Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/29/2011

It's finally the end of the week, so get started on your weekend plans!  But before you do, check out today's most interesting nonprofit jobs:

• Country Director at American Near East Refugee Aid: This position is located in ANERA's Jerusalem office with travel through West Bank and Gaza, and provides oversight for a staff of 67 development professionals in the country. The country director, reporting directly to the President, will provide the vision and oversight for all aspects of ANERA's in-country operations and development of new business opportunities. S/he is responsible for developing and implementing the approved strategic plan for relief and development projects in the West Bank and Gaza. This includes managing staff, budgets and relationships with partners/funders and headquarters.
• Resource Development Associate at United Way: Responsibilities will include: Managing individual donor & local workplace campaign details including face to face meetings and presentations, donor/prospect research and analysis, preparing database reports, managing logistics for meetings and special events, soliciting sponsorships, handling administrative duties, including correspondence and mailings.
• Associate Director of Prospect Research at Bloomsberg University Foundation: The Associate Director of Prospect Research & Management is a regular full-time professional staff position reporting to the Director of Development. The Associate Director of Prospect Research & Management manages the day-to-day operations of the Donor Research and Information Management Unit and supervises the staff within this unit.

Reasons You Aren't Getting Job Interviews

Here's a familiar story you've probably experienced.  It's been weeks since you last heard back from an employer for a job interview.  The economy is obviously in a rough state, but shouldn't you be hearing back?  The thoughts rush through your head: "My resume must not be good enough."  "Obviously I'm just not fit to be employed."  "Maybe I should start doing some major restructuring to the way I present myself."  Stop right there.  There are times when you should consider changing up your resume to get job interviews.  Before you start doing that, however, you should determine if that really is the problem. 

• Are you applying to the right positions?  In the rush to get a job, we can run into bad habits.  One of these is not reading job descriptions carefully enough.  Skimming may be faster, but you can miss important details that might make you realize you aren't a great fit for the organization.
• Online job boards are a fantastic tool for job searching, but they shouldn't be your only source.  Use social media, traditional networking, or other sources in addition.  We call resources like these the hidden job market.  Remember, not every job is publicly advertised.  If you do a little research, you might find opportunities you didn't expect.
• I've said it before and I'll say it again: Don't hold out for your dream job.  It's good to have high standards, but that shouldn't prevent you from applying to jobs that might not be exactly what you want to do.  As long as the position in question matches your level of expertise, there is no reason you shouldn't try it out.  Limiting your options only decreases the chances you will hear back.

These are just some of the things you should be keeping in mind if you aren't getting job interviews.  If you have any other suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/28/2011

Can you believe it's almost August?  There have been a lot of great and not so have great things that have happened already in July.  On the good side, the NFL lockout ended.  But we also had stagnant unemployment numbers, and the current debt-ceiling crisis in DC.  What are your thoughts on July now that it is nearing its end?  Leave your comments after you check out today's recommended articles:

• 'Top 8 Excuses for Not Netowrking'-When we put our minds to it, we can come up with excuses not to do anything.  It's important to avoid that urge when it comes to important things like networking.  Check out this list of bad excuses compiled by CareerSherpa.
• 'How To: Generate Creative Energy for Your Job Search'-A task as difficult as the job search often requires great creativity on the part of the job seeker.  The AvidCareerist will help you get on the right path to come up with some great idea.
• '5 Ways to Improve Your Cover Letter Introduction'-Another great piece from GreatResumesFast on cover letters. This article focuses on the all important cover letter introduction.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/28/2011

Here are today's top nonprofit jobs:

• Not-For-Profit Accountant at Paralyzed Veterans of America: Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), a large downtown non-profit organization, is seeking a full-time Accountant for its Finance department. Successful candidate will be a self-starter, well organized, motivated, dependable, punctual, possess good oral/written skills and be able to work without direct supervision. Candidate should have proficient computer skills in Excel, accounting software packages and report writing software.
• Development Director at Guideposts: We are currently seeking a Development Director to join our team. This position works with and supports the development and implementation of major gift/leadership giving strategies and programs and planned giving and is an integral part of the Guideposts’ Philanthropy team.
• Magazine Production Manager at United Spinal Association: We seek to hire an experienced production manager and graphic artist familiar with pre-press processes who has at least 3 years experience in print and digital design and production. Preference will be given to those experienced in four-color magazine design and production.

The Art of Networking With Friends

Career networking isn't always just meeting people you don't know.  You will find that some of the best contacts you have are some of your best friends or family.  Yet often times we ignore working these individuals.  The thought goes that since these people know us the best, there is no need to update them on what is going on with our careers.  This couldn't be further from the truth.  So if you haven't been doing it, you should start networking with your friends more often.

Networking with your friends is an art form.  In certain ways, it can be harder than connecting with a complete stranger.  Because you are so comfortable with this person, it can be easy to just take your friendship with this person for granted.  That's why it's never a good idea to start out by asking for help.  Find out what they have been up to lately first.  Treat it as though you are having a normal conversation.  After they have finished, you can begin to describe your unemployment situation. 

When it comes to your friends potential connections, you should wait until they offer them to you before asking them.  If you noticed they have a connection at a nonprofit you always wanted to work for, you should not immediately ask if your resume can be sent to this contact.  You should first describe how you have been looking for work in the nonprofit sector.  If your friend thinks it is appropriate, they will more than likely tell you about the contact you desire.  Make sure to thank them if this is possible, and also ask if it would be possible to meet this contact in person.

Finally, make sure to return the favor.  Nobody likes the friend that is only there when they need help.  Always ask if there is anything you can do to help them out as well.  Maybe they know somebody that also needs help finding a job.  Or perhaps they are also out of work and could use some contacts themselves.  Whatever the case, make sure to offer whatever assistance you can.  As is the case with regular networking, this will make your friend even more willing to help you out.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/27/2011

Here are today's recommended job articles:

• 'Optimize your Resume, Craft Compelling Objectives'-The 'objective' header on your resume is more important than you might think.  Read this article from ResumeBear to find out how to create one that will catch an employer's eye.
• 'How to Identify Hiring Manager Contact Information'-Sometimes finding the information for an organization's hiring manager can be difficult.  Job-hunt.org gives tips on how to find them.
• 'Think Before You Speak'-In a similar vain as my post today, CareerSherpa.net advocates thinking before you say anything to a hiring manager (or in networking).

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/27/2011

Here are today's top nonprofit jobs:

• VP of Program & Youth Development Services at Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Under the limited direction of the Senior Vice President, Program & Youth Development Services, the Vice President, Program & Youth Development Services is responsible for the development, management and leadership of the education, technology, and the arts initiatives that support Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s strategic goals in supporting Clubs. This position will serve as BGCA’s primary visionary resident expert in education.
• Senior Financial Analyst at Girls Scouts of Greater Los Angeles: As the largest girl-serving organization in the nation, an annual operating budget of $14M, we are seeking an experienced and energetic Senior Financial Analyst to add to our Finance team. The position is located at our headquarters in Downtown Los Angeles.
• Community Representative at ACS of Ft. Wayne: American Cancer Society (ACS) of Ft Wayne, seeks a professional, energetic individual to serve as a generalist responsible for Fundraising, Advocacy and Cancer Control. Also responsible for recruiting, training, managing and utilizing volunteers while establishing volunteer committees throughout parts of the twelve counties it serves.

Networking Tips: Is It Better To Listen Than Speak?

In a recent blog post, Job-Hunt.org bought up an interesting networking tip: Listening.  The thought is that, by using active listening skills you will be able to find out more about who the person is and convey to them that you are interested in what they are saying.  Is this really a more effective approach than being an aggressive conversationalist?  I think so.

Everyone likes to feel like they are being listened to; it's a fact of life that is hard to escape.  If the person in question doesn't feel like you are giving them the time of day, they likely won't respect you.  You might not be yelled at like you were in school, but the result remains the same: You will come off as uninterested and unprofessional.  If you are hoping to make a good contact, this is the last thing you want.

It is suggested in the Job-Hunt.org post that you use active listening body language to show you are paying attention.  This includes doing things like leaning forward, smiling, and nodding.  These are all great tips, but I would also suggest bringing along a pen and paper to take notes.  There is no better way to show that you are engaged than by writing down things you think are important.  You will presumably be talking to a lot of people, so taking notes will also help you remember key things the person said.

There is nothing wrong with being more aggressive when you network.  With some people's personalities, it might come more naturally than listening.  Some individuals are just more inquisitive than others.  You will find that you can gain just as much information by letting the other person talk.  As it turns out, it's not always a bad thing to be passive.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/26/2011

Look, another returning feature!  Enjoy today's recommended job articles:

• 'Strategic Planning for Career Success: Goal Setting'-Here's a good article for post-graduates looking for career advice.  Specifically, this post is about how to properly set goals for your job search.
• 'Why Great Interview Answers Won't Always Get You the Job'-This post from the Work Coach Cafe explains why your answers aren't always the most important thing in an interview.
• 'Networking 101: Who Do You Want to Meet?'-You will never get the results you desire from networking if you don't know the kind of people you want to meet.  This article will help you on your way to deciding that.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/26/2011

Now that I am back from my vacation, I can bring you the daily top nonprofit jobs again.  Denver was great, in case you were wondering.

• Program Manager at Soroptimist International of the Americas: International women’s organization seeks a program manager to administer organizational programs and develop resources to support the work of volunteers in 19 countries and territories. Follow the link to read more about the qualifications.
• Grant Writer-Consultant at Boys & Girls Village: Boys & Girls Village is seeking a Grant Writer for a consultant position at 20 hours per week. The Grant Writer will report to the Director of Philanthropy /Marketing & work in tandem with agency Leadership for overall management of the agency’s Grant Writing process. He/She will manage the grant writing process including; identifying, cultivating, procuring, reporting, & tracking the status of all grants.
• Accounts Receivable Accounting Associate at American Urological Association: This position reports to the Accounts Receivable Coordinator. Responsible for cash receipts and processing accounts receivable. Prepares associated account reconciliations for monthly financial statements. Import data capture files from SunTrust: verify and edit lockbox receipts from download file and post into Personify. Research and resolve credit card chargeback issues and process credit card credits on a weekly basis.

Use Networking In Combination With Job Boards

Without a doubt, searching for a nonprofit job is a lot simpler than it was before the advent of the Internet. Now that we have access to nonprofit job boards, we can find the latest available positions with just the click of a mouse. However, this new technology doesn't mean that we should abandon traditional job hunting methods like networking.

Job networking is one of the most important tools in your arsenal. Without it, you will not have access to contacts in the nonprofit sector; and believe me, knowing people at jobs you want to apply to is still as key as it was before the Internet. Of course, the Internet has made networking for jobs easier, as well. If you haven't already, you should create a profile on LinkedIn. Essentially, it is Facebook for job seekers. By using it, you can instantly see if you have any connections at a job you are applying. Still, attending job networking events and career fairs is still something you should consider, as conversing face-to-face is more helpful than having e-mail conversations, as they tend to be less fluid.

So while browsing through job boards and sites over the net, make sure you put in the proper networking time.

Nonprofit Jobs: Grant Writing

There are plenty of nonprofit jobs out there, all of which fill the many skills and trades you study.  One of the more popular skills needed at today's nonprofits, however, is grant writing.  Grant proposals are used to get funding for various projects that a nonprofit will undertake, so it is important that a grant writer not only has a good sense of numbers, but is also a skilled communicator.  If you can't convince the person reading the proposal that the project is worthwhile, you are likely to have your project rejected, no matter how eloquent your writing is.  Here is a basic outline of what your grant proposal should look like, from The Foundation Center:

1.  "Executive Summary"-A blanket statement of the case you are trying to make, and an overall summary of your proposal.  This should be no more than one page.
2.  "Statement of Need"-Why the project in question is needed. This should be no more than two pages.

3.  "Project Description"-Explain how the project is going to be implemented and evaluated by your team.  No more than three pages.

4.  "Budget"-The financial description of your project.  Also include notes to explain the details of the money involved.  No more than one page.

5.  "Organization Information"-History of and the governing structure of your nonprofit.  This includes it's main goals, audiences, and services.  No more than one page.

6.  "Conclusion"-Final summary of the grant proposals main points.  No more than two paragraphs.

Now that you have the basic outline down, you now have the basic idea of how to write a grant proposal.  But as much as this job is in demand, you should make sure you have the necessary skills to do it.  If you don't, but are interested in pursuing a nonprofit career in grant writing, I would recommend checking in with local colleges and universities to see if they offer any grant writing courses.  Otherwise, see if you can get in touch with any grant writers in your area to see if they can give you any advice.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/21/2011

Sorry I've missed linking to job articles the last couple of days.  We definitely won't have them when I'm off break but after today, they will continue as normal on Tuesday.  Thanks for understanding.

• 'Five Components of a Great Networking Card'-Are you jealous of all those lucky employees who have business cards?  Not to worry, you can make yourself a networking card!  This article from WetFeet.com tells you the best ways to make your own networking card.
• 'Temp Your Way to Your Next Nonprofit Job'-The great Rosetta Thurman explains how temping can be a logical path to get a nonprofit jobs.
• 'Do You Want A Job?'-Don't be fooled by the title: This is a very informative piece.  It explains the difference between choosing a job and a career.  In the long run, you are going to want to find work that will be for the greater benefit of your overall career goals.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/21/2011

Just a quick note: I will be going on vacation starting tomorrow, so there will be light to no blogging during that time.  I return on Tuesday, July 26th, and blogging will return as normal then.  With that in mind, here are today's nonprofit jobs:

• Direct Response Manager at The Southern Poverty Law Center: The Direct Response Manager will be responsible for SPLC’s direct marketing fundraising programs, the direct marketing staff and vendors, and will manage a large direct marketing budget. The Manager will collaborate across all Development programs and all SPLC departments to create an energetic environment that integrates and maximizes fundraising efforts.
• Director, Health Initiatives at American Cancer Society: The Director, Health Initiatives - Indiana represents the American Cancer Society in the community through Health Care Systems, primarily large American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer (CoC) accredited systems, to ensure the successful delivery of priority programs and services. Leads the Health Initiative team to successful mission outcomes in patient navigation, quality of life, community comprehensive cancer control and advocacy in the Region in accordance with the division strategic plan. Strategically and tactically leverages volunteer and staff resources to achieve goals.
• Director of Operations at American Pharmacists Association: The American Pharmacists Association, the national professional society of pharmacists, has an immediate need for a Director of Operations to lead the Pharmacy Services Support Center (PSSC) efforts in facilitating the growth of clinically and cost effective pharmacy services programs in 340B-eligible health care delivery sites through the management of a call center and technical assistance program. Serve as staff expert in program operations related to pharmacy access needs, covered entity operations, and pharmacy service delivery trends to underserved populations.

More Cover Letter Tips

Cross posted from Nonprofit Jobseeker

When submitting a job application, many organizations now require you to submit a cover letter along with your resume. Cover letter writing may seem easy, but it is often misunderstood. It is not simply an expanded version of your resume. The hiring manager has already read your resume, so there is no need to restate things. Instead, a good cover letter should tell a story that relates why you are a good fit for the job in question. Here are some tips to get you started:

• If you want to catch the employer's eye, it is important to have a strong opening. Instead of going with the standard "I saw your opening for [insert job here] and would like to express my interest in the position," why not go with something that stands out a little more? Try opening with an anecdote that explains how you first became interested in the line of work you are applying to. For example: "I grew up in a house that emphasized service and giving back to the community. Ever since then, I knew that I wanted to work for a nonprofit job." Then you can go on and explain your background in greater detail.
• Just like your resume, you don't want your cover letter to be too long. A hiring manager's time is valuable, so you don't want to lose them by going on and on. Keep it short and sweet.
• Never submit the same cover letter to multiple organizations. Employers will be able to tell when something is cut and pasted. Create a cover letter template to work from, but make sure each one you submit is tailored to the job you apply to.
• Make sure your cover letter ending is strong. Don't end with passive statements like "I hope to hear back from you in the near future." Convey to the employer that you plan to be in touch with them within the week to further discuss the position.

These tips should get you well on your way to creating a great cover letter. Don't get frustrated if you don't get the response you were hoping for when you submit your first few cover letters. You should only consider revising your cover letters if you are not finding success after a significant amount of applications.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/20/2011

Here are the latest jobs to help you advance your nonprofit career:

• Planned Giving Associate at National Society Daughters of the American Revolution: Responsibilities include working with the Development Director, Planning Giving Specialist and Development staff to formulate annual marketing and gift plans; identifying, cultivating, and building relationships with donors and prospective donors; preparing charitable giving options for donor consideration; maintaining files of current and potential donors; working with donors’ professionals; and coordinating and assisting with monitoring trusts and estates being probated.
• Director of Institutional Advancement at Gladwyne Montessori: Gladwyne Montessori is currently in the initial phase of a significant capital campaign. We seek an experienced development professional to direct all phases of this campaign; manage a portfolio of major gifts prospects, develop and implement cultivation/solicitation strategies for these individuals, work with volunteers and school leadership in the solicitation of gifts, and personally solicit major gifts where appropriate.
• Development Manager at The Skin Cancer Foundation: The Skin Cancer Foundation is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the Development Manager reporting to the Director of Development. The Development Manager will focus 50% of his/her time on foundation relations within a small Development department with the rest of the time being spent on a variety of Development-related work. The right candidate will be a very good writer, will have a proven track record of securing grants from foundations, and will have a solid development generalist background.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/19/2011

Sorry for the delay in the top jobs for today.  So without further ado, here they are:

• Manager, Planned Giving at American Diabetes Association: Our employees like working at the American Diabetes Association because of our opportunities, inclusive environment, work-life balance, benefits and culture. When you join our dedicated team you will experience the gratification of knowing your work impacts the well-being of millions of people, both directly and indirectly, affected by diabetes.
• Product Specialist at The Conference Board, Inc: The Position requires Sinologist credentials, substantial domain knowledge about China’s regulatory and business environment (studied or self-taught), and deep intellectual curiosity and passion about China’s economy, society and politics. Ideally candidate will have some practical and relevant corporate experience. The candidate must be able to interact effectively with senior executives.
• Systems Administrator at Feeding America: We have an opportunity for a Systems Administrator to join our Philanthropy Operations Team. The Systems Administrator is responsible for the data management and content of philanthropy systems in order to support $100M plus in constituent and fundraising activities. The primary responsibility is to facilitate the use of philanthropy systems (ie: Blackbaud Enterprise CRM, PIDI, Convio, etc.) within the guidelines defined through the needs and requirements of philanthropy data management constructs.

Summer Job Search Strategies

In case you haven't noticed by the sweltering heat outside, it's the summer.  With this time of year comes a lot of fun activities: Going to the beach, having cook outs, or hanging out at the local pool.  It's also a good time to heat up your job search.  The first half of this year was a tough one for the job market, there's no doubt about that.  Summer has typically been a prime time for hiring, however, so there may be some good news on the horizon.  So when you're done enjoying the fun in the sun, here are some tips for you to maximize your summer job search:

• The best part of this time of the year is the beautiful weather.  You should take advantage of this by getting outside more to do some serious networking.  Offer to help your neighbors with things around the house.  While you are doing this, you can mention you are currently looking for nonprofit work.  If you are lucky, you might be able to get some solid contacts. 
• Speaking of networking, there are other opportunities to make contacts that are unique to this time of the year.  Keep an eye out for community BBQs or festivals: These are great chances to make quality contacts and have fun at the same time.
• Job hunting during the summer can be rough simply because of all the fun things you could be doing instead.  You should make time for yourself, but don't get lulled into a lazy routine.  You should have made a job search schedule anyway, but it's even more important to make one during this time of the year. 
• Summer is an ideal time to add to your resume, as there are a wealth of courses you can take to make yourself more marketable.  I have talked before about improving your job skills, so this is the perfect time to do just that.  Check in with your local colleges to see what kind of continuing education classes they might have.

That's all I have for now.  Feel free to add your own summer job search strategies below.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/18/2011

Here are today's recommended job articles from across the vast reaches of the Internet:

• '6 Ways to Get Good With Google'-This article lists some good ways to use Google to help your job search.  Besides the obvious Google alerts, they list some pretty interesting ideas here.
• 'Google+ for Job Seekers'-Speaking of Google, here's a good article on how to use the search engine's social networking services, Google+, to find jobs.  I am not entirely familiar with Google+ yet, so I'm not too sure how it works.  But it can only be a good thing to have another social networking presence.
• '5 Ways to Maximize Your Use of Job Boards'-This one is for all the recruiters out there.  This article provides some good ways to get the most bang for your buck out of job boards.  If you think your work was done once you posted a job, think again.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/18/2011

Hope everyone had a great weekend.  We have had a ton of new nonprofit jobs posted in the last few days.  Here's just a sample few that I found the most interesting:

• Governance Specialist at Girl Scouts of America: The Governance Specialist is an internal consultant responsible for providing support to Girl Scout councils in building and sustaining high performing boards. The specialist works independently and in collaboration with other Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) consulting departments to provide expertise and guidance on a variety of good governance and board development issues. She/he provides council boards of directors with tools, resources, consultation, and technical support designed to improve and enhance the functioning and performance of the board of directors.
• National Director of Endurance Events at American Cancer Society: The National Director of Endurance Events will manage the nationwide execution of the American Cancer Society’s endurance program; DetermiNation; to bring nationwide net income totals to $45-50 million by 2015; and more than $100 million ultimately. The Director will work with the National DetermiNation Brand Manager to provide nationwide leadership and vision; and is accountable for achieving nationwide revenue; participant; and efficiency objectives through the effective management and support of field operations.
• Board Member at Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports is governed by an 18-member volunteer board of directors that meets for two days three times a year, with some members also attending committee meetings the day before. Six board members, some of whom are incumbents, are elected each year for three-year terms, through an annual election in which subscribers of Consumer Reports products are eligible to vote. Potential board members come from a variety of sources, and some nominate themselves. Some of our most talented board members have been self-nominated.

Survey: More Employers Doing Social Media Hiring

If you needed more reasons to jump onto the social media bandwagon, here's one: More employers are using social media as a hiring tool.  According to a recent Jobvite.com survey, 80% of employers are using social media to recruit new employees, with an additional 9% saying they plan to start using it in the next year.  That's 89% total that will be using social media to hire their new recruits.  With such a large amount of social media hiring being done, there is no better time to start using it for your job search.

If you're wondering which social network employers use the most for their recruiting, the overwhelming choice for respondents was LinkedIn at a whopping 86.6%.  Facebook came in at a distant second at 55.3%.  LinkedIn gained 8% from the last survey in 2010, while Facebook's popularity remained steady.  It would seem pretty clear which site you would want to use most.  Still, 64% of employers said they used two or more social networking sites, and 40% said they used three or more.  So it would be a huge mistake to rely just on any one particular site when looking for nonprofit work.

There will still be some people out there who might question whether social media can really be an effective resource for getting work.  The Jobvite survey begs to differ.  Some 63% of employers said they were able to successfully hire candidates using social media, an increase from the 53% that did in 2010.  It would seem that as more people use it as a hiring tool, the more success they are having with it. 

This doesn't mean that the job board is dead.  Far from it.  In fact, social media can be a great addition to job boards.  For example, we uses Twitter as a companion to our job board at The NonProfit Times.  Every time a new job is posted, we send out a tweet alerting our followers.  Times are certainly changing, so its time to get on board if you haven't already.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/15/2011

Here are today's recommended articles/sites, fresh picked straight from the Internet:

• 'Stop Being a Lazy Job Seeker'-Don't worry, this is not referring to you directly...hopefully!  But this is a good article to read to make sure you aren't doing any of these bad habits.  If you are, institute the changes listed in this article!
• 'Converting Your Internship Into a Full Time Job'-It's everybody's dream that the unpaid internships we do will eventually lead to a full time job.  Here are some tips on how to make that dream a reality.  A bit of a lengthy read, but worth it.
• 'It's a Small World'-It's true: You can run into former colleagues anywhere!  Here is some more networking advice for you to expand your contacts.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/15/2011

Today is today: The day the last of the Harry Potter movies comes out.  Who's going to see it?  Feel free to post your thoughts about it here when you see it.

• Director of Development/Foundations at Boys and Girls Clubs of America:  Under the limited supervision of the Vice President, RD Club Services and Foundations, the Director of Development/ Foundations has the responsibility for implementing and managing aspects of foundation fundraising activities in multiple states and regions on behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). This position will have responsibility for planning, developing and generating gifts from new prospects and expanding fundraising efforts into previously untapped geographic locales.
• VP for Marketing and Development at John Jay College of Criminal Justice: The Vice President is responsible for one or more major College divisions and serves as a member of the President's Cabinet. He/she incorporates innovative practices into plans and strategies and collaborates with other College and University executives, and outside organizations as needed, to develop appropriate policy and acquire resources. He/she is a dynamic leader of an executive team responsible for personnel, budget, operations, and communications.
• Foundation and Community Relations Officer at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center: The Foundation and Community Relations Officer is responsible for leading foundation and corporate fund-raising activities at Crow Canyon and increasing the Center's visibility in the local community. The position involves building and managing a portfolio of foundations and corporate grant makers, grant-writing, serving as a liaison to local community groups, and some travel (10–15% time).

Five Important Hiring Tips

Cross posted from The Nonprofit Jobseeker

Although jobs may be scarce in this economy, this doesn't mean that job candidates are going to take the first position that is offered to them. This economy could make people more picky than normal. Because times are tough, they are going to not only want a position that pays well, but also one in which they feel comfortable. If you are going to attract the best candidates for your nonprofit job, you would do well to follow these five hiring tips:

• Make sure the description in your job listing is informative yet concise. This is a hard balance to strike, but it can be done. The key to reaching this balance is to use specifics. The more the applicant knows about the position, the less chance you will get resumes from unqualified candidates.
• When you conduct an interview, make sure you allow time for the person to say what they want out of the position. It's all well and good to explain what you are looking for in an ideal employee, but you should make sure that the candidate can express their expectations as well. This is helpful because it establishes that this will be a job where the employee's views are important. And that is an important factor when people decide where they want to work.
• Just because someone performs well in an interview doesn't mean they will be the right fit for your organization. Test your applicant's skills to see if they are up to the task. How you do this depends on the type of job you are looking to fill. If you are looking to hire a web content editor, for example, you can have them take a writing test after the interview. If you mention that you will be performing writing tests in your application, this has the added benefit of weeding out less serious candidates.
• Your office should be tidy at all times, but make sure it is especially presentable during the interview. And I'm not just referring to your desk; the entire office should look as impressive as possible. A relaxing workplace makes for a better working environment, and that will be on the top of the list of things top candidates will be looking for.
• Interviews can be very tiresome, especially if you have already been through many that day. Still, you are going to have to find some way to remain engaging to your prospective employee. There is no bigger turn off than an interviewer who seems uninterested. So even if you have to take an extra shot of coffee, make sure you are friendly and lively when you interview a job candidate.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/14/2011

Here are today's top job search links:

• '5 Ways to Use Google Alerts for Job Seekers'-Have you ever used Google Alerts?  They are pretty handy.  All you have to do is enter a keyword and your e-mail address, and the top results for that search item will be mailed to you at specified times.  Job-hunt.org wrote a good post about how you can use these alerts to help your search for work.
• 'What NOT to Do in an Interview'-I know I've written on this topic before, but this post covers some things that I didn't mention.  Besides, there's no such thing as too much information!
• 'Why Your Career Search Needs Social Media Advice'-A good article on the many different ways social media can help your career search.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/13/2011

Hopefully you enjoyed that nonprofit job success story earlier.  I should have more for you in the future.  I believe that it's important to have some knowledge that there are other people out there in similar situations that have found success.  With that in mind, here are some interesting jobs you should take a look at:

• Employment Services Director at VIP Services, Inc: Seeking a creative individual to manage a broad range of employment training opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Responsibilities of the position will include leading a cross-departmental team effort in identifying an individual’s employment desires using the Discovery process. The position will be responsible for developing, implementing and supporting employment opportunities for individuals in integrated community employment settings, as well as for providing supervision and leadership for all job development coaching both internal and external.

• Coordinator, Grants at Broward Health: Experience to include the preparation and writing of state, federal and private foundation grant applications, with demonstrated success in procuring grant funding. Knowledge of federal/state legislative regulatory and grant funding processes. Strong project management, analytical and interpersonal skills required. Must have experience in consensus building, group facilitation and/or collaborative techniques. Knowledge/expertise in medical program planning. Must have knowledge of current computing technologies and software applications relevant to the position (i.e.:Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Visio and Excel).

• VP, Programs and Protection at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: Reporting to the President and CEO, the Vice President, Programs and Protection, will provide leadership and direction in LIRS' commitment to international refugee rights, protection, and integration through oversight of services to refugees and migrants. The successful candidate for this position will establish standards and strategies to advance service goals and will align the department with organizational values. S/he will demonstrate a high level of internal and external collaboration as an expression of the organization's mission and values.

Nonprofit Job Success Story

Even though it's been two years since the Great Recession officially ended, people across America are still having trouble finding work, especially nonprofit jobs.  Yet through all the trouble, there are still success stories out there.  I recently received an e-mail from Sarah Goldbaum, a recent NYU graduate who now works at Skirball Cultural Center in LA.  She was kind enough to share her story with me, which you will find below.  Hopefully it will inspire you to keep up the search, even when things seem hopeless.  Enjoy!

I graduated NYU in the summer of 2008—I had just finished summer classes in July and made the cross-country move from New York back home to Los Angeles.  I had really wanted to work for a non-profit, but not only had that job market disappeared, but many non-profit employees had been laid off. I had worked at Jazz at Lincoln Center as an intern then as a part-time employee during college so it was hard to adjust to eight months of unemployment. After applying and not hearing back about over 50 different positions, I settled for a job at a healthcare/health insurance company then left for a job at a small start-up financial company. I was unhappy with both and kept looking into non-profits, even at assistant-level positions to try to get my foot through the door.  I found the LA non-profit industry to be extremely nepotistic, most only interviewing people they knew personally or people who already worked at another local non-profit.


I had applied to an Advancement Assistant position at the Skirball Cultural Center, though I wasn’t familiar with their fundraising software—my background is in marketing and design, so I wasn’t too surprised that I didn’t get the position. Then one day last October, I received a phone call from my now-boss, who is in charge of Special Projects. She was impressed with my cover letter and appreciated my design background since her purview in Special Projects includes anything and everything from overseeing the museum store, planning exhibition opening events for donors, and overseeing the choice of interior design items for the entire campus. The Advancement Director had passed on my resume and cover letter as a good candidate for the Special Projects assistant. A couple interviews and a skills test later, I got the job and started in November. I’m extremely happy here and feel that my work is appreciated.  More importantly, I feel that I’m a part of a team and that my work makes a difference. It was a long time coming, but I finally got a job I love, though maybe not necessarily the job I had thought I wanted.

The lesson from this story is simple: Sometimes the best jobs are the most unexpected ones.  Though the job at Skirball Center might not have been what Sarah was initially looking for, it turned out to be a great decision for her.  That's why it's so important to apply to jobs that might not necessarily be your dream position. 

Sarah's story is also a good lesson in perseverance.  She could have easily given up on her desire to work in nonprofits and stuck it out in jobs she didn't enjoy.  But because she wanted to work in this field so badly, she was able to find work she truly enjoys.  So the next time you are thinking of just packing it in, keep this story in mind.  And remember, if you have any stories similar to Sarah's, please send it in to me at zach@nptimes.com.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/13/2011

I'm still looking for nonprofit job search success stories.  So if you have any to share, e-mail me at zach@nptimes.com.  I'll try to get as many as I can published here on the blog at some point.  Thanks in advance!

• 'Getting the Most From the Job Market'-This is a handy graphic from ResumeBear that shows, among other things, the highest paying jobs currently in the job market.  It doesn't take long to look at, so check it out when you get the chance.
• 'Twitter Chats for Job Seekers'-Here's another use for Twitter when it comes to the job search: Twitter Chats.  This post from USA News lists all the major job Twitter Chats, what time they are held, and who hosts them.
• 'How Learning a Foreign Language Can Help You Professionally & Personally'-Yeah, it's a lot of work, but learning a new language can actually help you in your career.  Find out how by reading this post from The Brazen Careerist.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/13/2011

All you National League fans got a treat last night as the NL All Stars beat the AL All stars 5-1.  That's their second victory in as many years in the MLB All Star Game.  Congrats to them.  Now, on to today's top jobs:

• Executive Director at Coastal and Estuarine Research Foundation: The CERF Executive Director supports the Governing Board, implements its actions, and reports to the CERF President. The ED is a primary link between the society’s membership and the Board and is also responsible for the business operations of CERF, including fiscal and contract oversight for a scientific journal (http://www.springer.com/environment/journal/12237), a biennial scientific conference, other publications, a web site, interactions with members and affiliate societies, and development (grants, contracts, gifts).
• Associate Academy Director at Associated Builders and Contractors: ABC is looking for an energetic, creative Associate Director to manage training facility for apprenticeship, skilled craft training & related educational activities. Position aids Director of Education in overall administration of school, and interacts with membership at association-wide events. Four-day work week, Mon-Thurs.
• Manager, MATCH Partner Grant at United Way Worldwide: The MATCH Partner Grant Manager provides administrative and programmatic leadership and advances the learning related to United Ways’ innovation and application of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) funded MATCH Partner Grant. The grant is part of a new initiative called Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health (MATCH).

Job Applications: What's The Limit?

Yesterday, I briefly mentioned that filling out too many job applications was not a wise thing to do.  Hopefully that tidbit piqued your interest, because I want to discuss that thought further today. 

Why shouldn't you apply for as many jobs as you want?  It's pretty simple, actually: It's not the best use of your time.  For one thing, it's highly unlikely that every nonprofit job you come across will be the best fit for you.  But even if that does happen, you want to keep your job applications at a reasonable number simply so you can remember the details of each organization.  It can be very easy for jobs to simply blend together in your mind if you apply for too many of them.  Needless to say, this won't be helpful if you go in for an interview.  In the end, it all comes down to time management.  Instead of focusing on a large number of jobs, you will find it is more efficient to deal with a smaller number of them so you have more time to do better research on each of the companies.

So now, the question becomes how much is too much?  What is an appropriate number of jobs to apply for in a given week?  I'm not sure there's a perfect number out there, but three or four a week seems like a reasonable number to me.  It really comes down to what is comfortable for you.  I would say, however, that more than six a week is pushing it.  At that point, you will be dealing with too much information and it might start to get overwhelming. 

Limiting your job applications might seem counter productive, but it's really the best thing for your job search.  You'll have more time to write quality resumes and cover letters for each job, and being selective will allow you to go after the jobs that will be the best fit for your skill set.  Do you have any suggestions on a number of jobs to apply to?  Or do you not agree that there should be a limit?  Whatever the case, leave your comments below.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/12/2011

Did anybody catch the MLB Home Run Derby last night?  It was a pretty fun display of power.  I don't even think you needed to be a baseball fan to enjoy it.  We all need distractions from the problems of everyday life, and that was certainly a good one.  But now it's back to reality, so here are today's links:

• Career Advice for the Nonprofit Sector-This is a YouTube video that features Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) managing director Paul Bernstein.  He gives a rundown of his experience breaking into the nonprofit sector, as well as what he looks for in job candidates.  This is a must-watch video.
• 'Ignore These 10 Outdated Pieces of Career Advice'-Sometimes we receive career advice that seems good in theory, but are actually relics from a past time.  That is the case with these tips that USA News urges you to avoid.  I think some of them still have value (I still believe resumes should be no more than a page) but most I agree you should ignore.
• 'Saying No Could Give Your Career Life Right Now'-This is an interesting and unique piece by Mark Dyson, who writes a blog called Voice of the Job Seekers.  His main point is that sometimes saying "no" to a job opportunity could be the best thing for your career, if it's a job that you don't think you can do well.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/12/2011

We have some new jobs posted on the job board today, including a special featured job.  Here are some of the highlights (including that featured job):

• Environment & Outdoor Adventure Manager at Girl Scouts of Greater LA: This is a featured job!  Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles seeks an individual with management experience and vision to lead our Environment & Outdoor Adventure program focus area which includes day and resident camps, outdoor adventure, and environment related activities with the goal of strategically positioning the organization as a leader in this type of programming for girls.
• Personnel Manager at Partners in Care: An affiliate of Partners in Care, a respected leader in home health care, is currently seeking a Personnel Manager to oversee the recruitment, hiring and screening of potential employees; handle insurance issues; monitor and maintain employee files; initially screen staff positions; and coordinate office communications.
• Executive Director at Congregation B'nai Jeshurun:  The Executive Director will join BJ at a transformational moment of transition and growth, and will have the unique opportunity to work with an engaged and dynamic spiritual community to guide one of the nation’s leading progressive synagogues to new levels of success and service.

A Job Follow Up Template

I often talk about how important it is to spend a lot of time on your job search.  That doesn't mean that all that time should be spent applying to jobs.  In fact, it is actually possible to apply for too many jobs in a given week.  Instead, you should focus on applying to a smaller number of jobs every week that best fit the position you are looking for.  After that, it is time to work on a very important aspect of the search: The job follow up.

There are two times you are going to want to follow up with the employer: After you first send your application, and after an interview.  I want to focus on the first instance today, as this will be key in even getting an interview. 

So when should you follow up?  There isn't really one right answer for this, but I would suggest waiting a couple of days before sending an e-mail over to the hiring manager.  But when you do follow up, you should make sure it is well written and confident.  The opening of your message should remind the employer that you had recently submitted an application for the position (be sure to mention the exact date).  As you are probably well aware, organizations receive hundreds of resumes every day, so it is unwise to assume they will know who you are. 

Next, you should emphasize why you think you would be a great fit for the job.  You should also mention how excited you are about the opportunity for working for the organization, as well as stating any additional qualifications you have that would set you apart from other candidates. 

Finally, you should avoid passive closings when you end your message.  Instead of saying something like "I look forward to hearing back from you in the near future," say "I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for your position."  There may not seem to be much of a difference between those statements, but the phrasing makes all the difference.  The first statement will make you seem passive, while the last statement shows you are very serious about wanting the job.

The big question most job seekers have is what to do after the follow up?  Should you send another if you don't hear back?  It's a tricky question, though most experts say that you should avoid sending multiple follow ups.  The thought is that it makes you look desperate.  Of course, you could flip that around and say it makes you look determined.  Still, the safe bet is to reach out just once.  If you are determined to try again, however, try to get someone else in your network to send a message to vouch for you.  But after that, you should probably just leave it alone.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/11/2011

The beautiful yet horrible weather continues this week on the east coast.  Although the skies have been blue, the heat has been almost unbearable.  Luckily air conditioning exists.

• 'Sorry Gang.  It Takes Effort'-An interesting post on job boards.  The author believes they should be used mainly as a tool, not a primary source for your job search.
• 'Motivation Monday: Visualization'-The Career Sherpa writes up a useful meditation-like exercise on how you can visualize your perfect job.  This isn't for everybody, but I find it very fascinating and I think it could be useful for a lot of people out there.
• 'Are Job Fairs a Good Use of Your Job Search Time?'-Job fairs are definitely a good use of your time, but you should definitely heed the advice of this article: Before you attend, make sure there are organizations there that are of interest to you and, most importantly of all, make sure they are actually hiring.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/11/2011

Here are today's top nonprofit jobs:

• VP of Communication at Feeding America: The Vice President, Communication will lead the development and management of a comprehensive communication strategy that positions Feeding America as the premier domestic hunger relief organization, fosters strong, reciprocal communication among the national office and the network, generates best-in-class content about the issue of hunger for online and offline communication vehicles, and supports the needs of internal functions including government relations, philanthropy, product sourcing, programs and research.
• Adult Psychiatrist at Monadnock Family Services: This position covers a broad range of outpatient services as part of an interdisciplinary team who provide services based in the recovery and evidence-based practice models of treatment. Light on-call coverage required.
• Executive Director at New Directions, Inc: New Directions is seeking an Executive Director to serve as the most visible and effective advocate for New Directions and the veterans it serves. The Executive Director is responsible for vision and leadership of the organization. Working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director implements the organization's strategic plan and is responsible for overseeing all operations.

Coping With Last Month's Terrible Jobs Report

If you have been following the news even a little bit, you probably know about the terrible jobs report for June.  The economy created only 18,000 jobs last month, far less than was expected, and the unemployment rate rose to 9.2%.  These were by far the worst numbers for the economy in months, throwing a bucket of cold water on hopes that the job market would start to recover.  Although the Great Recession officially ended in 2009, it seems we are still dealing with its aftermath. 

What is a job seeker supposed to do during these trying times?

Although the numbers are certainly grim, there are jobs out there.  You just need to know where look.  Kerry Hannon of Forbes wrote a pretty good blog on this a couple of days ago.  She suggested you investigate areas of work that are hiring the most.  These include fields like healthcare, and there are certainly plenty of nonprofits that do that kind of work.  You can check our job board for the most common industries that are applying.

As Hannon says, you don't need to completely reinvent yourself to get into some of these industries.  If you are proficient in marketing, for instance, you could still get work in healthcare or any other field.  You just need to redefine your skill set to make it appealing for the organization you apply to.

Make no mistake: It's still going to be hard to find work in this climate.  By focusing your sights on industries that are actively hiring, however, you will find you will have a lot more success.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/8/2011

Here's some reading for you on this hot, summer day:

• Job Interview Comic-This might not be exactly informative, but we all need a little humor to lighten up our day.  This is a pretty funny comic about job interviews gone wrong from Mashable.com.  I love the pun...
• '5 Online Habits That Can Hurt Your Career'-The Internet can be both helpful and harmful to your career.  ResumeBear lists some online habits you should avoid.  Stay away from these and you should get through the background check just fine.
• 'More Boomers Do Gen Y's Jobs'-A pretty fascinating article from MSNBC about the type of work Baby Boomers are doing.  It might surprise you.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/8/2011

The June jobs report certainly looks bleak.  Only 18,000 jobs were added last month, much worse than what was expected.  We can only hope that things will rebound soon.  Until then, it's important not to lose faith and give up on your search.  The situation may seem hopeless, but there are still jobs out there.

• Executive Director at New Directions, Inc: New Directions is seeking an Executive Director to serve as the most visible and effective advocate for New Directions and the veterans it serves. The Executive Director is responsible for vision and leadership of the organization. Working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director implements the organization's strategic plan and is responsible for overseeing all operations.
• CEO at Winn Feline Foundation:  The Chief Executive Officer’s primary responsibility is development and fundraising. This individual will be responsible for creating the strategy and associated business plans of the Foundation necessary to meet mutually agreed upon annual and five-year revenue goals derived from selected sources. The Chief Executive Officer effectively and completely communicates all important issues materially affecting the condition and operation of the Foundation to the Officers and the Board of Directors.
• Development Associate at Boca Raton Reigonal Hospital:  The Development Associate II (DA) will assist in the development and implementation of the Foundation strategic philanthropic plan/goals as set by the President and Foundation Board of Trustees. The DA will achieve these goals by developing and executing personalized cultivation plans in the following areas: major, annual and planned gifts, event sponsorships and other Foundation initiatives.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/7/2011

We have a pretty nasty heat wave hitting the East Coast this week, but at least it feels like summer!  I'm here to deliver the latest and greatest job search articles to you.  So sit back, relax, grab a cool drink, and enjoy the reading:

• 'New Grads and Recruiters'-Recruiters are tough cookies.  They are especially tough when you are new to the game.  Here are some helpful tips for college grads on how to work effectively with them (and not lose your mind in the process).
• 'Are You Being Lazy On LinkedIn?'-I LOVE this article.  This is the whole package: It's funny, informative, and well written.  I really enjoyed the acronym created for lazy LinkedIn users.  This is a must read.
• 'How to Write an Awesome Nonprofit Job Description'-This one's for all you hiring managers out there.  You can't afford to scare off potential candidates with poorly written job descriptions.  Rosetta Thurman gives some great tips---with step by step instructions for each section of the description.  Put a star next to this one.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/7/2011

It's that time again: Time to take a look at some of the new jobs posted on the Nonprofit Jobseeker:

• Development Director, Foundations and Corporate Giving at Planet Aid: The Director for Foundations and Corporate Giving works under the direction of the organizations President and the Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Program Development and is part of a team of US Government Specialists, writers and designers.
• Senior Director of Programs and External Relations at GLSEN: GLSEN seeks an experienced senior leader to be part of the organization’s upcoming growth and continued national impact. The Senior Director of Programs and External Relations is responsible for the leadership, marketing and management of GLSEN’s core program areas.
• VP of Development and Communications at Rails to Trails Conservancy: An integral part of the four person management team of RTC, the Vice President, Development and Communications (VP) reports to the President and works in collaboration with the executive staff and the Board of Directors to lead RTC’s fundraising and communications programs, including a $7 million development program, online and offline marketing campaigns and initiatives, and public and media relations.

When NOT to Turn Down a Job Offer

Sometimes, there are good reason to turn down a job offer. While getting offered a job is always a good thing, there are legitimate reasons to say "no thanks." As a general rule, there should be a major incompatibility with you and the organization for you to turn down the job. For instance, perhaps the commute is so great that it would be unreasonable for you to get in on time everyday. Or, maybe the salary is unreasonable for the amount of work you are expected to do. Minor complaints about the organization, however, are not good reasons to reject a job offer. Here are some common reasons I have heard that just don't make sense to me:

1. I'd prefer to work at a bigger company: Being comfortable at your place of employment is really important, but to me it makes no sense to turn down a potentially good situation just because the company is "too small" or "too big." If everything else is reasonable, why make this a sticking point?
2. I met the boss, and I don't really like him/her: Let's face it: you are never going to get along with everyone you work with, and this is true with bosses or supervisors, as well. Talk to anybody and you will probably find a majority of people don't like their bosses. If you are to be a successful employee, you have to learn to deal with people you don't like.
3. This isn't really the job of my dreams: It is unreasonable to expect to get your dream job right away. This is especially true if you are just out of college or don't have a lot of experience in the field to which you are applying. It might not be what you want to hear, but to get the position you really want, you are going to have to build up your credentials.
4. I don't like the area the job is in: Believe it or not, I have actually heard someone say this. I have even heard people complain about the selection of lunch options near the job! Obviously it would be ideal if you worked in a town or city that had everyone you wanted, but we don't live in an ideal world. Of all the reasons to turn down a job, this is probably one of the worst. Would you really turn down a job just because there isn't a McDonald's nearby?

In these tough times, it is important to make sure that the reason you turn down a job offer makes sense. After all, you never know when that next non profit job is going to come around.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/6/2011

Have a nonprofit job search success story you want to share?  Feel free to send me an e-mail at zach@nptimes.com and I'll consider posting it.  I'm really looking forward to hearing some of your stories!  Anyway, here are today's recommendations...

• 'Dressing For Summer in the Office Can Be Tough'-You always want to look your best for a job interview, but at what price?  Now that it's the summer, it might be a bit uncomfortable to wear some of the standard interview clothes.  ResumeBear gives some tips on how you can look good and be comfortable.
• 'How to Make Your Cover Letter a Perfect Fit For Any Opening'-The opening of a cover letter can be the hardest part.  Here are some tips on how to write a great one that will be appropriate for whatever job you apply to.  I'd still recommend some minor customization in each opening, but having a standard opening isn't the worst thing in the world.
• 'Required: Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone'-In order to best market ourselves, we need to take risks.  Sticking with a comfortable routine might be nice, but the best results are often seen when we try something new.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/06/2011

Here are some of the top nonprofit jobs for the day:

• Development Associate at Los Angeles Neighborhood Services, Inc: Non profit affordable housing agency seeks experienced grant writer to prepare proposals for submission to potential funding sources to obtain funds for ongoing or special institutional projects. Identify and research corporate, foundation, and government sources of funding, including funding source proposal requirements and submission deadlines.
• Operations Director at Naval Submarine League:  Plan, direct and coordinate administrative support services of the organization including information technology (IT) support, network maintenance, printer maintenance and related software support services. Provide onsite support services at League events, including setting up and removing onsite IT services and providing exhibitor support services in coordination with the host site service provider.
• Director, Membership at American Council on Education: The Communications Department of the American Council on Education currently has an opening for a Director of Membership. The Director of Membership oversees ACE’s membership operations, including all activities to recruit and/or retain members; efforts to improve, maintain and utilize membership data; and efforts to enhance and expand ACE membership value overall.

Nonprofit Technology: Jump on the Bandwagon

The great thing about the nonprofit sector is that there are a wide range of positions for different experience levels and skill sets.  While fundraising and marketing jobs are some of the more popular positions available, nonprofit technology jobs are also on the rise.  For example, there are over 30 jobs listed on our job board that fit this category.  This includes the standard IT positions, as well as graphic design.  The trend here is clear: it's time to jump on the online and technology bandwagon!

The need for job candidates skilled in technology should come as no surprise.  With the growing popularity of the Internet (including the phenomenon that is social media) and the increased reliance on computers, nonprofits are increasingly on the look out for tech savvy employees.  In the 2010 IT Staffing and Spending Report by NTEN and The NonProfit Times, it was reported that expenditures on IT remained steady or even increased.  That the spending did not decrease despite the economic recession should show how important IT is to nonprofits. 

Although IT or HTML jobs aren't the only technology positions available, I would say they are the most valuable skills to have when looking for a nonprofit job.  But if you aren't really up to learning HTML (though I would highly recommend at least considering taking a basic HTML course), you should consider becoming very proficient in social media.  With the rise of Twitter and Facebook, many nonprofits are looking to take advantage of these mediums to reach new audiences.  If you can show you know the intricacies of these tools, it can go a long way to helping you secure employment.  There are plenty of free resources online explaining concepts like search engine optimization (SEO) and more, so take advantage of these and learn as much as you can.  You should also look into seeing if there are any courses on social media available at your local colleges.

Management Tip: 7 Essentials to Attracting Great Employees

Cross-posted from The NonProfit Times blog...

**

Wondering why your organization has trouble attracting good employees?

Well, that article in The New York Times reporting your CEO has been found certifiably insane sure didn’t help, but in fact when it comes to hiring and retention, the times they are a changing.

In their book “Brand For Talent,” Mark Schumann and Libby Sartain offer information meant to show that getting and keeping top employees means awareness that present-day employees are not the same as those who grew up during the Depression, even if they are dealing with the Great Recession.

Schumann and Sartain offer seven essentials that can help deal with a new situation.

• Wake up. Today’s job-seekers see themselves, not you, as the consumers. With a world of information at their fingertips, and the savvy to maneuver it, they are looking for something that satisfies them.

• Look ahead. You might have to market yourself as a good place to work. Think sensibilities, challenges, lessons, opportunities, the future.

• Create. A company must creatively market its employer brand to each segment of worker it hopes to secure.

• Segment. As with marketing, segmenting means adapting the talent brand message for each segment based on insight into audience needs and preferences.

• Implement. Be recognized, believed, personalized, and remembered.

• Sustain. There must be alignment of the culture, corporate identity and the consumer and employer brands.

• Survive. Be aware of and utilize social media to your benefit.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/5/2011

Not that this has anything to do with nonprofit jobs, but a verdict has apparently been reached in the Casey Anthony trial.  She has been found not guilty of first degree murder.  To be honest, I didn't follow the trial, so I don't really know the story behind it.  But I know a lot of people did, so I thought I would share that.  And now back to our regularly scheduled program...

• 'Job Hunting Lessons From the Bachelorette'-What's this?  Linking the job search to a reality TV program?  It sounds crazy, but this is actually a pretty interesting article.  The author does a fantastic job of linking the two concepts without it sounding absurd.
• 'How to REALLY Grow Your Network on LinkedIn'-You can never have too much advice for social networking.  Here's some tips on how to expand your network on LinkedIn.
• 'Customize Your Cover Letter'-Anything you can do to make your cover letter stand out amongst the others is a plus.  Check out this article for ideas on how to make your cover letter special.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/05/2011

Happy post-Independence Day!  Hopefully you had a relaxing weekend...and maybe you even got some networking done!  Here are jobs that have recently been posted on our job board.  Surprisingly enough, there were actually a couple of jobs posted on July 4th!

• Director of Research Institute at Edgewood Center for Children and Families: The Director of Edgewood Institute will design, oversee and implement systems and strategies that support an outcome orientation throughout Edgewood. The position will lead, supervise and collaborate with key stakeholders at the Edgewood Institute, with Regional Directors, the Education Director and the Medical Director to ensure programs collect, translate and apply process and outcome data into direct services, program design and administration.
• Director, Behavioral Health at Edgewood Center: We are currently seeking Behavioral Health Directors for two Programs. These positions provides programmatic and clinical oversight and supervision to intensive services programs, including Residential, Community Based, Wrap and Afterschool Programs.
• Chief Development Officer at West Bergen Mental Healthcare, Inc: This newly created position provides leadership and management oversight to the Fundraising, Marketing and Public Relations programs of West Bergen Mental Healthcare. Reporting to the CEO, and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Development Officer will be responsible for the planning, execution, staff and operations of the West Bergen Development Department.

What's Your Job Application Email?

Hope everybody had a safe and excellent July 4th.  Now that the festivities are over, it's back to business.

There isn't much that doesn't take place online these days.  Who needs to go out to the mall for holiday shopping when you can get everything you need with the click of a mouse?  Heck, you can even order food over the Internet now.  And as we all know, the job search is now almost exclusively done via the web.  This is all pretty obvious stuff, but here's something you might not have known: Your email address can directly affect whether you get a job or not.

As much as you may love your main address, it simply won't look good to an employer to receive an e-mail from moocow@yahoo.com.  That's why you should create a separate job application email address.  There are plenty of free email services on the Internet, and it doesn't matter which one you use.  I have always preferred Gmail because of its simple interface, but Yahoo or MSN works just as well.  The most important thing is that your email account is professional.  It doesn't have to be anything more complicated than your first and last name.

There's another advantage to having a separate email: Organization.  Since your job application email should only be getting messages from places you have applied to, you won't have to rummage through spam to find relevant emails.  This also decreases the likelihood you will delete an important message by mistake. 

So do yourself a favor and create a new email address.  Even if your personal email does not have an embarrassing name, it will at least help you stay organized.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 7/1/2011

I'd continue with the July 4th theme here but, frankly, there aren't that many job related Independence Day articles.  So no special theme here, sorry.

• 'Five Myths and Realities Behind Temporary Work'-Temporary work is one of the more popular forms of jobs these days.  ResumeBear give some facts (and falsehoods) about them.
• Sample Resume From Job-Hunt.org-Need some help with your resume?  Check out this great sample resume from Job-hunt.org.
• 'How to Use Twitter to Change Careers'-Find out how you can use Twitter to help change your career path.  Seriously, what can't Twitter do?

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 7/01/2011

Happy July 4th weekend everybody!  Here are some jobs to look over before you begin the festivities:

• Director of Grants Management at Devereux (FEATURED JOB): Devereux’s Corporate Development Offices has an immediate opening for a senior level Director, reporting to the Vice President of Development and Communication and the Senior Vice President for External Affairs, responsible for the full process of grant and foundation funding relationships. The successful candidate will direct project teams and have exceptional interpersonal skills with passion and creativity for ongoing identification, cultivation and solicitation of grant and foundation sources, to assemble comprehensive and successful grant submissions; researching, identifying and writing grant proposals; create tracking systems; gather and analyze data and apply the results. 
• Director, Publishing at American Council on Education: The Publishing Department of the American Council on Education currently has an opening for a Director of Publishing. The Director oversees ACE’s publishing operations, including its member magazine; directs editorial services; and coordinates protection of ACE’s intellectual property.
• Chief Development Officer at West Bergen Mental Healthcare, Inc: This newly created position provides leadership and management oversight to the Fundraising, Marketing and Public Relations programs of West Bergen Mental Healthcare. Reporting to the CEO, and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Development Officer will be responsible for the planning, execution, staff and operations of the West Bergen Development Department.