Nonprofit

The nonprofit sector is vast, and the job functions within it vary widely. Each type of role will require different skills.

Here are some common knowledge areas and skills that you can aim to develop during your time at U-M. This is meant to be exhaustive or a checklist: the job you apply for won’t require all of them. This list represents a sample of common entry-level skills. Learn more about your specific job titles of interest by looking up job postings and talking to industry professionals.

• Fundraising strategies: Knowledge of or experience with grants, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, etc
• Financial management: Understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, etc
• People management: Experience in recruitment, training, and volunteer management
• Program management and evaluation: Skills in planning and assessing programs effectively
• Communication and Marketing: Strong communication skills and experience with marketing strategies
• Advocacy: Experience in advocating for causes or policies
• Event planning: Skills in organizing and executing events
• Data analysis: Ability to analyze data to inform decisions and strategies
• Cultural competency: Understanding and appreciation of diverse populations and perspectives.
• Flexibility: Ability to adapt and take on multiple roles (people in nonprofits often wear many hats!)
• Collaboration: Experience working with others towards common goals

Within the non-profit sector, there are many ways to prepare, and this preparation often depends on the job.

Due to the vastness of nonprofits, it’s important to identify areas of interest and values you have before deciding what route you want to take within this career track. You can do this by talking with alumni or professionals in this industry through various channels such as:

• University Career Alumni Network (UCAN): a great resource to meet alumni of U-M in similar majors or in career industries of interest
• LinkedIn also serves as a way to meet alumni or just general professionals in different industries through networking

You can begin building skills by gaining experience in a multitude of different ways

• Relevant coursework: Taking courses can provide you with knowledge and allow you to build a foundation on which you can develop interests.
• Volunteering: Volunteering can be a great way to not only gain experience but also give back to the community. The Ginsberg Center is a great campus resource to tap into when finding opportunities local to campus. Their Connect2Community platform provides hundreds of opportunities for U-M-affiliated members to participate in.
• Internships: Participating in internships and jobs can also help build the skills and competencies needed to enter and succeed in the nonprofit sector.
  • The Development Summer Internship Program (D-SIP) allows students to not only gain experience but also course credit and compensation while doing meaningful work with organizations and companies that align with their values.
  • The Public Service Intern Program (PSIP) prepares undergraduate students to obtain summer internships in many industries, including non-profits and advocacy groups by providing support year-round.
  • Handshake is where you can find internships and job opportunities, as well as events hosted by potential employers of interest.
  • Idealist is the top search engine for nonprofit jobs.
• Consider a Gap Year Experience: For example, within education, Teach For America offers temporary programs to do purposeful work in schools.
• Participating in clubs and organizations: Clubs can also provide skills and build a network of people with similar interests. You find clubs at U-M on the Maize Pages.

If you ever need some assistance with finding opportunities or working through what will be beneficial for you moving forward, never hesitate to book an appointment with one of our career coaches on Handshake.

When job searching, it’s important to understand the hiring process from the organizational perspective. It directs your job search efforts, identifies timelines, and best job search strategies. Nonprofit Job/Internship essentials include:

• Just-in-time hiring: Many nonprofits hire when there is a specific opening rather than annually hiring a group of new staff. This means that nonprofits do not have a specific “hiring season,” and you may be looking for internships and jobs later than your peers, often in the winter semester.
• Versatility in Roles: Nonprofits often have small teams, so roles can be more fluid than in other industries. Showcasing your diverse skillset and willingness to take on multiple responsibilities can help you stand out.
• Limited Human Resources staff: Nonprofit human resources are often limited and may be a small part of a staff member’s responsibilities. This means hiring timelines may be extended with limited follow-up.
• Mission-driven hiring: Nonprofits are often mission-driven, so demonstrating your commitment to their mission is crucial. Show you’re invested by reading up on their organization and their work (or better yet, volunteer with them!) Networking is key to learning more about them and expressing your shared commitments to their causes.

Non-profit can be very expansive, meaning that job titles can differ depending on the path you take. Non-profit can include public/human services, counseling, social work, education, and more. Therefore, it can be beneficial to search by job title or using general keywords to expand your search on job platforms (such as Handshake, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Idealist).

Some common non-profit job titles include: 

• Program Assistant / Program Coordinator
• Development Assistant
  • (Also: Fundraising Assistant, Donor Relations Assistant, Philanthropy Assistant)
• Administrative Assistant
• Outreach Coordinator / Outreach Assistant
• Volunteer Coordinator / Volunteer Program Assistant
• Communications Assistant / Communications Coordinator
• Advocacy Assistant
• Event Coordinator / Event Assistant
• Community Engagement Coordinator
• Education Coordinator / Education Assistant
• Case Manager (Entry-level), Case Worker, or Client Services Assistant

Useful keywords when searching: 

• “Nonprofit”
• “NGO”
• “Charity”
• “Fundraising”
• “Philanthropy”
• “Social Impact”
• “Community Outreach”
• “Mission-driven”
• “Social Services”
• “Social Justice”
• “Advocacy”
• Try typing in the issue you’re interested in working (ex/ sustainability, education, housing, etc).

Nonprofit work includes a broad range of career paths: from education to the environment; from the arts to healthcare; from community action to international service U-M students have developed careers that allow them to pursue their passion and create change. While there are similarities with each career path, there are also unique characteristics that define the work and, therefore, the job/internship process. It's important to do your research so you understand the nonprofit sector as well as the organizations you're interested in.

Keep up with Nonprofit Industry Trends via chronicles and newsletters: 

Nonprofit Quarterly

Chronicle of Philanthropy

National Council of Nonprofits