So you want to work in NonProfit?

I’m thrilled! You want to use your talents, skills, and abilities for a higher purpose. Thank you for valuing the work of the nonprofit community, and your interest in joining us.

Nonprofits are the lifeline for many people, missions, and causes. We need exceptional talent in the nonprofit sector, so everyone is welcome. The best part is you will find great people to work with, too. At Pinky Swear Foundation , we lead with head and heart, meaning our people are highly talented highly compassionate, and highly motivated to make a difference.

I often get asked how to make the transition from the corporate world to the ‘nonprofit’ world.

Here’s my advice for how to break into the nonprofit from the corporate world:

• Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to get to know the organization or industry you want to work in. There are many skills-based volunteering opportunities whether it be offering your expertise, sitting on a task force, or completing a project. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people, network, and diversify your skills. Volunteer opportunities at Pinky Swear Foundation can be found here .?

• Be on a Board. When I was hired at Pinky Swear Foundation, I came from the corporate world, but had served on a nonprofit Board for fifteen years. During my years of Board service, I served in Executive Board roles, sat on a variety of committees and task forces, and did on-the-ground volunteer work. My ‘behind the scenes’ knowledge was extensive, and I understood the strategic and tactical issues unique to nonprofits. Board service is a great way not only to learn more about the workings of the nonprofit world, but also to grow your related experience.

• Understand resourcing. As much as I would like it, there simply aren’t enough resources in the nonprofit world. Our industry is highly regulated, and we earn donor trust by being incredibly frugal with our spending. This means we don’t have the internal resources like our corporate counterparts which can shock those coming into a new role. There are typically not large teams or large budgets for projects that may have come easier elsewhere. It is more hands-on with less resources. Be okay with innovation and creativity sourced from yourself.

• Align with the role as much as you align with the mission. If you are applying for a fundraising role, ensure you have fundraising experience. While we hire for alignment with our values and mission, we also need to ensure new team members are equipped with skills sets that launch us to the next level. Please do not be offended if you are not offered an interview or position if your skill set does not match the job requirements. And remember that there are often new roles coming up in an organization. The next new role could be the perfect one for you!

• Follow the hiring rules: As a former HR and Recruitment leader, my recommendation is the same no matter where you apply: Follow application instructions carefully, write customized cover letters, and follow up every interview with a thank you note. These are important reminders and will make you stand out as a candidate. While nonprofits are a unique industry, we remain highly committed to professionalism and excellence like our corporate counterparts.

Again, congratulations on making the decision to lead a life with purpose. It takes great courage to make a career leap, discover what matters to you, and find your next role. Thank you for making the world a better place, especially in service to kids with cancer and their families.

Additional resources to join a nonprofit:

In the Twin Cities, there are skills-based opportunities through HandsOn Twin Cities , and I recommend many of the nonprofit recruitment firms who specialize in this industry. I particularly appreciate Lars Leafblads’s newsletter that highlights open positions.

You can follow Pinky Swear Foundation on LinkedIn for our job postings, or check our website regularly.

And I invite you to follow me on LinkedIn , too. I post our Pinky Swear Foundation jobs and share others from my peers in the nonprofit sector.

- Erica Campbell