Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 9/30/2011

Welcome to the last day of September!  Hard to believe we're already in October, no?  If you are in any of the cities hosting an MLB playoff game today, enjoy!  Just don't let all the excitement distract you from finding a nonprofit job.  Like, say, one of these:

• Development Director at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: The Connecticut Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, located in Middletown, CT, has immediate opening for an enthusiastic, fund-raising professional to oversee assigned events to ensure fundraising growth and strong financial and volunteer management.
• VP for Resource Development at The Asia Foundation (FEATURED JOB): The Asia Foundation (TAF) seeks a Vice President for Resource Development to work in its San Francisco, CA office. The Vice President for Resource Development is The Asia Foundation’s most senior development officer reporting directly to the President, responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the Foundation’s entire private fundraising operations to secure funding from individuals, corporation, and foundations, for specific projects, its themes and programs (comprised of various projects), and unrestricted funding.
• Chief Operating Officer at Kingsley House: Kingsley House seeks candidates for the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). This is an exciting opportunity to join our team of highly talented professionals, leading our agency in fulfilling its mission. Reporting to the CEO, the COO will be responsible for the agency’s day-to-day internal operations.

Social Media Tips For Your Job Search

Social media is slowly but surely transforming the way we do things.  It allows us to keep in touch with old friends, stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends, and gives us unprecedented access to major public figures.  It has also made an impact on the job search by making it easier for job seekers to get in touch with potential networking contacts, and giving employers an inside look to who you really are.  Your online persona can play a big role in determining your employment, so you have to make sure you maintain them.

• Keep Your Profile Clean: You might think those pictures from your friend's bachelor party are hilarious, but you probably don't want them up when you are looking for a job.  If you even have the slightest feeling that what you are about to post could negatively impact your job candidacy, don't post it. 
• Be Active: Update your profile as often as you can.  Employers want to know that the person they are hiring is outgoing and is pro-active.  While you have to be careful about what you post, don't be shy abotu showing your character.  It's better to show a unique personality than to appear uninteresting.
• Use Multiple Social Media Sites: Don't limit yourself to just one of the sites out there.  The more place your brand is located, the better chance you will be seen by a recruiter.  As a reminder, here are the major social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and About.me.
• Connect, Connect, Connect: Don't hesitate to connect with organizations you are looking to join.  This could mean friending them on Facebook, responding to their tweets on Twitter, or joining their group on LinkedIn. 
• Create An Online Portfolio: Online portfolios are a lot of work, but they are a great way to show an employer who you are.  Think of it like an enhanced resume: It will list your skills, past employers, and references.  The only difference is it can be much larger and be customized anyway you want.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 9/28/2011

We have a ton of new nonprofit jobs up on our career center today, including a new featured job.  Here are some of the highlights:

• Development Associate at VPIRG (FEATURED JOB): VPIRG is looking for a mission-driven individual with strong project management, relationship-building and writing skills to serve as our Development Associate. The right candidate understands the needs and activities of member-based advocacy organizations and enjoys strategizing how to garner support for our work.
• Major Gift Officer at Framingham State University: The Major Gift Officer will help create and initiate fundraising objectives for the University and will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating and closing major gifts of $25,000 and higher from alumni and friends. Additionally, this position will play a key role in the strategy and execution of future fundraising objectives.
• President/CEO at Mental Health Association of Rockland County: Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President/CEO will: Assist and provide staff support to the Board of Directors and committees in understanding their mission, charges and responsibilities. Design and implement an organizational structure and governance to accomplish MHA’s goals. Provide leadership and fiscal oversight of all areas of the agency. Be familiar with auditing and cash flow projections. Work with the Finance Committee to hire a competent Auditing Firm which will meet all of the regulatory requirements for funders and the IRS.

Job Follow Up Strategies

Let's get one thing straight: Following up on a job for which you applied is not optional.  You can do this on the phone or via e-mail, though the phone is thought to be more personal.  Whichever method you choose, it is imperative to do this so you can find out what stage of the resume-review process they are in. 

These are not easy calls to make.  Many job seekers understandably fear they will come off as desperate if they contact the employer about the position.  Here are some strategies to help make sure you handle these important communications in the correct way:

• Don't leave multiple voice messages: You might think you are doing the right thing by leaving multiple voice messages, but these can quickly become a major irritant to the person receiving them.  That's the last thing you want to accomplish.
• Vary your follow up routine: Are you constantly getting voice mail when you call?  Try calling at different times of day.  It varies from one organization to the other, but people will typically be at their desk in the early morning and late afternoon.  I can tell you one thing: Do NOT call at lunch time.
• Speak to an operator: Instead of leaving a message on voice mail, try speaking to an operator or secretary and leave a message with them.  People aren't always going to immediately check their voice mail, so having a secretary tell them you called can be a better strategy.

These three strategies can help turn a nerve wracking process into something more manageable.  Feel free to leave your own tips on job follow ups below.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 9/26/2011

You know it's officially the fall when you start to realize that it might not be the best idea to continue wearing summer clothes.  Fall is a great time for job hunting.  By this time, all those summer vacations are over, and organizations really start to look to hire.  Here are some great job search article to help you out:

• 'Best Interview Answers'-Since I wrote about job interview questions this morning, I thought it would make sense to link you to another article on that subject.  It's always good to have multiple opinions.
• 'How Do You Deal With Disappointment'-This article by DesignResumes.com lays out exactly what you need to do to get over the disappointment of a job rejection.  The key takeaway? Make sure you have a plan.
• 'Need a Job?  Mind Your Manners!'-When it comes to job interviews or networking events, making the first impression is half the battle.  ResumeBear reminds job seekers to make sure they practice good manners when dealing with potential employers or network contacts.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 9/23/2011

• Senior Sales Representative at Interactive Systems, Inc: Interactive Systems Inc. (ISI) is seeking a Senior level Sales Representative to help grow sales in the Washington D.C., Metro area. As a Senior Sales Representative, you will be responsible for selling Fundraising/Membership Management Software Solutions to a wide variety of organizations such as: Charitable Organizations, Social Service Organizations, Foundations, Museums and Cultural Organizations, Trade and Business Associations, Professional Societies, Regulatory Bodies, Civil and Social Associations, Unions and more.
• Manager, Online Marketing at American Humane Association: Responsible for organizing, implementing and managing a comprehensive Interactive Media-based program of soliciting gifts electronically (online and through emerging technologies such as mobile marketing or social media). Duties range from broad-based website driven initiatives to customized approaches for major gift prospects. The Manager, Online Communications and ePhilanthropy position is charged with increasing online and mobile donations.
• Development Assistant Director at Washington State University Foundation: Development Assistant Director/Regional Major Gift Officer, Washington State University. Positions assigned to this class serve as the primary fund raisers for $1,000-$25,000 donors as well as major gift donors and are responsible for establishing the goals and objectives in the assigned region in conjunction with the Director of the Regional program. Responsible for increasing the level of support for the University from individuals, corporations, and foundations, the incumbent will drive the regional fundraising efforts in California, New York, and other areas as assigned.

Finding Your Nonprofit Job

You have your resume polished and ready to go and your cover letter prepared: It's now time to start submitting your job application to nonprofit organizations. There are plenty of job boards out there, but I recommend checking out NPT's job board: The Nonprofit Jobseeker.  Not only is it a great source for quality jobs in the nonprofit sector, it's also totally free to sign up.

Once you get signed up, you should be sure to narrow your search. If you search for all the nonprofit jobs out there, you are going to be overwhelmed.  You should be sure to use job search filters, specify the type of position you want, and (most importantly) what level of work experience you have. This is key, because you want to make sure you are qualified for the jobs for which you are applying.

Other things to keep in mind while you browse not-for-profit jobs:

-Don't just skim job descriptions; read them carefully!
-Don't hold out for your dream job! In these tough times, it's unlikely you will get the job you truly want on your first attempt. Don't think of it as settling; think of it as the first step to obtaining the job of your dreams.
-Don't just use job boards: Also attend networking events to help your chances!