     Responsible for all company accounting/ bookkeeping/reporting
•     Prepare monthly talent revenue share reconciliation and payment
•     Perform all payroll, purchasing and travel expense functions
•     Manage the accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure efficiency
•     Work with the Development team to ensure accurate, automated functionality in financial operations
•     Responsible for all aspects of monthly and annual close
•     Liaison with outside tax CPA, Bankers, Insurance Brokers, etc.
•     Partner with the business heads to develop and manage accurate budgets and forecasts
•     Develop reports and analysis that will enhance management decision-making
•     Provide overall operational and financial support
 

Requirements:

•     5-8 years finance/accounting experience
•     Experience with accrual-based financials including journal entries, amortizations, accruals, and revenue recognition.
•     Deep experience with Quickbooks/ Quickbooks payroll (multi-state) or other similar financial tools.
•     CPA  and/or MBA preferred
•     Proven strong financial and analytical skills, written and oral communications
•     Independent thinker/ Self-starter/ Daily executor with eye on the big picture
•     Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
•     Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of stakeholders including: talent partners, development team and  senior management
•     Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
•     Strong technical skills, especially Excel

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Commitment: Shifts, days, and times will vary based on event specifications.  Part time and full time positions available.

Report to: Manager of Outreach or other departmental staff.

Basic Function: Engage in varying outreach activities and events (i.e. health fairs, community fairs, festivals, concerts, and events, etc.) in order to educate the community about organization’s goals, resources, services, volunteer program, and upcoming events as well as creating awareness about public health issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Pick up materials for outreach and set up at table at event (or distribute materials to crowds depending on event).
• Distribute information, brochures, condoms, and other materials at events, fairs, and festivals.
• Conduct community outreach to promote safer sex and resources for targeted communities as defined by each department.
• Answer questions about organization, its services, and public health. Refer people to specialized staff if unable to answer a question.
• Take down contact information as necessary for people interested in volunteering, signing up for special events, etc.
• Participate in the creation and implementation of community health events and programs when asked.
• Learn about the goals of each outreach event as determined by the requesting department.
• Stay current on upcoming outreach events; including outreach at community events and/or festivals.
• Return all materials back to organization after the event.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Willingness to learn basic knowledge about public health issues.
• Comfort with high public visibility.  Outgoing personalities are a plus.
• Knowledge of and comfort with diverse sexual identification.
• Personal awareness and emotional maturity.
• Comfortable working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and ethnic diversity.
• Comfortable talking about issues of public health, including sensitive topics such as sexual health.

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Responsibilities:

• Provide a high level of confidential and professional administrative support to the Partners and staff, including face to face interaction with clients, presentation preparation, travel coordination, meeting minutes, project tracking, etc.
• Coordinate calendars and assist with executive management meetings, conferences, conference calls, org events and other types of meetings.
• Must have the capability to make decisions and solve problems, when necessary.
• Must be familiar with a variety of administrative concepts, practices, software applications and procedures.
• Perform a variety of complex, detailed tasks and administrative duties as required, using a great deal of independent judgment.
• Be a positive and proactive team member with the ability to anticipate and fulfill staff requests with professionalism and courtesy.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience
• Strong work ethic, excellent organization and prioritization skills and the ability to take on individual projects
• Fast learner with strong analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Strong multi-tasking and client service skills
• Team-oriented with solid interpersonal skills
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree a plus

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Now, limiting your resume to one page will make it easier for a recruiter to scan.  But when you have a tremendous amount of experience that you need to showcase, one page is not enough, unless you want to make the font so small that it is unreadable!

Guess what… It’s OK to have a resume that is two or three pages.  Can you hear the gasps and tsk-tsk‘s now from the “experts?”

Here is why the one page resume does not work versus a two page resume:

• You have less space to list your accomplishments.
• You risk having a cluttered resume that is even more unreadable than if it were spread out over two pages.
• You miss out on certain keywords that applicant tracking systems pick up, because you have less text.
• You risk making yourself look even less experienced or ambitious than you really are.

Sure, there are disadvantages to having a longer resume — primarily, that the recruiters will miss important information that is, say, on the second page.  That is why you should think of your resume as a publication and prioritize your text.

Think about it… when we read documents, we usually start at the top. Typically, recruiters only spend about 30 seconds scanning a resume, which means they get through about 3/4 of the first page before putting your resume in the “Yes” or “No” pile.

How You Sort the Information Matters

If you put the most important information toward the top, you can be sure that the recruiter will read it.  Save the less-important stuff for the end — for example, the degree in Art History you got 10 years ago, when you are applying for an accounting job.  If the recruiter is interested in you, they may continue to read past the first page.  If they’re not interested in the “most important” things you list at the top, then they sure won’t be interested in reading the rest!

As you’re writing and re-writing your resume, don’t fret so much about the length.  Instead, focus on keeping your points easy to read, concise, and prioritized for the reader.

One Page Resume vs. Two Page Resume: Keeping Your Resume Prioritized

Just as there is no one-size-fits-all resume length, there is no particular format or order that works for everyone.  You can use these tips for thinking about what to include first, second, third, etc.

1. Do you have a lot of experience but no degree (or a degree that you earned a really long time ago)?  Put that toward the top.
2. Are you a recent graduate with little or no paid experience? Put your education first.
3. Are you an information technology or scientific professional?  List your technical skills toward the top.
4. Do you have a special certification?  Be sure to include that after your name at the top.
5. Do you have no idea who your references will be?  Don’t list any!  You’ll be asked for them later, anyway.

Of course, your overall resume format matters, too.  Most of us are used to the chronological resume format, where you list your experiences in reverse order.  But for career changers or people with less experience, a functional resume that focuses on skills or competencies can be beneficial.  One caveat, though with functional resumes:  Applicant tracking systems often can’t read them, and recruiters tend to hate them!  So use them with extreme caution.

Play around with your resume.  Test it out on different job postings and see what results you get.  Pay attention to the questions that recruiters ask you, and keep refining your resume.  

Want a recruiter to review your resume and let you know what’s working and what you need to change?  Check out HarmonyJobs’ low-cost resume review service.

The post Why the 1-Page Resume Does Not Work appeared first on HarmonyJobs.

Use it to form your official job description — that you’ll use to post jobs and explain the position clearly to candidates. Customize the template to include as much information as you need to convey the essential functions and requirements for the job.

<Job Title>
Position Description

Organizational Overview

Tell about your organization. What does your organization do? How long has it been around? Who does it serve? What is its mission?  Be as concise as possible, highlighting the main points that can help a candidate determine whether they are a good fit for your organization. Give a website where people can find more information about your organization.

Position Overview

Use plain language to give a high level overview of the position.  What is its main purpose?  What functions does it oversee? Who does it report to? How does this position help achieve your organization’s mission?

Responsibilities

• Break down the responsibilities with bullet points.
• Organize bullets with subcategories, if necessary.
• Start each bullet with an action verb.  Avoid saying, “Responsible for…”

Qualifications

• List qualifications that absolutely required for the job – specific skills, educational background, and experience
• Be realistic with your qualifications.  Are they all necessary to do the job, or just nice to have?
• Detail all “soft skills” and personal attributes required to be successful in the job. Avoid any language that can be perceived as discriminatory.
• Setting realistic expectations will help you find the right candidates – and avoid scaring away qualified candidates who don’t meet a “nice have” but can do the job effectively.

Need help with creating a job description?  Contact us for help!

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Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research governmental, foundation and corporate grants 
• Establish and maintain relationships with funders
• Write, submit and track grant applications
• Generate compelling narratives for funding applications and reports 
• Develop project descriptions, evaluation plans 
• Gather budget materials for applications and ensure compliance with funding requirements
• Oversee reporting requirements for grants and contracts. 
• Handle confidential financial records and grant materials with great discretion
• Regularly report in writing about all grant search and application activities to Director of Development
• Analyze new strategies for income and provide written recommendations 

Required Skills / Experience:

• Bachelors Degree, preferably in English, Journalism or related field
• 2+ years of grant writing experience
• Computer literate and comfortable with internet research and online applications
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and complete work timely and accurately 
• Solid writing and editing skills

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If you’re unhappy, you need to come to terms with your current situation or make a change. If you aren’t sure whether you should change careers, consider these three things first.

1. THINK ABOUT WHAT HAS WORKED FOR YOU

The “experts” will talk ad nauseum about transferrable skills.  Yes, you know about those already.  But what they don’t tell you is that you need to think about what makes you happy — what makes you want to get up in the morning.  Are there aspects of your current job that you do like?  What are you really good at?  What expertise do you bring to the table?  (This can be outside of your job as well.)

Think about your next opportunity.  What does it look and feel like?  How are your working relationships?  What are you doing day to day?  Where are you working?  How do you feel at the end of the day?

Your next career should make you happy.  You don’t want to get into another unhappy situation, especially if you have to make sacrifices to get there.

2. BE HONEST ABOUT WHAT HAS NOT WORKED FOR YOU

There is a reason why you got into your present career.  What led you there?  Was there an ideal you were trying to find?  What about your job makes you want to pull the covers over your head when the alarm clock goes off?

Sure, we all hate certain aspects of our jobs.  That’s part of life.  But if there are things that make you sick to your stomach, or things that make your face turn red, take note.  Do you hate traveling?  Are you sick of being tied to a Blackberry?  Do you want to give the hierarchy a big middle finger?

Again, you don’t want to get into a repeat situation.  You might even find that another career won’t make you any happier. That is why you need to be honest with yourself about why you hate your job, to the smallest details.  Perhaps it’s your current situation, not your entire career, that needs adjustment.  (And perhaps not, depending on your tolerance for some factors.)

3. LEAP FORWARD, AND DON’T LOOK BACK

Once you’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what you like, what you don’t like, and where you want to go, you need to make a decision.  Are you willing to commit at this point to do whatever it takes to get where you want?

If the answer is no, then you should go back to re-thinking your situation.

If the answer is yes, then you should declare it to yourself today that you are taking that first step toward making a change.  Re-define your career.  Say exactly where you are headed, and let people know about it.  Go to networking activities.  Re-write your resume tailored to your new career.  Talk with your friends and colleagues about your goals and dreams.  Your opportunities are limitless, but you need to make the commitment to seize them.  Don’t rely on others to make decisions for you.  In fact, you might even find your share of “Debbie Downers” who will squash any possible dream you can have.

Be brave, be bold… if you’re ready for the challenge.

The post Should you make a career change? appeared first on HarmonyJobs.

Top 5 Articles for Recent Grads

Be a Gutsy Grad: LinkedIn Tips for the Class of 2012 - How to use LinkedIn to connect with employers, tap into your alumni network, and show what you can do. [LinkedIn Blog]

7 Common Interview Questions for the New Graduate (or Anyone Else) - How to approach your interview with confidence and prepare answers to questions you will likely be asked. [The Wisdom Journal]

How New College Grads Can Land a Shockingly Good Job - The best candidates find great positions in any kind of job market. The key is to know how to be one of the best.  Learn how to be the star candidate every employer is looking for!  [Forbes]

The No-Experience Resume For College Grads – How to highlight your skills and market yourself to employers when you have little or no job experience.  [Investopedia]

10 Job Search Mistakes of New College Grads - Recent grads can have better luck finding a job by avoiding these mistakes.  [Monster]

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