How to Get a Job at a Nonprofit
Having relevant experience can sometimes outweigh a higher degree of education when it comes to getting hired at a nonprofit, although typically at least a bachelor’s is preferred at most organizations. Employees at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for example, have worked their way to higher positions within the nonprofit by starting out as program assistants or interns. Nonprofits look for people who are goal-driven, adaptable to change, and willing to learn from their mistakes in order to better serve others. Many are willing to move employees to higher positions within the organization if they are dedicated to their type of work.
Entry Level Nonprofit Jobs
There are many entry level positions within nonprofits. For example, The American Red Cross looks for medical professionals and disaster relief workers such as hospital services technicians, first aid instructors, and phlebotomists. Blood processing technologists are regularly needed and expected to perform basic processing and test procedures on blood products before distributing the blood to hospitals. Boys & Girls Club has multiple job openings throughout the year at their local clubs, including positions as grant writers, reading specialists, and project coordinators. People who start out in these entry-level positions may gain the experience needed to eventually work in management positions, such as the Director of Federal Grants or as the Assistant Director of Conference and Learning Events for Boys & Girls Club.
Nonprofit Tech Jobs
Both nonprofits with a focus on technology as well as non-tech organizations have openings for technology positions. Common job titles within these organizations include data analysts, system specialists, and project managers. For example, Sargent Shriver National Center for Poverty Law, a nonprofit based in Illinois, was recently seeking a technology systems manager who would be in charge of leading the implementation strategies for technology systems and is responsible for ensuring that all databases and computer equipment function properly. At the time of this writing, the Humane Society of the United States has a job opening for a senior web developer who is responsible for troubleshooting technical issues and maintaining web servers.
Nonprofit Accounting Jobs
Many nonprofits hire accountants to help with preparing a monthly budget and support the implementation of activities that would help the organization reach its goals. The Wright Foundation in Chicago, IL hires entry-level accountants with at least a B.S. in Accounting or Finance to prepare financial statements, communicate with clients, and run the billing department. ALTRES, a nonprofit based in Hawaii dedicated to hunger relief, recently had an open position for accounting clerks. Job seekers wanting positions in accounting must be familiar with using Microsoft Excel and relevant accounting software such as QuickBooks.
Nonprofit Marketing Jobs
Almost every nonprofit organization hires marketers, both to get the word out about their services and communicate the value of the organization to volunteers and donors. Email marketer, digital strategist, social media & content strategist, and marketing associate are common job titles for marketing positions at nonprofits. A bachelor's degree is often required for these positions. For example, Feeding America, a nonprofit dedicated to hunger relief, hires email marketing managers to be in charge of creating and executing an email marketing strategy that would increase the number of subscribers and donors for the organization.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness FAQs
Public Service Loan Forgiveness can be a confusing topic, but the most common questions are addressed here.
What is public service loan forgiveness?
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is applicable to people who are employed by a government or nonprofit organization. It forgives the remaining of the balance on government-backed student loans after 120 monthly payments have been made.
What types of jobs qualify for public service loan forgiveness?
Any government or nonprofit employee is eligible for public service loan forgiveness as long as they are working full-time and the time is not spent on religious or worship services for a nonprofit.
What is going to happen to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program?
While the fate of PSLF is currently undetermined, students who take out loans for the 2018-2019 school year will be grandfathered in to the current terms of the program.
