As part of Examiner.com’s 101 special series, in between my weekly feature articles, I’ll be covering some basic insights, tips and information for those interested in San Francisco’s nonprofit sector. Kicking it off today with one of the more elemental topics - how to find nonprofit jobs in our city by the Bay.1. OH, THE WEBSITES YOU’LL GO TO
While craigslist is the gold standard for all employment-seekers, there are a host of other great sites for those with social missions in mind. Here are two that’ll keep you well-informed.
idealist.org is a valuable clearinghouse, not only posting job listings, but it’s also a repository of great information on all things 501(c)(3).
OpportunityKnocks.org - listing everything from entry-level jobs to executive positions, Opportunity Knocks is a long-standing resource for the seasoned professional, as well as for those just beginning their nonprofit careers.
2. EVENTS R U
You’ve heard it before, you’ll hear it again and maybe you don’t want to hear it, but how true it is. Networking is the key. Workshops, panels, benefits, oh my.
Get to know and learn about the nonprofits you might be interested in by attending their events. If your target nonprofit holds public workshops, sign up and check it out for yourself. Maybe they’re having a benefit fundraiser - a perfect way to get an inside look at an organization you’d like to learn more about.
Nonprofit events and benefits abound in San Francisco, and you’re sure to meet connected, well-informed people who can be of assistance as you continue your job search.
If you’re not sure which organizations or even which industry you’re interested in, take a class at CompassPoint. Here, you’re sure to encounter participants from a range of organizations. Or the Foundation Center’s panels and workshops are always a great place to become acquainted with a
variety of Bay Area nonprofits.
3. ALERT LEVEL
Set up a google alert for your target nonprofit, so you’ll know when they’re in the news or, even better, when they’ve posted a new job listing.
4. LINK-IN, GROUP THINK, ACTUALIZE
If you’re not on LinkedIn, go immediately to LinkedIn, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Once you’ve set up your profile, join groups affiliated with your target noprofit or target nonprofit industry. If you’re an active participant in these groups, you’ll discover key ways to transform virtual relationships into actual connections.
5. COMMUNITY SERVICE
Michelle Obama recently visited San Francisco for the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, and urged all of us to get out there and volunteer our time for those in need. Not only is community service a powerful way to give, it is also a tried and true strategy for job seekers. What better way to discover if an organization has the chemistry you’re looking for. And you’ll be proving your mettle to insiders, virtually guaranteeing yourself an interview, should a position open up.
Subscribe to my column to stay on top of the San Francisco nonprofit business scene and to receive an update about Part Two of SF Nonprofit Employment 101.
0 comments: