The Benefits and Challenges of A Foundation Job Search

OK, let’s start with the benefits of foundation job seeking:

Foundation Job Seeking 101; first it always best to know what the challenges are, and what you get out of seeking a job at a foundation/nonprofit…

(1) They are attractive to work at because they are mission driven and they offer a do-good feeling from working at them.

At a foundation you can work someone you actually care about. And because of this (in the job-seeking stage) they also expect you to offer more than just a resume match.

To secure a position you will need to demonstrate a personality fit, and your proven passion for their mission.

Even your outside activities all matter to foundation employers.

Bottom line: foundations are looking for people who care about their purpose as much as they do.

As long as you are active in pursuing your interests this will help you, but in situations where job seekers have been passive about volunteering, or working in for such a purpose this will work against you.

(2) Another Big Benefit Are “The People” In The Sector.

We are progressive, open to change, and care about our communities; where else can you find this?

In general foundation employers truly care about their staff and are normally open to committee decision making.

This is different than for-profits. For-profit companies are top down only decision makers (traditionally) and normally do not “discuss” their decisions openly before they are made in the same way. This is a great strength but also a great challenge. For this reason expect the hiring process to take a bit longer.

Though the process is time intensive, it is also offers stability, reliability, and employee buy in. Things that are very important when considering foundation leaders are responsible to boards, and many times must justify their decisions. Another benefit of difference in seeking in the foundation sector is that it allows us to passionately work in an area without appearing like “fanatical jobseeker.”

If you approached a for-profit with as much direct experience as many foundation jobseekers do, you would probably be labeled a stalker or out for personal gain. Honestly, try telling a Finance Director at Gap Inc., that you watched them speak at the most recent event at a conference, that you volunteered at their two last gala/events since 2012, met their personal assistant at an art show last week, read the last three publications they had written, that you are very devoted what they do, and really want to work with them. They will be either terrified of you, or expect you to do their laundry.

Foundations are different. You are expected to network in their area of expertise, read their works, meet their employees, and volunteer at their events. In fact that is fastest way to get hired at one.

Unlike for-profit corporations the information you need to secure a job lead is very available in the foundation sector. You always hear people say this, getting a job is all about networking. For better or worse, finding the best job for you often comes down to knowing the right people. Maintain relationships from past jobs, internships and volunteer experiences.” Thus, having the correct experience volunteering, and the right approach is a strong way in.

Remember that in the foundation world it is much better publicized when their events are, and how to get involved with an organization.

Each of these are opportunities to get your foot in the door.

So, go to their website, and you will find many doorways in.

Information on how to volunteer, and even the Executive Director’s email is normally located right there.

The challenges of seeking foundation jobs:

(1) Finding the position you are right for and sticking with it. (RECRUITERS SEE THIS EVERYDAY!) If you can choose a position that you are interested and stick with it you will always be employed.

Story: many people always say, “wow I would be great at event planning,” but only stay in the position (if they can get it) for a year to three years on average.

This is the same for Grant Writers, why are they so in demand? This is because most people do not stay in the area, or only dabble in their creation.

The key is to find a position/area you are right for and sticking with it.

This is the key to your professional success and it is also your hardest decision.

Don’t go from development back to programs.

Don’t go from operations to marketing.

These leaps are very hard to pull off.

Decide what you want to do today and start working in it; if you don’t have enough experience in it to get paid yet; volunteer.

If you are senior level and are not working in it now, better join a board.

(2) Choosing and sticking to a general area of interest and overall mission or niche within the foundation sector.

Jobseekers everyday are surprised when they are not selected for an opportunity, and may have come in second or third in the interview process.

I would say 8 out of 10 times it is because another person had prior exact industry experience in the position.

So, if you are working in education, stay in education, if you are working in a religious organization stay in what you know.

Of course people also get board and need change. This is the biggest challenge in foundation job-seeking: finding an area that you like and sticking to it.

Remember you are most qualified for working in the area you are currently in, so choose wisely the positions and roads you enter.

(3) In the foundation sector we are very diverse in ethnicity, but not always diverse in beliefs within each organization. This can be limiting in some ways.

Since we are mission driven entities and most foundations hire individuals that morally agree with their actions, this can limit our exposure to outside beliefs and competitive information.

Organizations hire individuals aligned with their mission, and normally do not hire disinterested perspectives.

This is also why having an active board is so important for foundations, and also why we hear in the recruiter sector “I don’t want a yes person,” from executive directors/CEO’s.

This problem does not exist as much for the for-profit sector. Disinterested perspectives and stockholders are actually required for may many larger for-profit corporations.

Foundation List: A nonprofit job site for foundation employment and the nonprofit sector.

We are a socially conscious entity and nonprofit job site providing information about foundation jobs and nonprofit industry news. It is our mission to connect national, global, and international foundations to passionate mission minded foundation job seekers. As a social venue (and nonprofit job board made just for foundations) Foundation List offers a unique pathway for foundations of all sizes seeking a venue to locate new staff and executives.

In addition, we provide a free open online nonprofit forum (called the Foundation Forum) where foundation staff and nonprofit minded professionals, donors, advocates, and vendors can take part in discussions, and pose questions about grantmaking, philanthropy, job seeking, nonprofit and foundation programming, and upcoming events. We welcome you to join us!

The Foundation Forum is a free open forum for all registered users where they may discuss industry related information exclusively about and pertaining to foundations. No sales information or job posts are listed in the Forum. Discussions are also limited to pertaining to foundation trends, growth, industry information, networking, job seeking, events, and related foundation information and questions. We list foundation jobs, discussions, foundation news and more! If you have ideas or would like to contribute content or ideas, we want to hear from you.

Welcome to Foundation List! A job board and forum made just for foundation sta

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