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Arts/Non-Profit

OVERVIEW

The nonprofit sector fills the gap between government and business; these organizations further missions that positively affect the social well being of our world on both a local and a global level through educating, advocating, teaching, providing, presenting, researching, and helping. A common misconception is that ‘nonprofit’ means ‘no profit;’ however, a nonprofit (which is a legally incorporated business) re-invents profits back into community programs or services rather than paying into shareholders’ dividends.

The National Center for Charitable Statistics and the IRS use the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities system to classify nonprofit organizations into the following main categories:

  • Arts, Culture, and Humanities
  • Education
  • Environment and Animals
  • Health
  • Human Services
  • International, Foreign Affairs
  • Public, Societal Benefit
  • Religion Related
  • Mutual/Membership Benefit

There are a range of functions that you can take on in a nonprofit organization.

Five main categories include:

  • Senior Management
  • Programs & Service Delivery
  • Administration, Human Resources, & Finance
  • Development & Fundraising
  • Communications

Working at a large nonprofit will feel very different than working at a smaller organization. At a large organization, there will be more delineation between departments and roles (e.g. if you work in the Individual Giving Department, you will most likely only be working on individual giving campaigns). Contrastingly, at a smaller organization, there may not even be a Development Department, let alone someone that works solely on individual giving (e.g. you may work on a grant, an individual solicitation, marketing materials, and a public relations campaign all in the same day).

Characteristics of Larger Organizations Characteristics of Smaller Organizations
Larger Budgets Smaller Budgets
Defined/rigid job descriptions Flexible job description that covers multiple areas
Greater range of available positions Focus of multitasking
More formal work environment Greater "family" culture
More opportunities for advancement and defined career Less opportunities for advancement
Great chance to get "tracked" in a certain job function Opportunities for you to develop a range of skills and experiences
Less access to senior leaders More contact with senior leaders
Slower response to developments in the field Greater flexibility in responding to change

Source:  The Nonprofit Career Guide by Shelly Cryer

Although, nonprofits share common characteristics in that they are mission driven organizations, the size and culture, and stage of the organization (i.e. start-up that is entrepreneurial, or one that is older and more established) can make them very different places to work. Think about the type of environment that will best support your professional growth, and chose your employer accordingly.

SEARCH STRATEGY:

Due to time and budget constraints, nonprofit organizations rarely recruit on campus (with the exception of the Public Service Fair and the Pittsburgh Nonprofit Job & Internship Fair). However, they will post opportunities regularly through the Career Office on TartanTRAK and other online resources. Applying for opportunities online will generally not be enough; you must be proactive in your search. You need to use your network to connect with people in the organization. A good rule of thumb with nonprofits – the more proactive you are and the more you use your network, the better you will be.

How to build your network – attend conferences and networking events, conduct informational interviews, join a professional organization (take advantage of student rates!), volunteer, attend events, sign-up for newsletters, join online networking communities (e.g. LinkedIn), identify and contact alumni in the organization.

RESOURCES:

Come to Career Services (A002) and check out the following books:

  • 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For by Leslie Hamilton and Robert Tragert
  • Be Bold – Create a Career with Impact by Cheryl Dorsey and Lara Galinsky
  • The Nonprofit Career Guide by Shelly Cryer
  • Transitioning into the Nonprofit Sector by Laura Gassner Otting
  • National Directory of Arts Internships by Debbie McAfee

Search the online job listings and resources.