Do you want to be working in the field, or behind the scenes?
Nonprofit jobs are essentially split into two categories: implementor roles and enabler roles. These two categories of jobs are vastly different, so it’s important to consider which is the best fit for you as you begin to explore the nonprofit sector.
Implementor Roles: The Active, Hands-on Trooper
In an implementation role, you’ll be working directly with beneficiaries in the community. These are hands-on positions where you’ll be actively participating in facilitating the mission of the organization. If you want to be out in the field working with people or the environment, then an implementor role is likely the right path for you.
Common implementor roles include:
• Surveyor and Data Collector
Surveyors and data collectors conduct research in the field to help assemble a widespread knowledge of present issues in the community and determine the effectiveness of the organization’s programs.
• Field Officer
The responsibilities of a field officer can encompass a broad and varied range of tasks based on the organization and its focus, but they are ultimately people who work hands-on with the community.
• Teacher or Coach
Sometimes nonprofit programs involve helping to educate the community or train teams of people in new skills to achieve a goal. This is where teachers, coaches, and other instructors come in.
• Moderator
Moderators coordinate communication between the community, the organization, and other entities such as local government.
Enabler Roles: The Behind-the-Scenes Warrior
In an enabler role, you’ll be working with a wide range of individuals and groups, including corporations, patrons, government officials, and other philanthropic organizations. Enabler roles help the organization run smoothly and promote the mission from the home base of the organization. If you want to help support the cause of an organization but would prefer to work in a position more aligned with an office setting, then an enabler role is likely the best path for you.
Common enabler positions include:
• Marketing Specialist
Someone has to get the word out about the organization and its mission, right? The marketing team puts together campaigns to gain exposure for the nonprofit and promote its mission to the public.
• Program Development and Management
Program development and management focuses on the creation and execution of the organization’s projects in pursuit of its mission.
• Fundraiser or financial expert
As a fundraiser, you’ll plan and execute fundraising events, network with other organizations, and ultimately try to attract more donors. Financial experts manage the finances of the organization, and work with leadership to advise on strategies for the future and the overall financial health of the organization.
• Public Policy Expert
As nonprofits often deal with issues that are widespread throughout society, public policy experts advise the organization on navigating global affairs and administration.
• Analyst
Analysts review program information collected in the field by researchers and surveyors, and also evaluate policies and systems within the organization to advise on efficiency and function.
® What skills do you have?
Ask yourself: Can your skillset bring value to the organization? Are there skills you need to develop to make an impact? You’ll need both hard and soft skills to be successful in the nonprofit sector. Assessing your skillset will also help you determine whether you’re better suited for an implementer or enabler position.
Soft skills, like strong communication, effective problem-solving, and adaptability will be essential for the relationship building elements of working in nonprofits. Professionals in implementer roles often need to utilize their soft skills on a daily basis, as they’re working in the community and engaging in a lot of face-to-face communication and contact.
Meanwhile, enabler positions rely more heavily on the use of hard skills. These could be skills like data collection and analysis, writing, financial management, and so much more. The utilization of hard skills helps keep the nuts and bolts of the organization running.
You’ll need both hard and soft skills to be really successful, but assessing which skillset is stronger will help you choose which department is the best fit for your abilities – implementor or enabler.
Do you have these critical soft skills for working in the nonprofit sector?
Patience
Empathy
Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Resilience
Innovative and Resourceful
Positivity
Teamwork
Relationship-Building
What hard skills do you have that can offer value to an organization?
Financial Management or Fundraising
Marketing
Writing
Data Analysis
Project Management
Public Affairs Knowledge
Specialized expertise in a subject relevant to the mission of the organization (For example, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental protection will need environmental scientists on its team).
® Is the Nonprofit Sector Right for You?
So, now that you’ve reflected on the key traits essential for thriving in the nonprofit sector, do you think it’s the right fit? Do you possess the commitment, passion, and skillset to devote your career to bettering the community?
If the answer is yes – that’s awesome! Nonprofit work is incredibly rewarding and makes a real difference in the world. We’re excited for you to explore this path, and the resources below offer several job boards where you can begin your search for the right nonprofit position for you.
If you’re still unsure – that’s okay! If you’re not ready to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector, volunteering for a local organization is a great way to become more familiar with the nonprofit experience without committing to it professionally. Volunteering can provide valuable experience and teach you new skills, making you a more desirable job candidate both in and outside of the nonprofit sector.
We’ve provided a list of resources to help you dive deeper into learning about nonprofit organizations, and whether or not it might be the right fit for you.
Resources
The following list of resources will help you explore a deeper dive into the nonprofit sector, help you determine if nonprofit work is the right path for you, and even help you find available positions.
• National Council of Nonprofits
The largest network of nonprofits in the nation, providing lots of information on nonprofit organizations, including structure, operations, and other frequently asked questions.
www.councilofnonprofits.org
• New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits
Provides programs and resources for nonprofit organizations in NH, and also has a board for nonprofit jobs in NH and a directory of nonprofits in NH. www.nhnonprofits.org
• Foundation List
A national nonprofit job board. www.foundationlist.org
• Stanford Social Innovation Review
An online magazine that reports on solutions to various global problems. An excellent resource for exploring causes that nonprofit organizations focus on.
www.ssir.org
• NTEN
A community dedicated specifically to technology professionals who work or want to work in the nonprofit sector. It offers educational courses and certificate programs, networking opportunities, and a job board focused on technology centric positions in the nonprofit sector.
www.nten.org
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in the World?
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector, explore our Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership program.
855-472-4255 | cps.unh.edu/online
