In light of the increasing rate of poverty, rising costs in health care and reduced funding for the arts, many individuals and families need extra help. We depend on nonprofit organizations to provide support and services to people who face mental health, physical or economic challenges, and to educate us on important social and cultural issues.

Are you compelled to do work that helps children, the elderly, families or special populations?  Is there a cause that you feel strongly about? Then consider looking for job opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Surprisingly, there is cautious optimism on the job outlook for nonprofits this year. 

Idealist, a national organization that connects people to nonprofit organizations and resources, recently surveyed 3,000 nonprofit organizations to gauge how they were coping with the economic downturn that began in 2008 and their current outlook on the future.  Based on this survey there is some good news. Forty-two percent of nonprofit organizations surveyed reported that they will hire for a new position this year. Additionally, 49 percent will maintain current staffing levels with only 9 percent planning to reduce staff.  The largest group of vacancies will be in direct service — programming and fundraising.

What you need to know if you are considering work opportunities in nonprofits

Mission Driven

The vision for most nonprofits is to provide an essential service or resource that impacts special groups and individuals who will greatly benefit from the service. It isn’t enough to want to help people; you have to believe strongly in the mission of the organization.

Demonstrated Interest

Don’t expect a nonprofit to jump at the prospect of hiring you simply because you have business experience or want to make a difference.  It is important to demonstrate your genuine interest by gaining direct exposure to nonprofits through community service, advocacy, volunteer work, or serving on a nonprofit board. Many nonprofit organizations in our area are always looking for committed volunteers and The United Way  provides a list of volunteer opportunities in eastern Montgomery County.

Talents and Skills

Just as in the business sector, nonprofit workers are expected to juggle and manage multiple priorities and put in extra hours for special events and projects.  Your potential for success in a nonprofit depends on your ability to reach out to the community, work in teams, understand and use social media, counsel and advise constituents, present workshops and education programs and think strategically. At the senior level, management skills in leadership, budgeting, operations, fundraising and supervising staff become more important.

How to Find Opportunities in Nonprofits

It goes without saying — capitalizing on network contacts leads the way to opportunities in the nonprofit world. You can build your network or expand the number of contacts you already have by attending professional association events, conferences and career fairs.  Idealist.org presents nonprofit career fairs in Philadelphia and is sponsoring Grad Fair at Drexel University on Sept.  27.  Many current openings in the local nonprofit sector are also posted on the Idealist website.

Position titles, responsibilities and salaries in nonprofits vary depending on the mission and the size of the organization. While you may not earn as much as you would in the private sector, it is possible to make a livable salary especially if you advance into management positions.

The work in no profits is important but comes with many challenges, such as generating enough funding and maintaining resources. And if you are not careful, you can easily burn out emotionally. However, if your heart is leading you to help others, the rewards of nonprofit work are many.