Dear New Nonprofit Professional:
I’ve been working in the nonprofit arena for more than 30 years. When I had my first nonprofit job, we didn’t even use email! I traveled all the time, but I didn’t have a cellphone or GPS, and I was lost a lot. A LOT. I worked my tail off, I was super stressed out… and it was one of the most transformative, learning-rich times of my life.
I realize that when I look back over the years, there are some key lessons that may be useful for you, for seasoned nonprofit professionals, and for board members, donors, and volunteers. What do I wish I had known when I was starting out?
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known
- When they are showing you how they are going to treat you, listen to them: In one of my early jobs, I spent my first day in the office not meeting new colleagues, not going through an office orientation or tour, not being taken out to lunch… but cleaning rotted yogurt containers and candy wrappers and other trash out of the desk where I would be sitting for the next two years. You know what I spent the next two years doing? Cleaning up messes. Flailing amidst a lack of support. That’s not to say it was ALL bad. There were lots of things about that job that were terrific. It was a great stepping stone and resume builder. But I was consistently disappointed by the way I was treated. I should have lowered my expectations.
- They can give you more: If they want you, they’ll find a way to pay you more. Even if they can’t pay you the full amount that you want, they can come up with something. A little more money. A little more time off. A better desk. Something. Give them the opportunity to show you how much they want you. You have to ask – the onus is on you.
- Ask for a mentor: At one nonprofit job, I was shifting to a new role in a new type of organization, and I needed guidance. I wasn’t getting the mentorship I craved at the office, so I asked our Executive Director if I could reach out to a particular board member (someone I had met before and with whom I clicked) to ask if I could have a mentoring breakfast with her once a month. The Executive Director said yes, the board member enthusiastically said yes, and my new mentor and I had a fantastic relationship that lasted even after I left the organization. She helped me navigate some difficult aspects of the job with grace.
- Learn about fundraising: Even if your job doesn’t directly entail fundraising, if you learn something about it, you will make yourself more valuable to the agency. Don’t go out and ask for donations without talking to the fundraising staff! But, you can learn about grant writing, crowdfunding, or other aspects of fund development and support the fundraising team in their efforts.
- Work relationships are personal relationships: One of my first bosses helped me understand that it shouldn’t be all business all the time. She helped me develop personal relationships with everyone from support staff to the agency’s Vice President. When I was younger, I thought I had to “act professional” all the time and not ask about families, vacations, hobbies, etc. Building those personal relationships helps in the office and helps you feel more balanced and fulfilled in your work.
- Beware of non-transparency: I worked at a nonprofit that would not show me the agency’s budget documents. They said only “certain people” could see that information, and I didn’t need to see it. Red flag! This same organization went on to shamelessly mistreat me and other workers.
- Use your vacation time: I was once laid off from a job where they refused to pay me severance. In that job, I had met my fundraising goals for the year, and I had been working so hard that I had six weeks of unused vacation time. Big mistake. Nonprofit jobs can be stressful. If you have vacation time, take it! You don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you are taking off the time that you are entitled to.
- Meet others in your field: After a long day of work, going to a networking event can feel exhausting. I get it. But finding ways to connect with others in your field (i.e. the type of work you do, the community in which you work, etc.) will build the connections that will help you in this job and future jobs. Find ways to intentionally build your networks.
- Volunteer: If you have the bandwidth to volunteer for another nonprofit and/or serve as a nonprofit board member, do it! It’s eye opening to see how other nonprofits operate. It can help you build skills and elevate your work at your own workplace. And it’s a great resume builder.
- Remember that you work for a nonprofit, and you also are the CEO of “You, Inc.”: I once went to a conference session where they talked about the idea of being the CEO of You, Inc. For example, as the CEO of Lauren, Inc., I can ask myself: What skills do I need to build? Who would it be helpful for me to meet? How can I promote my value? When is it time to leave this role and take on another role? It’s not a selfish perspective. It’s a perspective that helps both you and the organization(s) you’re working for.
I wish you all the rewards of a nonprofit profession. All of the great relationships I’ve enjoyed. All of the fulfillment of knowing you are improving lives and uplifting communities. All of the valuable lessons. OK, and maybe a little less of the stress! Hang in there, nonprofit worker. It’s worth it.
Don’t miss out on new ideas and great tips on fundraising, leadership, writing, philanthropy, and lots of related topics. Join the PITCH list to get Lauren’s monthly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox, and get a free gift when you sign up!