Job Search

Job Searching for Nonprofit Executives

Searching for a fundraising job can be an art and a science. It is not uncommon to submit hundreds of resumes before hearing back about an interview. The process is often drawn out and stressful. There are many talented fundraisers applying for the same jobs as you in the current economy. Luckily, there are things you can do to place yourself at the top of the pack.

The first thing you should do is make sure your fundraising resume is coherent and aesthetically pleasing. Your resume is your only chance to make a first impression, so making sure it is professional is vital. Second, you should work on your online presence. Today, nearly everyone searches prospective employees online. Doing what you can to optimize your social media accounts will help reel them in. Setting your personal accounts to private and updating your LinkedIn or Instagram account is a quick way to clean up your internet presence. Highlighting your experience as a major gifts officer or non-profit fundraiser could make a significant difference.

Another thing you can do to improve your chances of landing a fundraising job is using your network. You have probably met a lot of people in the major gifts industry. Does anyone know of a major gifts company that is hiring? Is anyone getting ready to start their own fundraising business? It is valuable to analyze your current network. You never know when one of those fundraising connections is going to be the missing link in your job search. Consider sparking a conversation with someone in the major gifts field. Just because you don’t have the exact experience for the job doesn’t mean you can’t consider a small career change. You may have to take a risk to land your dream fundraising job!

Entering a job search can burn a lot of mental energy. Choosing a job is a life-altering decision and can improve your financial situation significantly if done properly.  It is important to identify which actions will have the biggest payoff. We have compiled this resource library to aid in your search. If you need help, these articles should do the trick!