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Question:  I have been in the financial services sector for the past fifteen years working for a number of big name companies operating mostly out of New York City.  I would like to take on a not-for-profit leadership role that taps my three core strengths of client management, team-building and business/funds development.  How should I proceed?

Answer:  This is an exciting time for your career as it is a starting point for re-aligning career goals and setting you on a path that will lead you to fulfilling opportunities. I have outlined a number of sources and strategies for networking and researching this next step in your career.  

Strategy

• Review organizations you have supported in the past.
• Review organizations to which your references belong and/or support.
• Tap the resources of any national philanthropic organizations of which you are a member.  If you do not belong to any, consider joining one that addresses one or more of your professional interests.
• Utilize alumni committees of which you are a member for the college(s) you attended.

Local Organizations

Start with where you are right now. With regard to your current organization:

• Does it have any partners/organizational groups you would be excited to join?
• Does it have competitors who might offer you more responsibility as a leader?

In addition to your personal and job-affiliated networks, do research to find other organizations that may interest you.  Run a few word searches for non-profits in the area that have the kinds of missions you endorse. Speak with your reference persons, mentors and/or college alumnae about local opportunities that you might find meaningful. The point here is to develop “warm” contacts and leads.

National Organizations and Publications

ExecSearches has a job board with a range of positions in the philanthropic sector.  There is also an organization called Bridgespan that offers opportunities for corporate executives who want to transition to the NFP world.

In your process, consider joining a national organization such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  Doing so might offer interesting seminars and other leads to potential career opportunities.  There are many other associations and organizations that may give you valuable ways to meet experts and join peers in professional development activities.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services for non-profit professionals.

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Last updated on January 12th, 2018 at 04:45 pm

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