Our guide to landing your dream job in the not-for-profit sector
Having passed the mid-point in their careers and achieved some personal financial security, many senior executives from the private sector start to feel that they would like to move across to the world of not-for-profit, in particular to charities.
Often they tell us that having spent decades helping to generate shareholder value, and been fortunate to earn a decent income themselves, they now want to spend the rest of their working lives ‘giving something back to society’. This is entirely understandable, particularly in times of political and economic uncertainty, and we know many people who have successfully achieved this ambition.
However, the challenge of securing a good not-for-profit sector position should not be underestimated and it is essential to invest time in preparation before embarking on a job-hunt. You will be entering a highly competitive market, as at any one time there will be many people who are keen to make the same transition.
To make it onto a shortlist, you will need to show clearly that:
- You really understand what is involved. Delivering results for a diverse range of stakeholders, including high-powered trustees, in an environment that has complex objectives will call for exceptional influencing skills and can bring its own frustrations. Convincing recruiters that you know what you are letting yourself in for will be easiest for candidates whose CV’s show that they have already had direct experience of the not-for-profit sector. You could obtain this by volunteering in a relevant organisation beyond local fundraising or by acting as a trustee, even if in a smaller charity.
- Your motivation is specific rather than just borne out of a vague desire to contribute to the community. Charities will need to believe that you have a genuine and long held passion for their work and that you share their aims. As ever, thorough research of publicly available information will be vital.
- You have well developed, sophisticated leadership capabilities. If the organisation relies heavily on volunteers, these skills may be tested in ways that are unfamiliar to you.
- You are looking for a job that calls for very hard work, rather than a role that will provide a high degree of interest while allowing you to wind down the level of your commitment. Even if you become Chief Executive of a large charity, you have to be prepared to roll up your sleeves and muck in on a regular basis.
- You have thought through the ways in which your private sector skills and experience could add value to the particular charity and you can describe specific achievements to back this up.
If you are interested in search/selection in the not-for-profit sector, please contact Nigel Bates on 0118 939 4506 or e-mail him.
