What kinds of nonprofit jobs are good for sector switchers?

One of the first questions that sector switchers ask is “What kind of jobs can I do in a nonprofit organization?” This is a complicated question because the nonprofit sector is so diverse, and made up of many “sub-sectors.”

To make things simple, nonprofit jobs usually fall into 2 buckets:
1. Core Function Jobs
2. Program Jobs

Core Function Jobs
Just like for-profit businesses, nonprofits have a set of core functions that support the organization. These functions include:
– Development/Fundraising
– Finance
– HR
– IT
Often times, professionals with expertise in one of these areas can work for any nonprofit organization. For example, a development professional from a youth organization could also take her expertise to an environmental organization.

Program Jobs
Program jobs focus on delivering the mission and services of the organization. These are similar to line of business jobs in for-profit companies. Program jobs depend on the sub-sector, and often require special training or experience. For example, program jobs in an international health organization might want experts in public health and medicine. Program jobs in a workforce development organization might want someone with experience in HR or training.

How does this affect your job search?
One of the first things to consider in your job search is whether you want to be in a core function job or a program job. I often speak with sector switchers who think that program jobs are “cooler”, but core function jobs are critical to ensuring that nonprofits can meet their missions. These jobs also tend to be more open to sector switchers because organizations want someone who has strong expertise in that function. I have interviewed many nonprofits that said they would love to bring on a CFO with for-profit experience.

If you are interested in a program job, think about the sub-sectors that might be related to your skill sets. Some of the sub-sectors that tend to be open to business professionals in program roles include:
– community development financial institutions
– economic development
– education
– microfinance
– social entrepreneurs
– social investment funds
– workforce development

Do you have other job search tips for sector switchers? Email me at [email protected].