If you’ve been searching for new employment opportunities recently, you may have noticed job postings for nonprofit organizations.

There’s also a strong chance that you’ve passed on applying to these positions.  And we think we know why:

Many folks believe nonprofit positions equate to “low paying” jobs.

Not only is this not only a misconception, it also diminishes the many benefits nonprofits offer recent graduates and experienced professionals.

Below, we’ll take a close look at these rewarding opportunities and highlight some of the key benefits of working for a nonprofit.

What Is A Nonprofit Organization?

Before we explain the benefits of working for a nonprofit organization, it’s important to have a better understanding of this type of employer.

Non-profits do not operate like traditional for-profit businesses.  Instead, they are organizations whose sole purpose is to benefit and support a social cause.   The senior management team most likely reports to a Board of Directors.  While a non-profit’s board members do not receive a salary, its staff members do.

With that in mind, let’s look at the many professional and personal benefits of accepting a job with a nonprofit.

Non-profits Help You Gain New Skills

Whether you’re an experienced professional or a recent college graduate, the hard and soft skills you currently possess often translate seamlessly into a nonprofit position.

However, it’s very likely that you’ll learn an array of new skills and accept more responsibilities than you would at a more traditional workplace.

Since most nonprofits have a smaller staff than corporations, every team member typically wears more than one hat.  Instead of following a narrower task list each day, nonprofit employees can enjoy a lot more variety in their daily work.

It’s not uncommon for non-profit staff members to learn new skills associated with budget allocation, public relations, public speaking, and strategic planning just to name a few.

The skills you learn while working at a non-profit stimulates your professional growth and allows you to transfer this experience to future positions or help you get promoted from your current job. 

Nonprofits Are Great For Building Your Network

To grow and thrive, non-profits rely on the support of their communities.

To ensure the non-profit continues to operate, its staff members often form relationships with local businesses, organizations, community leaders, and even other nonprofits.  By making these connections, staff members have multiple opportunities to grow their own professional network.

This is incredibly important for your professional growth.  In the event that you pursue future employment opportunities inside or outside the non-profit sector, you can enlist your network of colleagues in various industries, organizations and backgrounds to act as references and attest to your qualifications.

Nonprofits Offer More Flexibility

In addition to offering jobs with a narrower focus, many for profit employers also follow standard business hours.  These more stringent requirements make it difficult for some employees to schedule appointments or observe personal commitments during the workweek.  In contrast to traditional workplaces, non-profit organizations are typically more amenable to a more flexible schedule.

Since many non-profit organizations host special events throughout the year, staff members may be required to work nights and weekends, but these are frequently interesting and exciting events that are fun to be involved with.

Non-profit organizations will most often allow staff members to adjust their work week schedule to account for their various personal obligations.  Not only can non-profit employees more easily tend to personal obligations and weekday appointments, they may also be able to enroll in and attend professional development courses, too.

Nonprofits Introduce You To Like-Minded Colleagues

One of the things that drives professionals to pursue a non-profit role over a for profit company is the cause or benefit the organization supports.  There is most likely a non-profit organization that suits your particular social justice or community engagement passion.

That being the case, most nonprofit staff members share many of the same values and interests.  These common beliefs may help co-workers enjoy a more congenial environment, improve morale, and unite in their common goals.

Nonprofits Are Personally Rewarding

For professionals who want to be part of a mission-driven organization, you will find that opportunity at a non-profit organization.

Since the goal of most non-profits is to make a positive impact in their field or on their communities, you may find your workday more professionally and personally rewarding.

Although you will work hard and have a great deal of responsibility at a non-profit position, you’ll also be able to look at the results of the significant contributions you and your colleagues have made in your world.

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Clearly, non-profit job opportunities offer many benefits not commonly found in most for-profit organizations.

If you’re interested in exploring the possibilities of working for a nonprofit organization, we encourage you to view our current openings or to submit your resume to pursue a new and rewarding career opportunity!