If you’re thinking of looking for work that makes a difference, handling communications for a nonprofit organization can be very rewarding. The trick is understanding how to open that door of opportunity. According to the Independent Sector, 6 percent of all U.S. organizations are nonprofits and 1 in 12 works for a nonprofit. There are so many different kinds of nonprofits that the IRS has more than 25 classifications to describe them. When most people think of nonprofits, though, typically they think of public charities classified as 501(c)3 by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These nonprofits comprise food banks, shelters, some hospitals, advocacy organizations, public television/radio, and those that provide services for those in need. Guidestar has probably one of the most comprehensive lists around and is a great place to research nonprofits.
There are more ways to connect to nonprofits than you might think.
You might consider working with nonprofits by way of organizations who work directly with them. There can definitely be some advantages of working for a cause without being employed directly by the charity. Consider the many businesses and organizations (some for profit and others not) that cater specifically to nonprofits to assist them with outreach, fundraising, marketing, strategy and more. In Austin, Texas for example, Greenlights for Nonprofit Success and the Center for Community-Based and Nonprofit Organizations at Austin Community College are two such organizations. There are state and national associations as well who are in essentially the same business of helping nonprofits learn to do what they do better and with less. (Sounds like working for the private sector, right?)
Think about the larger corporations in your area. Many have community relations or community affairs positions, which typically manage the public relations and the company’s charitable and sometimes volunteer presence in the community. Working foundations are another way to impact a cause. Though many are nonprofit in their own right, it’s easy to overlook their social entrepreneur-like role in supporting causes in line with their mission.
Professional and trade associations (like the Association for Women in Communications) are another type of nonprofit, which the IRS defines as 501(c)6, to support a community’s business interests or a profession. It’s no surprise to find many of them located in state capitals and the largest number of them in our nation’s capital.
The best way to open the door is to start meeting people.
Start conducting informational interviews with friends and find out to whom they can make an introduction. Invite them for coffee or better yet take them coffee. There is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting, even if it is short. And absolutely do not ask for a job directly on these exploratory missions. The whole point is to learn more and make more connections. They know you want a job; don’t bang them over the head with it. They will remember you positively if you send a thank you note. A simple email is fine, but a snail mail letter is even more memorable.
In the social media sphere, if you’re on Twitter, begin following people who work at nonprofits and those who consult with nonprofits. Listen to what is important to them, and learn a little bit more about what they do.
Another way to get your foot in the door is to volunteer your time and expertise. This can be as simple as helping with registration at a fundraising event, or much, much more depending on your talents and time availability. Any level of volunteering is a great way to see what the organization is really like.
Sell your experience.
Once you get the interview, do your homework about the charity as much as you can. Learn how to translate how your experience in their terms, so they will better understand how your special skills and talents will help advance the cause. If you have a sales/marketing background, the development/fundraising team will be eager to know of your successes in revenue generation or advocacy marketing. Volunteer experiences, even with your professional involvement with AWC, are also applicable. Service as a local board officer, for example, can show leadership and volunteer management expertise.
What experiences have you had working for a nonprofit or switching sectors?
Meet Amy Carr
Amy Carr currently leads the marketing communications and strategy efforts for the Center for Child Protection, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the trauma of child abuse in Austin, Texas. Prior to joining the Center for Child Protection, Amy managed the marketing program for Publishers Resource Group, Inc., a K–12 instructional materials developer. She has also worked for state government writing research materials and educational pieces for the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and conducting nutrition education outreach for the Texas Department of Human Services. Amy began her career in the communications department at Catholic Life Insurance in San Antonio. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Ethics from St. Edward’s University and a B.A. in International Studies and German from Trinity University.
Amy T. Carr has been a member of the Association for Women in Communications since 1995, serving in numerous positions on the Austin Professional chapter board including vice president of membership, vice president of professional development, and president. For her efforts with AWC, Ms. Carr received the Gladys Whitney Hearst Outstanding Chapter Member Award in 2005. She also received a president’s award from the chapter for outstanding membership recruitment in May 2000. Amy was honored to serve on the national board of directors for AWC from 2004-2008. For those efforts, she received a Star Award from the Austin chapter in 2008. She is currently involved with AWC’s centennial celebration and the AWC Powerful Voices blog.
AWC Powerful Voices 