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Topic: Making the switch to nonprofit work?
| Author | Message |
| pentup | Posted – 8/16/2007 12:11:02 PM | show profile | email poster I've been working as a writer and an editor for the last seven years both as a freelancer and on staff (I'm at a regional monthly now). Lately, I've been thinking of trying to transition into the nonprofit sector, but I'm trying to figure out how to do that without starting all over again. I know that nonprofits have their own problems, but I feel like I would rather be using my skills to further a worthy cause than telling readers about the latest fall fashion trends. I've written about health issues, environmental issues, and education issues, and these are three areas I'd be interested in working in. So, how can a mid-level writer/editor find a job at a nonprofit? In what sorts of nonprofit jobs could I utilize my writing/communication skills? Has anyone out there sucessfully and happily made this switch? Many thanks for your input. |
| BurbGrrl | Posted – 8/16/2007 8:32:13 PM | show profile Yes, pentup, it's doable. I took a job at a healthcare-related nonprofit after 6 years of magazine publishing (4 of them at healthcare trade mags). The experience was refreshing, but confirmed for me that publishing is where I belong. I had a hard time adjusting to the free-form nature of my nonprofit position, Communications Associate, where I did everything from writing press releases and op-eds to managing the weekly CEO memo and monthly company newsletter to helping to brainstorm and oversee the annual report. My advice is to find out what your responsibilities will entail, and see if you're comfortable with that. For example, I would have stayed with the nonprofit if they'd had a publication I could have worked on full-time -- I'm someone who really needs a stable schedule and deadlines. You may have a different outlook and preferences. Good luck! |
| writesonwater | Posted – 8/16/2007 8:41:39 PM | show profile I just turned down a job at a nonprofit -- a cool one. I ended up deciding the commute was a bit too much for the money, especially in view of how the work I've done in freelancing is paying off. I have worked for a nonprofit before and enjoyed it -- but there is typically more to it than just publications, etc. It is very rewarding to bring good attention to the good work a nonprofit does. I would pick them carefully -- sometimes newer ones are flybynight because of funding or whatever. |
